Should I practice the flute sitting down or standing up?

Question

When I play in band, I am sitting down, so shouldn't I practice sitting?

Answer 1

For me, I have medical conditions that make it safer for me to play while seated. When I was marching, however, I would often practice standing up or marching/marking time, just for the sake of endurance. If you are having issues with breath control, that make be a good time to stand up and really use the most of your lung capacity.

Answer 2

You should certainly practice what you do.

You should also practice what you do not yet do.

Soloists play standing up. They can engage their whole body more flexibly and artistically. If there's a microphone, they can use it more flexibly.

If you're in a military band, by all means sit up straight.

If you can get away with it, such as in a chamber music group, by all means lean against the back of the chair. This allows you to loosen your belly and back and breathe more easily, with better support.

Answer 3

To start with the big question, the flute can be played in both ways, either sitting or standing. For example, practicing on your own at home or just by yourself you can choose to either sit or stand. Typically it doesn't matter all that much when it comes to individual playing. However, during band, lessons performances, concerts, etc. You and your band mates will most always be sitting when performing. For the lads and ladies with heavier instruments sitting is a lifesaver. As well as it would be a bit peculiar to watch a concert performance with the entire ensemble standing. Percussion and rhythm section typically stand to preform and practice because of the instrument itself.

More specifically on flute, when you sit there is a "correct" way to sit to allow for full breathing and a professional look. This is achieved by sitting on the chair with both feet on the ground not spread apart, not crossing tall broad posture, but not so much it is unnatural. But your posture when you sit plays a key role in how well your breathing will be when you play. Slouching is a big no no when it comes to sitting and playing. Standing and playing flute is typically done with lessons (instructed by the teacher) individual practice if you so choose and for solos. When you stand whilst playing flute make sure to have your stand be about shoulder width and knees slightly bent. Depending if you are soloing or not, make sure to look in front of you or even maybe a little upwards if you are looking at a target that is elevated from the ground. Lastly, always, always always, when sitting or standing make sure your flute is parallel to the ground and not tipping one angle.

Answer 4

The important thing to consider is your posture to maximize your airflow and breath control. If you're sitting, be sure that your posture is upright and practice controlling your breath to control your airflow. Same goes for when you're standing. You don't want to slouch as you're standing as it may interfere with your breath and airflow.

Answer 5

Both. For solos and better air flow, practice standing up. For long concerts, sitting is fine as long as the back is straight. Never practice leaning back on the chair. Use half of your practice time sitting, and the other half standing. Good luck!

Answer 6

Although you may play the majority of time at school sitting in band or pep band, for example, you should still practice standing up at home. Make sure that your stand is tall enough for you to see the music at eye level, hold your instrument up rather than sloped down to the right so the tone hole is properly aligned to your mouth. Both feet should be stable on the floor and then you're ready to play!

Not only does this give you the best tone, it also gives your hands and fingers the optimal workout and you will be able to breathe the most effectively as possible. Sitting in band often is a crowded situation, and flute players experience this a great deal as the instrument is not held in front of the player such as an oboe or a trumpet.

Therefore, it is even more important that you give your playing the best chance it can get by standing when you practice. Happy Playing!