Flute playing for Woodwind Doublers

For those musicians who wish to successfully double on the flute there are a few guidelines that will lead to better flute sounds. Today there are many wonderful woodwind doublers who go smoothly from sax to clarinet to flute to piccolo and sound in very good, not just passable.

For the purposes of this article let me divide woodwind doublers into two groups. The first is made up of those players who are "pure jazzers" and have no interest in playing commercial or "legit" music. The second group is made up of those players who want to play jazz but also want to do commercial work.

Many of the ideas I will present will apply to both groups, but the main focus will be on those doublers who want to make more beautiful and controlled sounds on the flute. Below are some keys to making this happen.

1. True commitment, drive and determination to sound "convincing" or even "legit" in each genre and on each instrument (not just a desire to dabble and have some fun with the flute).

2. Good equipment (at least a step-up instrument with a professional head joint). Some headjoints are better for doublers than others. Undercutting, A-442, sterling silver, and some other innovations help to obtain a good sound easier. Experiment to find what works the best for you without sacrificing fullness and beauty in your sound.

3. A "good embouchure" on your reed instruments (well-distributed muscle structure around the mouthpiece, not a top-to-bottom clamping and biting action)

4. Hours in the "shed" playing dynamic contrasts in the extreme registers. Lip movement and flexibility is crucial to your development.

5. Develop a smooth and beautifully controlled and natural sounding vibrato.

6. Listen intently to the great artists (jazz and classical) both live and on recordings. Strive to imitate the sounds that are the most beautiful and appealing.

7. Play with good players and teachers to establish reliable intonation and blending skills. Please use tuning meters, metronomes and any of the new technological devices that you have access to.

8. Don't get discouraged. Know that your goal is possible. There are some great jazz sax players who play the flute well enough to be considered of a symphonic caliber.