beginner question:Western flute technique vs. dizi technique

[jess]

Hi!

I've read in various threads that getting a flute teacher is a good start for dizi playing, but that the technique is slightly different. Fingering aside, how can the techniques be different? I would assume embouchure technique for any side-blown instrument would be the same in order to produce sound?

JW

[Flolei]

Yes, I agree, therefore I mean that it is a good idea to start with a flute teacher who can explain things about embouchure.

[davidmdahl]

It certainly helps to know how to blow a flute before starting dizi, but there are some differences between dizi and other six hole flutes. For me the biggest change besides learning how to negotiate the dimo was the ornamentation. If you are familiar with Irish music, and play the cuts, crans, and rolls, when playing Chinese music on dizi, it is likely to sound more Irish than Chinese. At least, that is what I have struggled with. Chinese music has its own style and techniques, and a teacher is great for demonstrating the proper methods and opportunities. A good teacher is not just for learning the basics of playing an instrument, but also for learning to play music with expression, style, good rhythm. Many times I think that I am playing correctly and expressively, and my teacher points out where it needs to be better or different. Sometimes I make poor choices that make it harder for myself.

One of my joys in life is taking music lessons. I really enjoy the one on one learning of music, and getting appropriate advice about what to work on. I often ask for comments on recordings I have made and posted online. Usually people are afraid to say what they really think, and I can understand the feeling. A teacher is paid to provide the truth, although I appreciate focusing on how to improve rather than to be simply told that it sucks. <g> Even professional musicians frequently study with experienced master teachers. It really does help no matter what your experience level to get some coaching.

If you don't have access to a dizi teacher, you might consider Tim Liu's course at www.2measures.com/ . I learned to read jianpu from Tim's course, and got a good start on the ornamentation, by careful listening and playing along with the provided recordings.

Best wishes,

David

[jess]

Hi everyone!
Thank you for the clarification. I had been watching some James Galway videos on embouchure and wasn't sure if that's what I needed. I am not familiar with Irish music, but I can read jianpu and can understand some Chinese, therefore so far I've been learning from youtube videos.

I would like to get a teacher, but don't have access to a dizi teacher.