Reply To: How to get flutes to play a decrescendo

[nafmeadmin]

I am a player, too, and I’d have to say I agree with both amcastle and baileyj. Rolling out isn’t a way to create a decrescendo, but it is a way to keep the pitch up as you hold onto the note. I wouldn’t do it with my hands, though. The movement should come from the chin or jaw and not the hands or wrists. Keeping the chin up and slightly moving the jaw forward will keep the pitch up, while moving in the opposite direction will keep the sharp notes in check.

I’ve never heard of the closing the mouth to keep the pitch up, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It’s just another option. I’d try both methods with a tuner and see which one works best for you and your students.