Monday, September 19, 2011

Creative Scale Practice for Flute Students

Dear Flutists,

If anyone needs any pointers on how to work on flute scales, here are some excerpts from the handouts that I give my students, below. They are really helpful for coming up with creative ways to work on a scale, that are never boring, and allow you the freedom to find many flexible and workable solutions.

Click on each sample below to enlarge.
These are so much more interesting than just working on the scale in the format that most scale books write them in.

How to learn scales in a fun way for novice to intermediate flutists.

Recompose the scale:

Use your creative genius to change patterns around:

Click on any jpg to enlarge.

Use The FIVE NOTE Pattern descending and ascending.


Embouchure openess for easier octave span:


All of the above methods would really help anyone working on the standard scales two octaves, or the extended scales in Moyse's "A" section of the E.J. from earlier posts.

And help yourself to a

FREE flute scale and technique book

Part 1,

Part 2,

Part 3.

500 kb pdfs.

And hear your artistry light up every other piece of music you're playing.

It's fun to think (just a tiny bit)like Bach and play the improvised scale sections backward too. Try it! :>)

Best, Jen
Comments (28)
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You should stop giving away so much information FREE online as it makes it harder for people to make a living teaching flute. Why pay for lessons when Jenn just gives it away?

Saturday, June 06, 2015 10:34:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Why answer the loaded questions that people post anonymously?

Saturday, June 06, 2015 10:39:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Why learn to play the flute if it will only cost you money?

Saturday, June 06, 2015 10:40:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Why force music to have a price?

Saturday, June 06, 2015 10:41:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Jen,
Thank you for your generosity...Debora

Tuesday, August 11, 2015 10:58:00 PM

 
Blogger amaasflute said...

Thank you, Jen, for sharing your creativity with us! -Amanda

Tuesday, August 18, 2015 12:34:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Thanks for the thanks Amanda and Debora. So kind!
Best, Jen :>)

Tuesday, August 18, 2015 4:59:00 PM

 
Blogger Janice said...

Thank you for your free posts. I pay for lessons to get the up close and personal information you can't get online but it is nice to look up different ideas online to help me with my practice. As far as I'm concerned you are not taking money out of any ones pocket :) Janice

Saturday, October 10, 2015 2:29:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Thanks Janice! :>)
Jen

Saturday, October 10, 2015 4:23:00 PM

 
Anonymous Debbie said...

Oh my goodness, Jen, thank you SO much for the information you provide. I wish I could reach through my computer and hug you. 4 days ago I picked up my flute and started practicing again . . . literally after almost 40 years. I found your fingering scale to help me with the ones I'd forgotten, and I just found your scales and helps for practicing. I wish I could put into words how overcome with joy I am at having found all of your resources! I am so incredibly grateful! I am in a transition time in my life and this has helped me remember the joy I had when I was younger and playing was such fun. Thank you, thank you, thank you! <3

Tuesday, February 02, 2016 4:47:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Dear Debbie,
Glad to help! Onward and upward!!! :>D
hahhahaa. yay.
Jen

Tuesday, February 02, 2016 9:57:00 PM

 
Blogger Mike Shaw Today said...

Hey Jen -
Thanks so much for all the scales and scale practices! It is much appreciated by a guy who sold all his flute books, and is now getting back into it. I'm so grateful for all you do, and all of your wonderful advice, tips, and good teaching! You are playing a huge role now in my advancement! Thank you!
Mike Shaw

Friday, February 19, 2016 8:21:00 AM

 
Blogger jen said...

You're very welcome Mike. Happy finger flail and fly! Jen

Friday, February 19, 2016 8:46:00 AM

 
Blogger Erinlizabeth said...

I just found your site and happened to read the annonymous comment above. I find it absolute ridiculous that someone would say that. You are the ONLY person providing valuable information to flutists online (for teachers and students alike). It does nothing but help! Thank you for being so generous!

Saturday, October 01, 2016 8:44:00 AM

 
Blogger jen said...

Thankyou Erinlizabeth; how kind! :>D
Jen

Saturday, October 01, 2016 1:17:00 PM

 
Anonymous Holly said...

I think your site is wonderful and find it most helpful as a teacher. As for "anonymous", if you are a good flute teacher, you will have students regardless of what Jen or anyone else puts online.

Monday, October 03, 2016 12:28:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Thankyou Holly! :>D
grinface jen

Monday, October 03, 2016 1:24:00 PM

 
Blogger Emily Likes to Make Stuff said...

Thank you so much for offering these great practice pieces. I'm needing stuff to practice with an Andean Quena and this fits the bill perfectly. Please ignore the Debbie Downers that have commented. Many of us here know that if we have the resources to build the skill then we will blow money on the music that drives our passions.

I'm planning on taking a few formal lessons when I return to South America later this year, God willing. I want to have enough skill in the first place that the lessons are a true benefit.

Thursday, July 27, 2017 1:01:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Thanks Emily! :>)
Jen

Thursday, July 27, 2017 3:45:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

I appreciate it! We cannot afford a flute teacher....$35 an hour! 🤤 Our band director isn't a flautist. We thank you!!

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 1:34:00 PM

 
Anonymous Philippa said...

A huge thank you, from New Zealand, for these resources. I've recently started teaching again, after a long break, and am building up my teaching resources again as so many are very outdated. Your scale sheets are fantastic, much appreciated.

Thursday, February 15, 2018 11:08:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Dear Philippa, perfect! Glad to help!
There are also free pdf tone warmups:
http://jennifercluff.blogspot.ca/2012/02/2-higher-longtone-warmups-free-pdfs.html

Best, Jen

Friday, February 16, 2018 6:28:00 AM

 
Blogger madel09 said...

Jen thank you so much for all the info, as an 'older' ahem, learner, who is on a very low budget due to being injured at work and having not worked for 2 years, your info is invaluable to me because I just cannot afford lessons. Yes, people have to make a living, but if it wasn't for free info out there I would never be able to learn the instrument I have wanted to play my entire life. A heartfelt, Thank You.

Wednesday, April 03, 2019 7:50:00 AM

 
Blogger jen said...

Hi there made109,
I know what poverty feels like, so you're totally welcome.
We are rich in spirit, though.
Hopefully you can pick up some tips from the odd lesson over time.
Best, Jen

Wednesday, April 03, 2019 9:40:00 AM

 
Anonymous Diana B said...

Hi Jen, thanks so much for all the information on your website, as an adult learner I find it really helpful. Many thanks for your time and generosity in sharing your knowledge and expertise with us all. Best wishes, Diana

Saturday, February 26, 2022 3:33:00 AM

 
Blogger jen said...

Thankyou Diana B!! :>) Lovely to hear. Jen

Saturday, February 26, 2022 8:29:00 AM

 
Blogger Missy R said...

I am late to the comment section, lol. I am an elementary school music and band teacher. I have all of these books and exercises at school. However, I am at home and needed to a quick glance at a few scales. I purchased a new flute for myself and was struggling with the new keys. I needed scales... just scales..., and I needed to be able to see them. I was concentrating so hard on my fingers that I was losing my way. Thank you for posting these and the practice ideas.

And in no way are you taking money away from someone offering lessons or to teach others. This can't replace the personal instructions given by lessons or tutoring.

But, they sure do help with practice time!

Thank you!

Wednesday, April 05, 2023 1:33:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Thanks Missy R. for that nice comment!
Excellent point of view.
Glad to help!
Jen

Wednesday, April 05, 2023 2:59:00 PM

 

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