Pahud: How The Head Joint Position Limits A Flautist's Potential

Emmanuel Pahud's Flute Masterclass on Sancan's Sonatine. This video features the influence of the head joint position when playing to maximise stamina and stabalise tone. The full 140 minute masterclass recorded at the Royal Academy of Music is available at our:

Student: Zoya Vyazovskaya

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[jorgemartin]

In Yamaha flutes there's some kind of an arrow to put the headjoint where it must go. I always let it there. Anyway i hate flutist with their headjoints positioned inside of their chin. They sound thin. They loses deepness in sound and they sound horrible like and oboe full with sticky saliva!!

[rudolphmcneill]

I totally agree with him. Aline the hole of the head joint with the keys. Take it from there. Then after spending some time on long tones decide what position you find your best tone as well as control of intonation.

[Ravr]

That was very helpful technique! Thank you, Emmanuel Pahud and The Masterclass Media Foundation for sharing this with us! <3

[ArcMusicTV]

Deeply more in love with Flute. Every single Day. Every single Second. Flute is my fit and best accompany for My Soul.

[lilmilyo]

Am I the only one who literally lol’ed for 60 seconds straight when Pahud exaggerated the wrong way

[Kndnsssrlgn]

I would say put your headjoint wherever you play best with your tuner. However I have heard that while there is a tendency to roll it in, rolling the head joint to far in limits you when the going gets tough...

[KashisLittleAngel]

my best friend always turns her head joint all the way in, but I can't even play like that, it feels really awkward...

[potapotapotapotapotapota]

Only reason I rolled my headjoint in is to keep my flute from falling towards me when I'm playing. If I'm not resisting the weight falling then it frees up my fingers and allows me to play with better technique.

[yebon]

What kind of flute in this video? Lip Gold?

[idankoos]

I dont understand this whole joint thing...natural is best way

[ivanperez]

What is the name of the piece they are playing?

[zangsax]

I have been playing the flute for 54 yrs. I have never met a person who plays the flaut.