I’ve been having a bit of a comeback to Irish Fluting and I’m having a problem with the back of my throat becoming dry,mid tune.When this happens,the notes just don’t come out and the tune stops.
Do others experience this ? Apart from a big gulp of Guinness,any ideas from fellow Fluters here ?
Maybe you are already aware of this already but humming along as you are playing for a couple of bars opens up the throat. Perhaps that will help.
Drink lots of water. Humming is good too. Avoid smoke if possible. With me it is the area just behind the lips that dries out.
Patience, as well! My whistle isn’t nearly as demanding on the mouth, but I still went dry and wanted to cough mid-tune when I came back to it. It does seem to get better with time.
I also found that trying to remember to drink a big glass of water at least half an hour before I planned to practise and then another shortly before I started seemed to help, as I’d be going into it properly hydrated.
Make sure you’re not trying to play too long phrases without taking a breath. Even if you can play 8/12 or 16 bars … find the right spots to breathe. Perhaps for now too.. a little swallow to ease the tension.
I expect this will pass as you practice more. And if not the plan B (slurp of Guinness) is a good compensation LOL
me, too. lips/mouth/throat goes dry and flute tone disappears. to rehydrate, at sessions, I use Guinness, at home, plain water. if this happens mid-tune, do not worry about it, stop playing, rehydrate, come back on the next A1 or B1. if playing solo, also tell a joke.
Thanks for these great tips,fellow Fluters ..all worth a try.
Mandocello8’s tip was good ..get off the bus for a bit,then get back on 🙂 ..
Regards from OZ .. Charlie.
Mandos tip is one I will also have to build in - always have a joke ready for the train crash… nd make the stop look like it is deliberate!