AboutJoe Piccolo Expertise all things related woodwind repair and maintenance.
I do not accept qustions regarding serial numbers and the value of new/used flutes.
Experience Repair at the Balanced Scale is not Sax Pads considered in terms of “good enough” for a student instrument and meticulous for the professional. Traditional and time-tested materials and practices are coupled with modern band instrument repair tooling, techniques, and materials to provide excellent repair for all instruments.
Organizations Part of a Larger Organization
N.A.P.B.I.R.T. (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians), of which I have been a member since 2004, is an international professional association comprised of musical instrument repair technicians from all over the world. A network of colleagues, mentors and friends, the Association encourages the continuing growth of the industry’s knowledge base through its newsletter, yearly conferences, and workshops.
Education/Credentials Continuing Education - Student for Life
In 2004-2006, I attended and completed the practical portion of a highly specialized program focusing on brass and woodwind repair at Keyano College. The Music Instrument Repair Program (M.I.R.) is the only one of its kind in Canada. The Program offers students a comprehensive foundation of repair theory coupled with practical application followed up with industry feedback and guidance.
During my time at Keyano, I developed a deep interest in flute repair. In 2007, this interest took me to Straubinger Flutes in Indianapolis, Indiana where I received specialized training and certification for the installation and servicing of Straubinger pads.
Experience and Training at a Glance
Straubinger Flutes, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
2007 – Straubinger Pad Certification
Keyano College - M.I.R. Lab, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
2004-06 - Student Shop Assistant
Tool Trade, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
1993-2004 - All aspects of manual machining related to the tooling industry:
Precision grinding
E.D.M. (electrical discharge machining)
Layout and inspection
Hand polishing
Spotting and fitting
I.S.O. training
University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
1990-92 - Music Education
Question Hi!
I played the flute at school in the 70's, did Grade 8 in about 1979 etc, but have rarely touched it since then.
I joined a choir 4 weeks ago, which is doing a concert this Saturday, and on learning that I am (was?!) a flautist, I've been roped into playing the flute part in one of our songs.
Now I'm panicking a bit!! I can remember the fingering, but as the piece in in C major, I'm having to play my least favourite note.. the E on 3 leger lines.. a lot. Hmmm.. not sounding great!
I've just been looking up to remind myself about techniques for getting a bett sound, so I'll be practising that like mad for the next 4 days, but I also get another problem.. I seem to get condensation or something hanging down from my top lip after a while, which causes the note to "bobble"
I can't think of any other way to describe it! Hopefully you'll know what I mean?!
I have to play on the intro, then have a break, and then I play pretty much nonstop for the rest of the (fairly long!) song, and I'm really struggling to make it sound any good!
Any ideas why this is happening? & what I can do to sort it out?!
Also... I finish on a long C (2 octaves above middle C), and I can't stop the note from cracking. It's 3 bars long, and I really need it to be the best note of the piece really, but it's very dodgy!
It's been 30 years since I had a flute lesson, and I can't remember how to solve these problems! Why is my note cracking?!
Sorry to bombard you with all this, but as I say.. the concert is in 5 days time, so I need to try and get things better.... asap!!
Cheers!
Chris (UK)
Congratulations on being in the choir AND taking your flute in hand once again.
O.K. let's get to it.
Your E is a common problem note for many flute players...so take some solace in that your not alone!
Without having your flute on my bench and checking it myself I would suggest the following:
Take it to a flute repair technician IMMEDIATELY, as I am certain it is out of adjustment.
As for your high E, there is a little "donut" you can have inserted in the lower of the double G tonehole hat will assist you in producing your high "E" . It works like a "choke" effectively lengthening the body tube to bring the E into tune, and more predictable.
Next check your headjoint stopper or cork to see that it is air tight. Use your thumb to block the lip plate and blow into the headjoint, what did you notice? Is it air tight? I hope so...if not you need to tighten it yourself...or preferably bring it to a flute repair technician. Do you know how to tighten your headjoint cork?
The "bobbling" sound may be moisture on the strike edge of the headjoint (where you blow the air into)...before you make your entrance if you can give it a quick puff to clear any condensation it will help.
As far as your notes cracking .....get your flute serviced, and cut yourself a little slack! It's been a long time.
Think about the geometry of the "inside" of your lips...tighten up the "aperture" for your higher notes, remember to open your throat....and think about saying your vowels while your playing....hear that perfect note in your mind before you will play it .......YOU CAN DO THIS.
Chris, I am not well versed in flute pedagogy....I play and understand the basics...my area of insight comes in the repair and maintenance of the flute. I hope this has been helpfull and good luck with your performance.
Please feel free to contact me further if you need toooooooot!
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