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These three compositions in minor keys from August 2020 emphasize the importance of having secure and sufficient breath support.

  • The first piece is likely the simplest of the trio, although it includes challenging high notes. It’s crucial to avoid tensing your neck or ribs, or pushing with your tongue to reach those notes; the sound should always remain smooth, with the loudest marking being mezzo piano.

  • The second piece is the darkest of the three and features extremely long phrases that begin at the lower register of the flute. If you struggle to hold your breath long enough to perform this or any studies, try substituting an easier note, such as a middle D. Hold that note for the duration needed to complete the phrase as written, then return to playing it while imagining you are still holding that D. This technique can help you conserve breath. Additionally, if your hands aren’t securely holding the instrument, it may jump, indicating that your body isn’t aligned properly to execute these phrases, leading to overexertion.

  • The final  incorporates a touch of jazz and leans more toward a modal sound than strictly minor. It also contains lengthy phrases that may appear daunting, but I assure you they are playable, and I hope you embrace the challenge.