My teacher, Vladimir Silva, recommended a Youtube clip by Denis Bouriakov about bending notes on the flute, to increase lip flexibility, because in general I have a tendency to play with a lot of tension in both my fingers and my lips. Bouriakov knows what he's talking about (as does Vladimir).
Along the way Bouriakov explained something about the tone of the flute that I hadn't understood. All along my teachers have emphasized getting a focused, intense sound on the flute, and I'm getting there. He explained what that means acoustically.
If you don't have a focused tone, the overtones aren't in tune with each other or with the fundamental note. That's the definition of "unfocused." When you have a focused tone, they line up and reinforce each other. That's why it's important to practice producing overtones, and it's also why the note-bending exercise is important. Bouriakov advised not to try to get a "good" sound while you're practicing note-bending, but simply bringing the note down as low as you can. At the same time, if you listen to what's happening while you bend the note, you can hear when the overtones are aligned, as you get to that point, go past it, and return to it.
You can't bend notes if your lips are tense, and if your lips are tense, you will play out of tune.
Why is one tense when one plays? Because of fear. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of trying to play a note and not having it sound. Fear of not being able to play a run fast enough and evenly, accurately. How do you get rid of fear?
Before a performance, even (maybe especially) amateur musicians are afraid of messing up. Musicians often face auditions, where their professional futures are at stake, as well as contests. In fact, every performance is a test - are they good enough? Confidence can overcome fear and tension. Overcoming tension builds confidence. Even more: joy.
Bouriakov is now the principal flutist of the Los Angeles philharmonic, whose musical director is Gustavo Dudamel. I've seen a few clips of Dudamel conducting. He projects enthusiasm for the music, and I'm sure he communicates it to the musicians in the orchestra.
If I can learn to relax, maybe I can liberate the joy I find in playing.
