Paul Edmund-Davies on Double-Tonguing

Ever struggle with double tonguing on the flute?  In his video lesson titled "Articulation 3," Powell artist Paul Edmund-Davies discusses a different approach, beginning with a discussion of syllables. He suggests replacing the "tuh-kuh" syllables one might use as an articulation for double tonguing with the lighter syllables "doo-goo" or "duh-guh" which allow for more fluid motion of the tongue.

The lesson is in three parts which gradually extend in length of note groupings, beginning with groupings of 4 notes, then 12, and finally, 16.  As with any exercise, Paul reminds us that the exercises must be played musically rather than statically.  In the first section, he suggests thinking of each note moving to the next note and adds dynamics to help with this motion.  As he demonstrates the concept, you can hear the wonderful, fluid direction and liveliness of the groupings.  Finally, Paul comments that the number of articulations increase along with the number of notes in the groupings, and this should help in achieving fluidity when double-tonguing.  The full lesson, compete with downloadable sheet music, is available by clicking this link to the lesson page on Paul's Simply Flute website.

Click here to view the full lesson on Simply Flute.

Intervals 2 with Paul Edmund-Davies

In the latest video lesson on his Simply Flute website, Powell artist Paul Edmund-Davies tackles the topic of intervals. Although intervals may seem tedious to practice alone, Paul points out that they certainly demand attention as they will undoubtedly appear within quick passages, often times bringing us to a halt.  We can probably all identify with the following quote from the beginning of his lesson:

When we play pieces or studies, we are understandably eager to perform them at a good speed and with flow. Then, all of a sudden, a few beats or bars of intervals emerge from the page and that flow is instantly interrupted. We stumble our way through in a mild blind panic and once we can see daylight again, wipe the perspiration from our furrowed brows!

In a creative and practical approach to intervals, Paul composed a few short studies to train us to be both mentally and physically prepared for these large leaps within the context of various passages. These studies incorporate a simple melody and rhythmic variations that are perfect for working toward the goal of performing intervals smoothly.  His lesson begins with a video demonstration followed by text and downloadable sheet music. Follow this link to view the full lesson on Paul's Simply Flute website.

Sample exercise from the lesson.  Click here to download the complete set from his video lesson.

Finger Gym 2 with Paul Edmund-Davies

Powell artist Paul Edmund-Davies has a series of posts titled "Finger Gym" on his personal blog. As you might suspect, these posts offer exercises and suggestions to help build finger control.  In the second post of the series, he discusses slow, legato practice and the corresponding technique of having your fingers respond "in a legato way."  He advises that one should focus on the feel of the finger motion as much as the actual "physical/mechanical technique."  The distance one lifts his/her fingers off the keys is also addressed.

For this installment of the "Finger Gym," Mr. Edmund-Davies presents one basic exercise in eight major keys: G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C, Cb, and D.  He suggests "continuing up the register of the flute, as this exercise becomes highly useful for those awkward top octave fingerings."  He also gives a few suggested fingerings for flute exercises and etudes in general.  Follow this link to read the complete Finger Gym #2 post on his blog.  It has a terrific tip at the very end!

Snapshot of the second Finger Gym exercise.