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Post by jeannie on Jun 25, 2013 20:45:10 GMT
Hello all, I just now received my dizi today and I was so completely excited to play it  I read a few tutorials around the web about how to apply the dimo, hold the flute/fingerings, produce sound, etc. but the problem is that whenever I blow into my dizi, it gives me this really hollow, airy kind of sound- no tone even. I can't even begin to worry about squeakiness without a sound. Is this possibly something I could fix with my blowing technique or how I applied the dimo?  (picture of the dimo after I applied it) Thanks in advance! |
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Post by davidmdahl on Jun 25, 2013 21:45:47 GMT
Welcome to the forum, thuythuybird. Your problems could be explained by either blowing/embouchure issues or a leaky and loose dimo membrane. If you were experienced at playing the flute, I would suggest starting at the dimo, but if you have never played the flute, then blowing correctly is a more likely place to start. I suggest closing off the dimo hole with tape. Others on this forum prefer to focus on getting the dimo correct or use something else like a foam ear plug to stop the dimo hole. There are some good tutorials available on the Internet for blowing into a flute, so I won't parrot what you can look up.
Once you can get a tone in at least the first octave, then try the dimo. To start with, you can make the dimo tighter than necessary, and loosen it to get the optimal buzz. In my experience, the usual instructions for applying the dimo membrane result in a looser and buzzier membrane than I like. This also makes the dizi hard to play. In the end, how the dimo looks on the hole does not matter nearly as much as the sound, so use your ear and adjust the membrane until you like what you hear.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by jeannie on Jun 25, 2013 22:45:08 GMT
Thank you sooooo so much! I listened to what you said and spent an hour blowing into the dizi and I finally made a noise (albiet squeaky at that). The dimo was no problem. Thanks again for helping! |
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Post by jeannie on Jun 30, 2013 6:36:30 GMT
Hello again, I'm not sure if anyone has already made a post about this but I wanted to ask for some advice on breathing techniques. Either I have an extremely poor lung capacity or I'm blowing out too much air when I play (not to the point of dizziness, but where I have to stop and breathe after every few notes- can't seem to hold one for longer than 4-5 seconds either T.T). Has anyone faced this issue and overcame it? If so, I'd love to hear your input |
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Post by davidmdahl on Jul 1, 2013 2:00:41 GMT
Your problem is typical of a beginning flute player. You probably have at least normal lung capacity, but you are wasting a lot of air by not focusing it efficiently at the right spot of the flute embouchure hole. This is the sort of thing that is best explored with a teacher, but I think you might find some good resources on the Internet. While you are practicing, relax the corners of your lips and work on directing the air stream with center of your top lip. Some teachers have their students spit rice or blow through small straws to get the feeling. A goal is to get the embouchure opening in your lips small without over tightening. Watch yourself in the mirror and observe what your lips are doing when you get a good sound that you like.
You want enough support to have control over the process, but not tension. Tension in your shoulders, face, hands, stomach, or anywhere is the enemy of good sound, and can even lead to repetitive stress injuries. If you hurt anywhere after playing for a while, STOP. Listen carefully to your body. Check photos and videos online of good flute players and observe their posture. Video yourself and compare your posture with the professionals.
Get a teacher! Even a few lessons will save you a lot of time and trouble.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by jeannie on Jul 1, 2013 3:55:38 GMT
I shall heed your advice. If only you were here in Houston! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a teacher who is within reasonable range, but in the meantime, I'll try out these practices and see where I can get. Thanks!
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Post by Flolei on Jul 1, 2013 6:23:32 GMT
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Post by davidmdahl on Jul 1, 2013 7:26:56 GMT
I shall heed your advice. If only you were here in Houston! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a teacher who is within reasonable range, but in the meantime, I'll try out these practices and see where I can get. Thanks! There have to be oodles of flute teachers in Houston! Maybe not dizi, specifically, but there must be someone nearby who could help you. I suggest checking out the Houston Flute Club at their website: www.houstonfluteclub.org/Home.html . There is a teacher directory on one of the pages. Surely someone is near you and open-minded enough to help you on the dizi. At your stage, the basics of breathing, posture, and blowing will be very similar regardless of the flute you play. You will need to spend a little money for the lessons, but even a few sessions will save you so much time and trouble. Best wishes, David |
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