A whistle tone is made by fingering a note, but not sounding that note fully. You blow a very small, delicately focused stream of air on the outer edge of the sound hole so that a slight whistle sound is made. 

First, simply try to sustain that note without waiver or running out of air. Once you’re able to do that easily and with many different flute fingerings, move on to harmonics. Now try to adjust your flute embouchure to smoothly move from the first root note up to the next harmonic that will sound. Try to sustain that note, then adjust to the next highest note, back down to the second note, then down to the root note.

The goal is to achieve a consistent full and rich tone by making embouchure adjustments with each note and completing the exercise in one breath. Each practice session and flute lesson should include a run through long tones.

Flute lessons for all skill levels can begin with an assessment of the flutist’s ability to properly play whistle tones and long tones. Consistent improvement with both exercises will help flute students have more control and mastery over their sound. 

Related Flute Blogs:

• Flute Lesson: Four Keys to Effective Long Tones
• Flute Solo: Orchestral Excerpt from Daphnis and Chloe
• Mastery Through Flute Scales
• Flute Solo Advice from Jeffrey Khaner
• Flute Lesson: Prokofiev - Peter and the Wolf Opening

For information about online flute lessons with Jeffrey Khaner visit www.jeffreykhanerflute.com