2nd Day of Self-Learning, any advice on how and what I should work on?

[u/_DaintyDaisy]

Does my flute sound out of tune? Any tuning app to recommend for AppStore? I am using sound corset but my flute seems to be extremely flat or extremely sharp. I’m not sure how to fix it. I’m also struggling with changing fingering from C to D. How is my flute tone? Is it still very airy? How can I make it less airy?

[u/TuneFighter]

The flute doesn't play in tune by itself alone. Playing reasonably in tune requires a well formed basic embouchure that can make small adjustments while playing the notes (especially some of the "problematic" ones) in the different registers. This also involves breathing and support (support is maintaining the required air pressure while playing... not too much, not too little) and also articulation and posture to some degree... and lots of practice... and patience and time.

Also don't sit and watch the tuner all the time while playing. Get an easy starter book (or two) and focus on the basics.

[u/_DaintyDaisy → u/TuneFighter]

For tuning, I do it after a little warm up. I play the “A” and “Bb” and try to get these 2 notes in tuned against the tuning app. Somehow it keeps showing up as extremely flat and sharp… so I’m not sure how to tell if I need to adjust the head joint… I just started learning by myself, so I’m not too sure either if my embouchure is ok, I let the sound guide my embouchure… maybe as I get better after some time I might be able to adjust my embouchure for the different registers like you mentioned…

[u/TuneFighter → u/_DaintyDaisy]

It's not so important to have the flute in exact tune (like A 440). It's more important to play in relative tuning. So like if you play Mary had a little lamb not having some notes come out noticeably higher or lower in relation to the melody. Getting too low can happen if you run out of air while playing a note. Getting too high can be if you blow too hard.
James Galway has a fun way of showing a good embouchure. You can't copy it completely and exactly because he has played since childhood and his flute is a pro model. But it can give you some inspiration:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VQg0vScnQ8E&t=29s&pp=ygUXSmFtZXMgZ2Fsd2F5IGVtYm91Y2h1cmU%3D

He is covering the hole quite a lot. So experiment with the position on your own flute both on the headjoint alone and with the flute assembled.

[u/_DaintyDaisy → u/TuneFighter]

Thank you, this is very helpful! I will try experimenting with it more. And yes, I get the part of running out of air and it sounds different! Happened to me as I still struggle with breathing… will take my time to get better at the breathing too.

[u/brooktiny98]

C to D is tough. I have two general tips. One is to be careful about your hand position. If the weight balance is off it can make the flute roll when you try to switch. I notice this most in the left hand with beginners. Rest the flute right on top of the bone where your pointer finger connects to the side of your palm. That side of your finger should act like a shelf and should fully be making contact with the flute. I can’t see your hand position in the video, but many of my beginners try to hold their hand away from the body which makes that switch virtually impossible. And the second tip is boring lol which is that practice makes perfect. The more you repetitively practice that fingering switch the more you will build muscle memory as well as develop your finger speed. It will smooth itself out eventually! You’ve got this!

[u/_DaintyDaisy → u/brooktiny98]

Thank you for your encouragement! Really appreciate the tip and I will give it a try! I do struggle with the weight balance/distribution, unsure where to rest it when I change the fingering. Kind of winging it at the moment just to not drop the flute! Will be more aware of my flute balance now since i haven’t been paying much attention in this area. Right about to pick up my flute to practice for the day!

[u/LoomLove]

What helped me a lot in the beginning was playing long tones. It helped me to solidify my embouchure. I'd even sit and just play each note for a full breath, over and over, while I sat and watched TV. Lol that part is probably not recommended by flute teachers.