Final Piece of the Puzzle

So, I've enjoyed several weeks of flute playing free from the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome now, but something else has been holding me back.  All this time, I've been blaming embouchure problems, poor muscle memory and anxiety. And I'd almost accepted the "fact" that there was a certain amount of time one could spend away from practicing a skill before it was gone forever, and I had passed it.

But I've made a recent discovery - what I believe to be the final piece of the performance puzzle (though I'm extremely embarrassed to admit that I didn't come upon it sooner).  My flute needs repair.  Leaks in the tone holes have been cramping my style. 

You'd think that someone who sets himself up as an expert would know better than to let such a simple solution get by him for so long. I didn't. Mainly because I knew I was was out of shape and figured that was causing my problems.  Also, I had gotten braces during the time I wasn't practicing much, and thought maybe the new position of my teeth required me to find a different embouchure.

In addition, I blame...

1) arrogance ("a good flutist would sound good on anything"),
2) cheapness ("flute repair is too expensive") and
3) ignorance ("it's not really all that important as long as it plays").

But it really is that important.

A while back, I noticed a ripped pad, so I figured I'd better take it in.  First, though, I got my $200 Mirage fixed up so I'd have something to play while they worked on my main flute.  When I got the Mirage back, I noticed the difference!  Low notes, speak.  Attacks are easier. Pitch problems are no longer "impossible" to fix. Tone rocks.  Response is better (which improves dexterity).  All this on my "cheap" flute!!

And I suspect that the performance anxiety I was experiencing lately will be greatly reduced with the confidence I can have that the flute will respond pretty much as I expect it to. I can hardly wait to get my Miyazawa back.

Again, I'm seriously embarrassed for not realizing this sooner. I'm also a bit surprised that none of my teachers or consultants noticed. Going forward, it'sone of the first things I'll be checking with all of my students and clients.  Nothing beats having a good instrument in good condition. Otherwise, you're spinning your wheels and wasting time.  Or even worse, developing bad habits to compensate.

I suppose this is true of any profession.  The quality of one's tools matter.

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