Merlin was talking on the Woodwind Forum about a rather influential flute method omnibus by Trevor Wye with the unassuming title of, "Practice for the Flute". I was able to pick up from Amazon.com’s used book service for the cost of just one of the five books covered. Upon opening the book for a quick review with Suzy I found this little gem that has been said so many times and so many ways.
"Regular practice is most important to progress in technique. Time lost cannot be made up the next day. If an athlete misses two days of training, he doesn’t try, in one day, to make up for all the time he has lost. He would soon pull a muscle. Work regularly at technique. Work for longer at the keys you find most difficult. Whatever time is a to you for practice, about one third should be spend on these exercises. Work hardest at the weakest fingers. When a difficulty arises, repeat the difficult bar four more times."
I probably get at least 15 minutes in a day and have at least two days a week where I spend more than two hours and two more where I spend one hour. But still I need more time and feel guilty about not spending more time on the things that are challenging for me. I keep telling myself that if it was easy, everyone would be doing it and that it probably would bore me.
Some of my favorite flutists include Tim Weisberg, Herbie Mann and Greg Vail. I have been trying to play flute on and off for three years, but I don’t even spend an hour a month on average on the instrument. It will be interesting to see if I spend more time on my music when I retire in seven years or so.
About Gandalfe
Just an itinerant saxophonist trying to find life between the changes. I have retired from the Corps of Engineers and Microsoft. I am an admin on the Woodwind Forum, run the Pacifica Big Band (formerly the Microsoft Jumpin' Jive Orchestra) and participate in other ensembles. Mostly enjoy time with family and friends.
The Bis Key Chronicles 
This posse member doesn’t know enough about this stuff to comment intelligently so I will just wish you a happy Father’s Day.
I LOVE the flute. I know of two of the three stated gentlemen. Yes, it is true (I know) that one has to practice and you are certainly right about the weakest finger. My pinky in my case. Of course, I "do" a stringed instrument, not wind but still, the principle remains.
It’s Father’s Day… do whatever you want. 😉 Enjoy!!
Why thank you. I got to talk to my son this morning and will see Josie this afternoon. We took the parents out yesterday. :o)
It’s in the low 70s this morning and very sunny. I’m listening to Gato’s "Last Tango in Paris" and Dharma is sleeping at my feet. Suzy and I will go to Crossroads for lunch, Nicky will get sax lessons this afternoon, and then Suzy and I will play some sax duets. Life is good. Politics, work, and the bills can wait until tomorrow. :o)
With the typical hectic day around here, it’s easier said than done.
‘Little and often’ is a good practise regime, far better than infrequent long sessions – I’m sure the muscle memory needs time in between practising to get itself organised – that’s my excuse, anyway… :D
I’m just finding the flaws in my fluting, having just switched to open-hole flute – guess I got lazy with the other one, didn’t matter where the fingers were as long as they hit part of the key.
Thanks for turning on the rich-text editor on !
Alan