Creating a Beautiful Tone
Dr. Patricia Surman
One of the biggest concerns for all flutists is, without a doubt, creating a beautiful tone. There is
a great deal of mystery and wondering, there are long-held arguments between different camps,
and all of this has led to a general state of confusion. Students often come to me with a great
deal of trepidation and worry about their own tone and ask for advice on how to improve it. There
are fundamental principles that govern flute playing...these principles are rooted within the laws
of physics and acoustics. Once we learn to navigate within these predetermined and
fundamental truths, we begin to work with the instrument instead of struggle against it.
How is Tone Created?
Flute tone is created by blowing on a sharp edge causing the air inside the tube to vibrate due
to the build-up of air pressure. The air inside the tube gains air pressure, and the air outside the
tube remains at a lower pressure. This difference in air pressure is unstable and the vibrating
air has no choice but to escape the tube at the first possible point. The longer the tube, the
slower the frequency of vibration, and that is why we put more fingers down for low notes, and
fewer for high note (or push in if we are flat and pull out if we are sharp.)
Dr.PatriciaSurman,YamahaPerformingArtistDirectorofWoodwindStudies,MSUDenver
www.patriciasurman.com,[email protected]
1
The Importance of Your Air Stream
Without getting lost in a sea of details, we must ensure that we have a good air stream. The
creation of tone is governed by two important variables: Speed and Flow. When you are
practicing, your goal is to find the optimal combination of air speed and steady air pressure. The
air column originates deep inside our body and travels through the flute and into the world to the
point that the air pressure equalizes. Air molecules are set into vibration at the point where the
air strikes the lip plate, and once that happens the entire column will vibrate - including that
which is inside of the lips.
Step One
Create a funnel shape inside your mouth. Do this by relaxing the base of the tongue, opening
up the teeth, and allowing the soft palate to rise naturally. When you take in a big breath and fill
Dr.PatriciaSurman,YamahaPerformingArtistDirectorofWoodwindStudies,MSUDenver
www.patriciasurman.com,[email protected]
2
your mouth with air while in this position, the air speed will be forced to increase as it approaches
the embouchure. The embouchure is the smallest point of the funnel, so it must be engaged
create a fast air stream.
Step Two
Point the tip of your tongue toward the small opening. The tongue acts as a wick, allowing the
air to travel on it from deep inside your body to the outside world. This allows the funnel to stay
intact and keeps the back of the tongue from disrupting the airflow.
Dr.PatriciaSurman,YamahaPerformingArtistDirectorofWoodwindStudies,MSUDenver
www.patriciasurman.com,[email protected]
3
Step Three
Allow the base of the tongue to relax and lay flat. The base of the tongue should be in a neutral
resting position. This area of the body must remain neutral and allow air to flow from low in the
body.
Take in a full breath and send the air through your flute. Notice that this position requires more
air, as you have created a larger resonating cavity. Think of this like yoga for the flute, you
have just become more flexible and you must now fill up a bigger space with air than
previously. Remember to take in a bigger and more relaxed breath to optimize your tone!
Excercises
Blowing Kissses
1. Kiss on the center of the palm creating suction while gently pulling away the hand,
observe the lips reaching out
2. Blow on the palm, observing the lips reaching out and shaping a highly focused airstream
Headjoint Only
1. Place headjoint in the crook between lip and chin with embouchure hole level with the
Dr.PatriciaSurman,YamahaPerformingArtistDirectorofWoodwindStudies,MSUDenver
www.patriciasurman.com,[email protected]
4
floor (“Don’t spill the drink”)
2. Blow in the same manner as in the blowing kisses exercise
3. Use the bottom lip to aim the air higher and make higher notes, the top lip to aim lower
and make lower notes.
4. Practice with open tube, closed tube, from low to high with closed tube, low to high with
open tube
Headjoint with Chopstick
Repeat the same exercise with a chopstick in the mouth, forcing the lips to reach forward
Notes:
Dr.PatriciaSurman,YamahaPerformingArtistDirectorofWoodwindStudies,MSUDenver
www.patriciasurman.com,[email protected]
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Summer Flute Institute @ MSU Denver - Home
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2017 Guest Artist
​Amy Porter
Haynes Artist & Flute Professor at the University of Michigan
2017 Guest Artist
Faculty
​Amy Porter
Patricia Surman,
SFI Director
Yamaha Performing Artist & Assistant Professor of Flute at the Metropolitan State University of Denver
Haynes Artist & Flute Professor at the University of Michigan
Tamara Maddaford, SFI
Chamber Music Director
Faculty
Fischo! Chamber Music Competition Winner & Principal Flutist of the Stratus Chamber Orchestra
Patricia Surman, SFI Director
Yamaha Performing Artist & Assistant Professor of Flute at the Metropolitan State University of Denver
The Summer Flute Institute at MSU Denver is a week-long "ute course designed to develop the "utist’s technical and tone
development, musical expression and creativity, and build musical con#dence. Classes and coaching on repertoire, orchestral
playing and chamber music will give participants hands-on learning opportunities. All participants will receive daily individual and
group coaching with faculty members. Performer level participants will play in repertoire classes for Professor Porter and Dr.
Surman.
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SFI Chamber
Music
Director
Amy Porter,
GuestMaddaford,
Artist
Patricia
Surman,
SFI Director
Fischo! Chamber Music Competition Winner & Principal Flutist of the Stratus Chamber Orchestra
Haynes
Performing Artist &
Yamaha Performing Artist &
University of Michigan Flute Professor
MSU Denver Flute Professor
June 12-16, 2017
The Summer Flute Institute at MSU Denver is a week-long "ute course designed to develop the "utist’s technical and tone
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and
http://www.summerfluteinstitute.com/
Page
1 ofDr.
2
Haynes Artist & Flute Professor at the University of Michigan
Surman.
New for 2017
Faculty
SFI:Patricia
Colorado
Flute
Artist
Surman,
SFI Director
Competition
See website for details!
Yamaha Performing Artist & Assistant Professor of Flute at the Metropolitan State University of Denver
Tamara Maddaford, SFI Chamber Music Director
Performer application deadline: May 1, 2017. summerfluteinstitute.com
Fischo! Chamber Music Competition Winner & Principal Flutist of the Stratus Chamber Orchestra
LOCATION
ABOUT THE SFI @ MSU DENVER
CONTACT US
The Summer Flute Institute at MSU Denver is a week-long "ute course designed to develop the "utist’s technical and tone
development, musical expression and creativity, and build musical con#dence. Classes and coaching on repertoire, orchestral
playing and chamber music will give participants hands-on learning opportunities. All participants will receive daily individual and
group coaching with faculty members. Performer level participants will play in repertoire classes for Professor Porter and Dr.
http://www.summerfluteinstitute.com/
Surman.
Dr.PatriciaSurman,YamahaPerformingArtistDirectorofWoodwindStudies,MSUDenver
www.patriciasurman.com,[email protected]
Page 1 of 2
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Dr.PatriciaSurman,YamahaPerformingArtistDirectorofWoodwindStudies,MSUDenver
www.patriciasurman.com,[email protected]
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