Sunday, November 05, 2017

Davies' sequences - B-flat fingerings for flute


Dear Flute-lovers,

Earlier this year, Paul Edmund-Davies uploaded free warmups and exercises that he called his "Sequences". They are musical, fun and engaging. I really enjoy adding them to my library.
I wrote about his video demonstrations and linked his first nine sequences here.

Update April 2018: No longer free. Paul has uploaded his 24 practice sequences with demonstration videos. They are now published for purchase at his website: www.simplyflute.com

And beginners and novices, do scroll down to read The Three Fingerings for B-flat information, which is the second item, below.

Best, Jen
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Note about B-flats/A-sharps from Jen:


The Three Fingerings for B-flat on the flute

Dear Flute-beginners,

I received an email this week from a student who didn't know about there being three B-flat fingerings and so was confused when they saw a fingering chart that showed all three alternates.
http://www.jennifercluff.com/flutefingeringchart.pdf

If you are in the same boat, and only know one B-flat fingering, here's a fingering diagram:


 
(click to enlarge - use backbutton to return.)


And here's a complete diagram that shows all the parts of the flute, including the two thumb keys and side key for B-flat:

http://www.jennifercluff.com/partsoftheflute.jpg

The best idea is to consult your private flute teacher about learning to use the various B-flat fingerings if you're a beginner or novice player. Usually you stay with the standard fingering for the first few years, to make it feel "easy".
Later, as an intermediate, you will make more and more use of the Thumb-key-B-flat, and still later, when you're quite advanced, you'll find uses for the B-flat side key.
**Notice that above, Paul Edmund-Davies suggests using the standard ("Long" "1 and 1" ) B-flat fingering for his sequences. It is the fingering that needs the most practice.

The need to continue to practice the standard B-flat fingering is covered in these articles for more advanced players:

All three B-flat fingerings are needed:
Part 1/Part 2:

http://jennifercluff.blogspot.ca/2012/08/why-work-on-standard-b-flat-fingering.html

http://jennifercluff.blogspot.ca/2013/06/dear-flute-lovers-discussion-has-come.html


Best, Jen