Flute Student, Emily G.
Flute is often introduced to elementary or middle school band students. As such, students tend to pick up the instrument around the ages of 9 or 10. By this age, children have enough lung capacity and breath control to be able to successfully learn to play a flute. The instrument is constructed in 3 parts. They include the head joint, the middle joint and the foot joint. The head joint has the embouchure hole attached to it. A flutist blows air over this hole similar to how you’d blow air over a glass jug. The embouchure hole will also contain the lip plate. In general this is a large surface area where the flute player can rest their lower lip while playing the instrument.
The middle joint is where you find the flute keys that mounted on metal rods. Flute keys are small, round padded metal covers. They open/close over the holes found in the middle joint. By covering/uncovering the holes, a player changes the air flow through the tube which changes the pitch of the instrument. Not surprisingly, the foot joint is the last piece to connect to the instrument. This joint can have anywhere between 2 or 3 additional keys attached to it. Flutes that have 2 keys attached to the foot joint are C foots. Flutes with with 3 keys B foots. Beginner students will want to stick to using C foot flutes as they are much easier to play.
San Marino Music Center has you covered when it comes to choosing a flute. SMMC has a variety of beginner flutes available from reputable brands like Jupiter, Selmer and Eastman. Parents of students who participate in a band program often want to rent the instrument for the year instead of purchasing. Our rental program gives parents the option of doing just that before committing to a purchase. Find out more by clicking HERE.
In Her Teacher’s Words
Emily has been taking music lessons at SMMC since April 2023. Emily initially started with the cello but switched to flute in July. Currently, Emily studies with Ms. Alexandra Engen. Alexandra holds a Master of Music in Flute Performance from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Flute Performance from the University of California at Davis. Ms. Alexandra writes:
“Emily Guo is consistently progressing in her technique both in lessons and in “Flute Choir” performance class. She is a great example in “Flute Choir” for the other students on how to cue and has demonstrated leadership skills when she plays first flute in the group. Not only does she practice, but she is always ready to learn in class and asks insightful questions about how to improve her playing ability. For example, in a recent lesson Emily asked about how to get more air support with the diaphragm! Emily makes independent goals for developing her flute skills and it shows in improvements for her tone and extending her range on the instrument. As her music teacher, I’m very proud of her unwavering hard work and dedication to her practice and the positive attitude she brings into every lesson and rehearsal.“
That is AWESOME to hear! Congratulations on the well-deserved award Emily.
Emily During A Recent Lesson
Check out Emily perform on her instrument during a recent lesson. Nice playing Emily!
A Note On “Flute Choir”
As noted by her instructor, Emily participates in SMMC’s “Flute Choir” ensemble. This class pairs late beginner and intermediate level flute players together to play duets and trios together. This class gives students the experience of playing in and ensemble. By learning to perform in a small group, students are exposed elements of music playing that cannot be replicated when playing on their own. Because the group is small, students have more responsibility to know their part and sound good in contrast to performing in a large band at school. Here are some pictures of the class during one of their rehearsals.
Meet The Instructor
Alexandra Tseng Engen is a classically trained flutist & composer from South Pasadena, California. Alexandra earned a BA for Flute Performance from the University of California, Davis. She performed extensively with the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra (UCDSO). She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Davis with a double emphases in Flute Performance and Honors Composition in 2011. Alexandra went on to obtain her Master of Music (M.M.) degree in Flute Performance from New York University: Steinhardt in 2014. Alexandra is a flexible and supportive instructor that likes to make music a fun experience for her students.
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