Developing flute skills and techniques
At Music Makers Academy in Joondalup, we believe that music education is about more than just hitting the right notes — it’s about cultivating confidence, curiosity, and creativity in every student. In this episode of the Raising Musos podcast, Director Eliza Brugo continues her mini-series on flute with special guest and flautist, Jensen. Together, they explore the core techniques and common challenges of learning the flute — perfect for parents and students looking to understand more about the journey.
🎵 What Makes Flute Playing Unique?
Flute playing isn’t just about blowing into a tube. It involves intricate techniques and fine control over posture, breath, and embouchure (the shape and positioning of the mouth). Jensen dives into some of the most common flute techniques, including:
Vibrato: Adding expressive “waves” to the sound.
Double & Triple Tonguing: Techniques for playing faster passages by alternating tongue patterns.
Flutter Tonguing: Used often in jazz to add texture and drama to the sound.
Harmonics & Multiphonics: Advanced techniques where students can produce layered or overtone-rich notes by adjusting airflow and mouth shape.
Each of these methods brings its own set of challenges and joys — and Jensen even demonstrates the difference between legato and staccato phrasing live on the podcast.
🎯 What Are the Hardest Parts of Learning Flute?
Learning the flute can be deceptively tricky. Some of the most common challenges students face include:
Tuning: Unlike piano, flutes require constant self-tuning. Jensen shares practical tips for adjusting intonation using breath direction and embouchure control.
Finger Coordination: Fast musical passages can be difficult without fluent, relaxed finger movement — which is why slow, deliberate practice is key.
Posture & Tension: Just like piano or harp, tension (especially in the mouth, shoulders, and arms) can limit both tone and technique. Jensen shares how awareness and relaxation techniques can help.
💬 Tone vs. Technique — What’s More Important?
While both tone and technique matter, Jensen believes that strong technique lays the foundation for beautiful tone. Without proper breath control, posture, and finger placement, tone simply can’t shine. That said, students often refine their technique through listening — adjusting their playing based on the tone they hear.
🎼 Can Flutes Play Other Instruments’ Music?
Yes! The flute is incredibly versatile. It’s commonly used in orchestras, wind ensembles, and even jazz bands. Students can play music written for violin, piano, or other treble instruments — with slight transpositions where needed. The flute is also part of chamber groups (like flute-harp duos) and larger ensembles, providing plenty of opportunities for group music-making.
👨👩👧 Tips for Parents Supporting Flute Students
Use a tuning app during practice to help develop your child’s ear and accuracy.
Prioritise short, focused practice sessions — 10 minutes of mindful playing is better than 30 minutes of mindless repetition.
Help your child stay relaxed, especially in the shoulders, mouth, and hands — tension can hold back progress more than you'd think.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Whether your child is a complete beginner or already exploring more advanced techniques, the flute offers a rich world of expression, skill-building, and fun. And with the right support — from teachers, parents, and peers — they can enjoy every step of the journey.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube or Spotify, and don’t forget to tune in next week for Episode 3 in our flute series: “Flute Facts & Sound Production.”
