Extended Technique Videos
As music has evolved in the 20th and 21st centuries, so too have instrumental techniques, expanding to include types of percussive articulations, air sounds, multiple sonorities, and micro intervals, expanding the variety of sounds in music.
The short demonstration videos of each extended technique for flute offer explanations. Common Notation examples with more information and video examples on the auxiliary instruments (piccolo, alto flute, and bass flutes) are available by clicking More Info.
Tutorial videos featuring in-depth explanations with practice suggestions, as well as videos of core pieces of contemporary flute repertoire are forthcoming.
Downloadable extended technique Warm-up exercises are available here.
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Fool-Proof Pedagogy Tips document for even more info available here.
Aeolian/Air Sound
Aeolian sounds are produced with an unfocused embouchure resulting in an air sound, which matches the resonance of the fingered note.
Bisbigliando/Timbral Trills
Bisbigliando is a tremolo between different fingerings of the same pitch, often referred to as a color trill.
Circular Breathing
This technique allows one to continue breathing in air without disrupting the sustained note(s). In order not to interrupt the airstream, the plazer breathes in through the nose while continuing to play with the air in the mouth cavity.
Flutter Tongue
Flutter tongue is produced by rolling the tongue behind the teeth (like an "r" syllable) while blowing into the flute. It may also be produced in the throat by vibrating the uvula (like a soft gargle).
Glissando/Pitch Bend
Glissandi/Pitch Bends are produced by using smooth finger movements, or by covering and uncovering the embouchure hole with lip movement.
Jet Whistle
Jet whistles are produced by sealing the embouchure hole completely and blowing fast, high-pressure air through the tube (similar to warming up the instrument).
Key Clicks
Key clicks are a percussive technique that involves strongly slapping the instrument's keys to produce a percussive sound which matches the resonance of the fingered note.
Multiphonics
Multiphonics are two or more notes sounding simultaneously. These can be
achieved by using special fingerings and precise embouchure.
Pizzicato/Slap
Pizzicato/Slap is a percussive sound created by an extremely dry, hard articulation, with the tongue either between the lips or in normal position. Close the throat so that no air passes through.
Singing & Playing
The combination of Singing and Playing can be done in unison or octaves, contrary motion, and harmony with the flute line.
Tongue Ram
Tongue rams are produced by sealing the the embouchure hole with the lips and propelling the tongue between the lips with a forceful air burst.
Trumpet Sound
Trumpet sound is produced by buzzing the lips against the embouchure hole, like a brass instrument. The embouchure hole needs to be completely sealed.
Whistle Tones
Whistle tones are produced with very relaxed lips, open throat and an extremely slow airstream with the headjoint turned out slightly. The result is a quiet whistle.
