Katie, I went to music school in the 90s but life got in the way of continuing to play in my 40s. I am returning and it’s not for competition, but for JOY! It’s different and wonderful
Lots of good information in there, Katie! I'm self-taught on flute after learning clarinet and sax, and my SOUND is what I always focus on, because I pretty much have the technique from the other woodwinds (except for the pesky altissimo fingerings!). I have listened to tons of flutists, decided what sound I like, and then just try to make the best sound I can with what I know. I have had some flute friends give me pointers about embouchure differences (we clarinetists pull the corners IN, and flute is DOWN, of course), and that has really helped, and then knowing what things you tend to do wrong (pinching when my embouchure gets tired, so I go sharp), so you can be conscious of them. As a teacher, I really appreciated what you said about not making your students hate music.....I just wonder about some teachers some time, you know? One of your last comments, about your career NOT being LINEAR, but having all kinds of little side roads, is so important for people to understand. Great job, as always!
