Correct embouchure

[jtetek]

Hello,
I have been playing on dizi for some time but I still have issues with sustain. I can only sustain for couple of seconds and after playing for longer time, I get dizzy.
I found on the Internet that this might be caused by incorrect embouchure.
Is the embouchure on the photo correct? If not, how do I learn the correct one? Is it possible to learn it without a teacher?



Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[davidmdahl]

The opening in your lips is much too large. I highly suggest arranging for some flute lessons, for any kind of flute. The basics of holding and blowing are much the same for dizi and Western Boehm (classical) flute, such as you see in a band or orchestra. Someone who teaches six hole folk flutes such as Irish flute may even be a better fit for you. In my experience though, a classical flute teacher may have more advanced ideas on how to teach.

In general, a good teacher will save you a lot of time and trouble on any instrument, and help you to avoid learning bad habits. Besides, it is a lot of fun.

Best wishes,

David

[kc]

Jan 18, 2016 21:27:52 GMT jtetek said:

Hello,
I have been playing on dizi for some time but I still have issues with sustain. I can only sustain for couple of seconds and after playing for longer time, I get dizzy.
I found on the Internet that this might be caused by incorrect embouchure.
Is the embouchure on the photo correct? If not, how do I learn the correct one? Is it possible to learn it without a teacher?



Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

If you are playing as per photo you are practically blowing air out rather than using the embouchure to control the airflow rate and direction needed. 

Try downloading the following video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVWRzO2_r_Q
Although for the metal flute rather than the dizi , the video is good enough to give you an idea of the basics. No substitute for a good teacher though. If you understand the chinese language there are good dizi tutorials on the internet too like this ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX7ssVJYFfs . This particular lesson talks about the basics of breathing. 

kc

[noodle]

I second the other replies. The larger the embouchure, the more wasted air there is that's not going where it's supposed to, and therefore the quicker you tire yourself. You want the opening to be smaller (and flatter, if that makes sense!) and aim your breath at the opposite edge of the blowing hole. There's a picture on this site that illustrates this.

www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug03/articles/synthsecrets.htm

Good luck!

[jtetek]

Thank you for all of the answers. I am going to get a proper flute lesson as soon as I can, but that is not gonna be until I get home in about two months time.
Unfortunately, I cannot speak any Chinese, so that video will probably will be of no use for me.

I have worked hard to improve, so I would like to ask whether my current embouchure is more like the correct one or not.


Thank you for your valuable feedback.

[Blue]

I'm reluctant to say if something is "correct" or not, but your current embouchure is a considerable improvement.

Besides embouchure, make sure you are blowing into the flute with the help of your diaphragm. In some ways, this is like witnessing an opera singer singing with his/her diaphragm rather than with one's throat. Otherwise, you'll also run the risk of shortness of breath.

My guess your next challenge will be trying the flute's second octave . . . . .