Unlike virtually all other wind instruments, the flute does not have a separate mouthpiece. It is built into the body of the flute and is referred to as the headjoint.



This is where the sound begins so it is one of the most important parts of your flute. For this lesson we will concentrate on producing a good tone from the headjoint. Before trying this, spend some time with the posture and breathing exercises in lesson 1.

First we need to form our lips into the right shape for making a good tone. This shape is referred to as the embouchure. To create a good flute embouchure, start with shaping your mouth as if you've just bitten into something sour. While holding this position, try to smile a little. You will feel the corners of your mouth tighten.



If your lower lip isn't pulled back, move it back a bit by pulling your jaw back as in lesson 1. The opening between your lips should be small. Test by blowing downwards into the palm of your hand.

Tonguing

Before we begin blowing, a bit about tonguing. Luckily, tonguing on the flute is relatively easy.



All notes should begin with the tongue. Think about whispering the word "too" but without any adding and "s" sound. You don't want "tssoo," you want a silent "tooooo" when you blow. Without the tongue your flute playing will sound like an owl going "whoooo," and, your note will start below pitch then bend upwards. The tongue is used to make good rhythm.

Now to make our first sound. Look at the lip plate around the hole in the headjoint. The wider side is for your lower lip. Starting from a good playing posture, tuck the lower, wider half of the lip plate into the recess under your lower lip. You should barely feel the hole in the plate touch your lip. Now roll the headjoint up a little. Your lower lip should slightly cover the lower edge of the mouthpiece hole. Make sure the headjoint is at a right angle, not slanting upwards or downwards. Playing in front of a mirror will help a lot here.

You will focus your air downwards to hit the edge of the back side of the mouthpiece hole (also called the tone hole). This will be tricky at first. Take a deep breath, aim your air towards the back edge and tongue a long "toooooo" sound.




If all goes well you will hear a satisfying but slightly hollow flute tone.

If you got it right off the bat, congratulations! Most people won't get it the first time. If you are not getting the results you anticipate, be patient and keep practicing. Experiment with rolling the headjoint slightly in or out and vary the angle of your blowing. Take breaks if you find yourself getting short of breath. Work towards getting a full, clear tone, relatively free of breathiness.

Don't forget to always use the tongue!

Consistently getting a good, solid tone out of your headjoint is crucial before going on to the next lesson.