This ebook, An Alexander Technique Approach to Flute Technique, is published on this website in a PDF format. It is very detailed and practical, and it will give you the physical tools you need to take the limits off of your ability to create the accurate flute technique you want without sacrificing your body.
This ebook is also for sale on all AMAZON websites in a KINDLE format.
Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A. (MOVEMENT THERAPY)
The hands lead the arms when you play the flute, and when the hands and the arms move together, you will find your most effortless way to use the arms and hands to hold the flute. In reality the shoulders support and move the arms, and the arms support the hands. I want to look at this going in the other direction, which is the fingers and hand leading the arms. If you think of the hands leading energized arms, then you are more likely to find the best consistent relationship of the arms to the flute.
This means as the hands “lead” the arms to the flute, then you aren’t going to lead the arms with the elbows, which usually means the elbows energetically drag the flute downwards and collapse the back.
What are energized arms? It is the Alexandrian term for arms that are so alive, that they do not create down in the body. In other words they don’t act as a downwards pull on the shoulder girdle. This is incredibly important for the flutist. I can’t think of another classical instrument, where both arms are supported 100% of the time at approximately shoulder height, to the side of the body and immobile, whenever you are playing the instrument (The harp is close, but the harpist’s arms are always in motion.).
How does a flutist hold up his arms effortlessly, and is this even possible? Yes, but it is an extraordinary act of whole body organization, so that the flutist doesn’t massively overwork the shoulders and create a held and compressed shoulder girdle and torso to keep the arms up.
Sit fully upright on the edge of the chair. Raise your arms to play the flute and hold your arms up for three hours motionless. When I said this, what were you first thoughts, and what did you feel in your body? I’m guessing panic! What would have to happen for this to be effortless for three hours? If I sent you away for three weeks and said come back to me and be able to support your arms fearlessly and effortlessly for three hours, what would you need to do?
As you sit on the edge of the chair, raise your arms to play without the flute. Did you slump forwards or lean to the right to support your arms? Did you pull your head down as you raised your arms? This time release your neck and have your head lead upwards, as you raise your arms to play. Now release your neck, spiral your head to the left, and direct (head leading a lengthening spine), as your arms come up.
Sense your sit bones on the chair and your torso under your shoulders, as you raise your arms. As your arms are up, feel what is happening in the arms, neck and torso as you support them. Is your neck beginning to tighten? Do you feel the shoulders tense more and more to hold up the arms?
Lower your arms, and this time think of your arms floating up or being lifted for you into playing position, and feel your lower back releasing or staying released, as your arms float up.
