I started flute in 4th grade. My dad kept moving my mom and myself to different small, rural farm towns in California. I took lessons, and would perform in talent shows, I carried my flute with me everywhere because it was my best friend (I was always the new kid and very shy) when American Pie came out it made me very embarrassed and ashamed to tell people that I played flute, immediately they would interrupt me and say the.. "this one time at band camp" it was like I got bullied and made me an easy target. I never could have a connection, that's very special and very lucky part of your journey. My parents wouldn't let me go to friends houses so I'd practice 4-6 hours a day and I hated feeling trapped so I stopped playing flute, was very conflicted I wanted to be a music Major but no way they would let me go to Berkeley... I had supportive parents but never had a good mentor or direction. Doubted I could make it a career.
Thanks for sharing your story. Life can be a drag until you discover your passion. My grandson who was flunking in high school with no motivation for anything ended up taking a nursing assistant course. He exhibited a total turn around in his attitude about school, graduated from high school and is now four months away from completing his LPN degree. The great catalyst for success is finding your passion. Besides all of the technical advice you provide about playing the flute you are such an inspiration to others to discover, pursue and develop their passion, and not let fear hold them back. You’re a wonderful teacher and I think the local schools that didn’t respond have really missed out on a great opportunity for helping their students.
Oh, thank you for your kind words!! And I'm SO incredibly happy for your grandson!! What he did is an amazing feat, and though it may not mean much coming from a random person on the internet, I feel so proud of him! Internet hugs for both of you!! It's so true that finding your true passion can really turn your life around and keep driving you through every obstacle!
I often wonder what the common factors are when it comes to finding your thing - for some they know it from pretty early on, or are directed there by parents and mentors. But I think for many people it's a case of doing stuff, working out whether you like it or not and waiting for that ping, or if not, rinse and repeat. I often hear of a moment, an epiphany and that burning bush moment drives them forward. It's a blessing you found that seeing the flautist play, and managed to articulate that in this channel as you tried different things. I haven't found my life calling or my epiphany, but I do know I love the arts including the flute and am a jack of all trades, so I keep pursuing any of the arts I do naturally.
Love, love, love this video. I started private flute lessons as an adult student. I love my teacher, but I wish there were other students I could share the experience with. This channel fills some of that gap. Lots of other RUclipsrs play the flute, but you are the only one that really talks about what it feels like to be a student (or a teacher). Thank you.
Awww Joanna you’re channel has helped me continue my passion for the flute. Thank you for this channel, and thank you for constantly connecting with us! 💕💕💕
Thanks so much for the video Joanna!! I've been feeling super burned out lately and this is a huge help. I hope you know how much you've impacted my life! Honestly one of my biggest positive influences! Thanks so much 👍👍
I'm so sorry to hear that you've been feeling burned out! Trust me, I've been there too. You can make it through. Set just a few practical and very achievable goals (even something like, "I'll get only this one bar correct in this practice session"), and after you're done this, reward yourself by just playing around or pracrastinating. You can worry about setting and accomplishing your next goals the next day (or even the day after, if you need a longer break). One step at a time, one day at a time. I believe in you!!
JustAnotherFlutist !!! Thank you so much for the advice! I really appreciate how you took the time to help me out like this, seriously! I will definitely try to break things down into bite sized chunks like you suggested, I think this will help decrease the overwhelm! Thanks for being helpful yet again :D :D
I'm watching this late at night and school is tomorrow lmao. Also thanks so much for mentioning Trevor Wye in your videos. I now own the tone book and I love it I hear my tone getting a smidge better every now and then
Hi Jo! I’ve been watching your videos for a while now, even tho I myself am not a flute player- I’m a saxophone player. I’m in my senior year of high school and I’ve always wanted to have a career in music, whether it be as a performer or in film. That dream will be put to the test, I have college auditions for places like Boston U in the next month and videos from youtubers like you have helped me a lot. Thank you :)
In my case, I never thought that I could be a musician even though from a very early age I was an avid classical music listener. I started playing flute at 11 ( almost 12) and throughout middle school and high school I did a lot of research in regards to the flute. So, when I started my undergrad I was originally a Music Ed major but in January of 2014 ( my last year at Miami-Dade and two months before my audition at New World School of the Arts ), I sat in a dress rehearsal of New World Symphony and I told myself that I wanted to play in orchestra. I was inspired by all of my teachers at NWSA ( including my piano teacher who was a fellow of New World Symphony) to finish my degree in Flute performance and to start putting videos on RUclips and now I’m auditioning for grad school for the second time and hopefully whoever I end up studying with for my masters will help me get to the next level of flute playing. I also must mention that I was mostly self-taught until I started my undergrad.😊❤️🎶🎼
Me in 1st grade: oh this is dope, I'm gonna be a teacher. Me in 5th: The hell is this, there's so many cool jobs in this world. Idk what to do. Me in 7th: oh what is this amazing feeling? I'm totally in love! I'm gonna do something with languages. Me in 10th: This is really amazing, I'll be a language teacher. Me now having graduated school: still working towards being an English and Italian teacher. Even though there's a few things I loathe, there are way more things I love. So I guess I'm on my way to do what I always wanted to do. (I mean it could change in the next few years, idk, but as of now, I'm very happy and looking forward to it) And I totally get the connection thing about teaching children. If you manage to get them to love your lessons and subjects it's an amazing feeling. I used to give private English lessons to younger kids at high school and absolutely loved it. It warmed my heart each time they got a good grade. On a completely different note: there's this comedy anime show called ClassicaLoid and it's about well known (well, apart form one) composers (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Liszt, Tchaikovsky etc... ) and what it would be like if they were reborn into the Japan of today. It's cheesy, cringy, slightly weird but hilarious. I thought you might like it. Just remember it's a comedy so the music isn't the main subject.
I loved reading about your path toward becoming an English and Italian teacher!!!! Warmed my heart so much! And omg, I need to mention ClassicaLoid to my boyfriend ASAP. It already sounds hilarious!!!!
JustAnotherFlutist my pleasure! I hope you'll like it! Also I wanted to ask if you have watched/listened to the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's concert this year? I watch it every year and love it to death. The principal flutist's yellow gold flute sounds like heaven and it makes me jealous cause I know I'll never be able to play one.
JustAnotherFlutist Great! It's really a treat, I wanna go see it live if anyhow possible someday. The positive thing is anyone can now have a chance to get tickets (maximum 2) but the drawback is they range from 35€ to 1000+ € and you have to sign up to a contest to win said tickets. -.- They're not up for sale, sadly. This goes for the Christmas and Silvester concerts as well. And I even live in Vienna, this is so cruel!! Sorry for the vent 🙈
WOWWW, that's crazy!!!! Man, concert tickets are not cheap. I scored ~$120USD tickets (each!) to take my boyfriend to see one of his favourite pianists (Yiruma!). Whew, I had to really be careful about my budget when I did that. The look on his face when I asked him if he wanted to go was priceless though. :)
Well, i saw someone playing the flute and a few days later i took my mome to every music shop of my home town.....well it was very expensive for them and insted i begun painting lessons (thank god, i was very good at it, really really early in my life)....i was 10 years old then and after 32 years i'm here as a maried, professional painter, who is learning the flute 1,5 year now, doing really well and progresing faster and faster. I think that the tip is to step in to any door opens in front of you towards your every dreem and it'll just happen, simple as that. Keep going.
Hey Joanna, I just wanted to say you inspire me in so many ways, I've been playing the flute since I was 9 and I'm turning 16 now and watching your videos has always made me want to pick up the flute and better myself. Your videos made me build up my courage to audition for my county honor band. So thank you for being one of the biggest inspirations.
Great video Joanna. I too fell in love with the flute at a young age but unfortunately never got to start playing until 15 but it was a great experience. I saw James Galway on Seasame Street and was fascinated by that sound and funny looking instrument. You should look at "Pretty Great Performances" sketch on Seasame Street.
Wow, this is such a good video because it shows (in your expressions) how much you have enjoyed the flute life, music and the Internet. Happy New Year! BTW, I really enjoyed that chicken-wing video for the self-taught flutists.
Thank you for sharing your story----I am in my 60s, a school librarian, which I love but still trying to find a way to make music a larger part of my life. I watch your videos not only for practicing tips and suggestions, but just to see what the life of a professional musician is like! Thank you again for being yourself, and also for being so supportive of your students and youtube viewers!
My pleasure!!! It makes me so happy to see that you said that you watch this channel to see what the life of a professional musician is like! THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED, and it fills me with joy to know that I am doing just that!!! :D Thank you for watching and supporting, and I hope you keep enjoying the content I continue to roll out! :D
This might be my favorite of your videos. I identify with much of what you said! My experience is in the world of writing, but I have also experienced the evolution of my dream. I love that you "bubble over" with joy for what you do.
Have you considered make a video about band directors favouring students?@JustAnotherFlutist It was a big problem in my middle school band. There was this one flute player who is REALLY good at flute. (To get perspective, she gets first chair every year in Allstate band. And anything she auditions for, she gets first chair.(( I really want hate her guts, but she is the nicest person ever and so nice so I hate myself for trying to hate her. :/)) Back to the band director, so he treasts her like she is perfect and better than anyone else in band. And he gets really expensive flutes for her to use. And he didn't bother teaching us anything.
Souffle Girl You’re not alone! I had a band director just like yours when I was doing my undergrad. He was an amazing trumpeter but he could not conduct to save his life and he was biased mostly towards the Brass section. He did not like me very much because I always asked him questions ( like any student would) and he did not believe in my talent ( so much that he tried to put me in pre-applied flute lessons because he didn’t think that I was good enough to take college lessons but my teacher stepped in and she stood up for me).The worst thing that he did was that he chose this girl to be Principal Flutist of the wind ensemble ( or Wind Symphony as he would call it) over me despite the fact that she didn’t audition because he liked her better. He reluctantly had me play piccolo because I was the only one with piccolo experience and the only one who owned a piccolo. Also, it felt like no matter what I did to try and earn his respect that it was never enough. I’m sorry to vent.. It’s something that I’m still trying to get over.😞❤️😊😃🎼
I've run the gamut of dreams....when I was a kid I wanted to be a nurse, that was until I saw a piccolo and wanted to be a piccolo player (then had my 10 year old heart broken by being told I couldn't learn piccolo until I learned flute, and had a band teacher who thought I'd do better with clarinet...so I did bad on purpose on clarinet so I could get to play flute and eventually piccolo). For a short time I wanted to be an actress, radio DJ, singer, seamstress, fashion designer, graphic designer, and corporate CEO. Right now....I work at a gas station and do graphic design on the side LOL
Hey now, there's no shame in that! You're an artist, that part is apparent enough. ;) You just gotta take some time to reflect on why you love what you love. ^_^ (Btw, I'm gonna get back to you on Monday re: designs ;) )
Last year is when I got a solo during our song. It seemed like the best time , but now I’m high school, solos come blasting here and there and usually section leader gets it, but I usually attempt to go straight for it and compete for the solos.
Hey Joanna I just want to say thank you for all your different histories of different flutes such as the Jupiter flutes Yamaha gaminhart flute and recently I just got my first professional flute and also it was my birthday yesterday and also I have eight flutes now you're the coolest flutist I ever met
I got the Yamaha 577 you reviewed awhile back for Christmas! It's my first professional flute. It's easier to produce a better tone than my intermediate flute.
Aaaah my cellphone isn't working properly. ahahaha sorry! But to what really matters... Dreams change with life, because life doesn't stay the same, and as life unfolds, we ourselves unfold too, and we keep adapting and changing, discovering, learning (a heck of a lot as you say and I love it), sharing and this is why I believe you are amazing. A person I look up too (as most of your viewers - no pressure uh? LOL), because you are humble, human and very thoughtful. And what is great about the dream changes is that you got to be so versatile, you can play solo and ensemble, you can teach, you can gatter audience while being so nice. That's why I love your channel, because you are authentic and we can tell that you are driven for your love and passion for music and "edu-tainment".
Oh, Pedro, thank you so much!!!! Your comment means so much to me, and it confirms that I have indeed been doing what I set out to do here! You guessed it, it _is_ a bit of pressure, but I always remind myself that what you guys want to see is the real me anyway, so there's no need to pretend about anything. it's the most liberating and empowering thing in the world, which is why I wanted to make this video about this topic. ^_^
Actually I thank you Joanna, I was in a really dark place when I got to know your channel, and it inspires me up everyday! I watch some of your videos daily, not just to procrastinate between study sessions, or taking care of my dogs, seeing my friends, but to get inspired to keep going and believing in all the good things that are out there. You share what I also believe music should be about. Not about being the virtuoso but connecting, sharing, comunicating. And also you make us smile with the histories. You know... the "I Failed Ear Training" made me feel a lot better about the things some of my professors told me. And after that I got to teach Ear Training to the beginners and it was an amazing experience. You made me a better teacher ! I truly wish you a happier 2018, with lots of fulfillments, health, joy, love and music.
Oh gosh, reading that just warmed my heart so much. That's EXACTLY what I want this channel to be about--that beacon of light and hope that so many are looking for in this lonely music world. It breaks my heart to know that there are more out there who feel alone when they're really not! I truly mean it when I say that we're all in this together. We all go through the same experiences, and we all learn the same things. Might as well do it together. :)
Enjoyed your videos^_^ you made me knew more about the flute like at the beginning when I learnt the flute I thought it would be boring but when I learnt it I fell in love with it:)
I started my channel because my husband also told me that I'd be good at because I talk a lot. I just need to post more videos more frequently. I love nerding out to music!
Hi! I want to start off by saying I love your videos a ton and I’ve been learning a lot from them! But also, I need some advice. I’m a freshman in highschool and next year I want to play the flute in band. I don’t know how to play it and I have zero experience on it (although I got a pretty good beginner flute for Christmas.) I think the practices start early July. I was wondering if you thought I could learn enough to be able to play/ read music by then. I’ve watched some of your beginner videos and they really helped by the way!
I can relate to you I wanted to start right into Alto flute because I saw someone play it then I changed to Bass Flute then I downsized to piccolo 😊 Great Video Joanna really liked it
This sounds almost exactly like my story ( except when I wanted to play flute I was 11 not 5 ha ). I think a lot of people can relate to this. Thank you for sharing. :)
You're absolutely welcome! I just want people to know that it's okay for your dreams to change because maybe at the heart of it, you're really aiming to do the same thing but through different means :)
I really love your channel I don’t play the flute , i play the clarinet Bb Buffet Crampon but I still come here EVERYDAY . CAN YOU DO MORE PRACTICE WITH ME?
JustAnotherFlutist Joanna also don’t worry , you don’t need to put on make up even in your normal videos . LOL have a nice practice time on the beautiful flute of yours I’m not talking about the Mateki but the BRANNEN
Hahahaha, thank you! It's more that I want these videos to have a unified look to them, and a bit of makeup helps set my Practice with Me videos apart from them. More of an artistic juxtaposition, if you will. Or me just being a nerd about how I put my channel together XD
JustAnotherFlutist 😄😄 Like my band director always said family of flutists play together stick together 😊 I'm glad I have people so passionate about playing
Oh wow! After fucking 4 years of learnig I was finally intodruced to the concept of tone develloping through youtube. It's kinda sad that all the teachers I had before (3 in numbers) wouldn't teach me this part of playing the flute! 3 Months ago I bought Trevor Wyes Tone develloping book and I'm making slight progress, but still I'm so furious, bc if it would have accoured me that tone develloping was a thing a few years earlier: how good would I be now?...
WHAAAAAAAAAAT. OMG, I'm so sorry you went though that. That's awful. :( But it's never too late! The Trevor Wye tone book is THE book to get your tone going, I promise!! Keep at it, you can do it!!
Thanks for the nice reply! That really motivates me to stick to the book. After this semester I'm going to switch teaches and search for a privat alternative, bc aparently the ones from the govermental musischools are not what I'm searching for. Maybe I'll even check out your online lessons ;) Thx for the motivation!
Wow! When you talk about the things you love and enjoy I kinda get the feeling, that we are very similar, just you actually know how to put you feelings into words! Hahahahahaha... but nvm, I still have some time to figure aut what the one thing is, that connects my noumerous dreams! Really enjoyed this video!
You know your flute 101 video and how to blow into the flute video do you thing you could do one on piccolo because I’m having a hard time pleasssse 😀😀😀
I wanted to be a zoologist when I was a kid Then I realized that was quite difficult, and a most realistic choice would be just being a Vet. Then I learnt about the reality of job searchig, unemployment, paying bills, so a much better goal would be studying human medicine. Then I decided that it was too difficult, too much sacrifice and dedication for something that wouldn't satisfy me, so went back to veterinarian medicine. Then I learnt that I sucked at everything and had zero skill but theoretycal knowledge (I could barely peel a tomato) so I was between killing myself or being a librarian, but then I fell in love and went to the chemistry college chasing the most beatiful blonde hair I had ever seen... And Now I want to play the flute. Wow, I definetely lost the point xDDD God Bless You all
There's got to be that one thing that's pulling you into all those interests! Maybe spend some time reflecting on what about all those things you like so much. :) The answer might surprise you!
Kaitlynn Dawsey I would agree with you but those tend to be quite the investment for a flustist. What am I talking about she a has a 20,000 dollar flute
JustAnotherFlutist You could try some of the cheaper models like a pearl or do zhao, which are like $3,500 or you could try an alto flute from either of them which is cheaper than half of the flutes you've reviewed. The pearl isn't even $2,000, it's like $1,500.
Yup, just making the rounds. ;) It depends on what people want to see, and for some reason, late 2017 saw a lot of viewers who were curious about the more expensive flutes. Thank you for making your voice heard though! It really helps steer the reviews into the direction that you guys want to see. ;)
I started playing on a cheap flute (to see if I enjoyed it) but have now been playing the flute for the past 3 or 4 ish years (I am now 15). My cheap flute has gotten to the point where it really needs to be replaced so I am hoping for a good quality intermediate level flute that I can have for a while. Do you have any recommendations for which flutes would be a good option (bearing in mind that I live in New Zealand and would have to pay for most of it myself). I would like one that will last me and is "future proofed" so I don't have to upgrade it for a while. Thanks very much :)
There's an amazing website wfg.woodwind.org/ that features a chart for all the fingerings!! It even describes whether it's the basic fingering, sharp, flat, or whatever other uses they could be used for. Check it out!
Hey Joanna I'm playing flute at a grade 5 level and am looking at buying a yfl 372. I am an instrument repair tecnition, but was hoping for sombre advice
this is a serious question but do you have any tips on sight reading music? Our band mid terms are soon and we have to sight read. We will get about a minute To look at the song.
Yes I do know the brand of the flute it is a Guo and the other funny thing is I tried it and I kind a got a terrible sound on it they tried to low notes and I can't and I can't get it out
Hi Joanna! I’ve been having a crisis lately about playing the flute while wearing makeup. My biggest problem is foundation on the chin rubbing off and sometimes giving me the “flutists goatee.” Have you ever had this problem? Do you have any suggestions? I feel like this is especially a problem on concert days because I want to be able to look nice for those kind of events. Thanks so much you are THEE COOLEST! :D
Actually this is my second day having that flute so hopefully I get a good sound before I actually perform on this Beautiful shiny's flute and I also have two Chinese flutes
That's great! Btw, to keep your comments together, don't write a separate comment, and instead, hit the "reply" link under my comment in reply to yours! A tip for the future ;)
I'm just curious. Does everyone who graduates from music school actually become really good musicians or only some people actually become good musicians? Since I wonder is it the music school that makes a good musican or is it that it has the ability to make a good musician by giving you the tools and skills?
Hi Joanna, do you happen to know of any other music-related professions for someone who's not exactly good enough to be a professional flutist (like a performance major)? I'd really like to keep music as a part of my life but I'm not sure if I would be able to major in music. Thanks!
Music education, music history, composition, or music business!! There are so many options, and you can use music school to find out what all your options can be! :D
A lot of exercising it by resting your fingers on a surface (as if you're playing the piano) and lifting each finger up and down rhythmically and evening, one at a time. This forces you to learn which fingers need to be slowed down (usually the index and middle finger) and which fingers need to be trained to have more independent control (usually ring finger and pinky). I hope that helps! :)
Hi! I,m sorry if what i'm going to say is not totally related with the topic. I have been playing the flute for almost 9 months already and i still find myself playing it badly. I am a self taught flautist and i think i still have a lot to learn and improve with playing the flute. I watch videos in youtube and if i'd compare it to my playing, it's really really good. I have a question, is it because i did not take formal flute lessons, or because of the quality of the flute (cheap flute), or both? Please enlighten me. Thanks!
Hm, unfortunately that's not enough info for me to make a good informed piece of advice for you. I would suggest looking for a teacher in your area who can give you a few lessons. Maybe they can hear you play a bit, and you can show them what you know. Then maybe they can point you in the right direction from there. :) All the best!! I admire people like you so much :)
JustAnotherFlutist Oh i see. Thanks for the reply. Btw, i always watch your videos and i learned a lot, and your different stories are worth watching and laughing for. 😀
I started flute in 4th grade. My dad kept moving my mom and myself to different small, rural farm towns in California. I took lessons, and would perform in talent shows, I carried my flute with me everywhere because it was my best friend (I was always the new kid and very shy) when American Pie came out it made me very embarrassed and ashamed to tell people that I played flute, immediately they would interrupt me and say the.. "this one time at band camp" it was like I got bullied and made me an easy target. I never could have a connection, that's very special and very lucky part of your journey.
My parents wouldn't let me go to friends houses so I'd practice 4-6 hours a day and I hated feeling trapped so I stopped playing flute, was very conflicted I wanted to be a music Major but no way they would let me go to Berkeley... I had supportive parents but never had a good mentor or direction. Doubted I could make it a career.
Thanks for sharing your story. Life can be a drag until you discover your passion. My grandson who was flunking in high school with no motivation for anything ended up taking a nursing assistant course. He exhibited a total turn around in his attitude about school, graduated from high school and is now four months away from completing his LPN degree. The great catalyst for success is finding your passion. Besides all of the technical advice you provide about playing the flute you are such an inspiration to others to discover, pursue and develop their passion, and not let fear hold them back. You’re a wonderful teacher and I think the local schools that didn’t respond have really missed out on a great opportunity for helping their students.
Oh, thank you for your kind words!! And I'm SO incredibly happy for your grandson!! What he did is an amazing feat, and though it may not mean much coming from a random person on the internet, I feel so proud of him! Internet hugs for both of you!! It's so true that finding your true passion can really turn your life around and keep driving you through every obstacle!
I often wonder what the common factors are when it comes to finding your thing - for some they know it from pretty early on, or are directed there by parents and mentors. But I think for many people it's a case of doing stuff, working out whether you like it or not and waiting for that ping, or if not, rinse and repeat. I often hear of a moment, an epiphany and that burning bush moment drives them forward. It's a blessing you found that seeing the flautist play, and managed to articulate that in this channel as you tried different things. I haven't found my life calling or my epiphany, but I do know I love the arts including the flute and am a jack of all trades, so I keep pursuing any of the arts I do naturally.
Love, love, love this video. I started private flute lessons as an adult student. I love my teacher, but I wish there were other students I could share the experience with. This channel fills some of that gap. Lots of other RUclipsrs play the flute, but you are the only one that really talks about what it feels like to be a student (or a teacher). Thank you.
Awww Joanna you’re channel has helped me continue my passion for the flute. Thank you for this channel, and thank you for constantly connecting with us! 💕💕💕
My pleasure!!! We are all in this together!! All the best
Thanks so much for the video Joanna!! I've been feeling super burned out lately and this is a huge help. I hope you know how much you've impacted my life! Honestly one of my biggest positive influences! Thanks so much 👍👍
I'm so sorry to hear that you've been feeling burned out! Trust me, I've been there too. You can make it through. Set just a few practical and very achievable goals (even something like, "I'll get only this one bar correct in this practice session"), and after you're done this, reward yourself by just playing around or pracrastinating. You can worry about setting and accomplishing your next goals the next day (or even the day after, if you need a longer break). One step at a time, one day at a time. I believe in you!!
JustAnotherFlutist !!! Thank you so much for the advice! I really appreciate how you took the time to help me out like this, seriously! I will definitely try to break things down into bite sized chunks like you suggested, I think this will help decrease the overwhelm! Thanks for being helpful yet again :D :D
I'm watching this late at night and school is tomorrow lmao. Also thanks so much for mentioning Trevor Wye in your videos. I now own the tone book and I love it I hear my tone getting a smidge better every now and then
Hi Jo! I’ve been watching your videos for a while now, even tho I myself am not a flute player- I’m a saxophone player. I’m in my senior year of high school and I’ve always wanted to have a career in music, whether it be as a performer or in film. That dream will be put to the test, I have college auditions for places like Boston U in the next month and videos from youtubers like you have helped me a lot. Thank you :)
My pleasure! All the best on your auditions!!!! You got this! :D I believe in you!
In my case, I never thought that I could be a musician even though from a very early age I was an avid classical music listener. I started playing flute at 11 ( almost 12) and throughout middle school and high school I did a lot of research in regards to the flute. So, when I started my undergrad I was originally a Music Ed major but in January of 2014 ( my last year at Miami-Dade and two months before my audition at New World School of the Arts ), I sat in a dress rehearsal of New World Symphony and I told myself that I wanted to play in orchestra. I was inspired by all of my teachers at NWSA ( including my piano teacher who was a fellow of New World Symphony) to finish my degree in Flute performance and to start putting videos on RUclips and now I’m auditioning for grad school for the second time and hopefully whoever I end up studying with for my masters will help me get to the next level of flute playing. I also must mention that I was mostly self-taught until I started my undergrad.😊❤️🎶🎼
Super inspiring!! Other self-taught musicians need to hear this from you!! You guys CAN do it!!!
Me in 1st grade: oh this is dope, I'm gonna be a teacher.
Me in 5th: The hell is this, there's so many cool jobs in this world. Idk what to do.
Me in 7th: oh what is this amazing feeling? I'm totally in love! I'm gonna do something with languages.
Me in 10th: This is really amazing, I'll be a language teacher.
Me now having graduated school: still working towards being an English and Italian teacher. Even though there's a few things I loathe, there are way more things I love. So I guess I'm on my way to do what I always wanted to do. (I mean it could change in the next few years, idk, but as of now, I'm very happy and looking forward to it) And I totally get the connection thing about teaching children. If you manage to get them to love your lessons and subjects it's an amazing feeling. I used to give private English lessons to younger kids at high school and absolutely loved it. It warmed my heart each time they got a good grade.
On a completely different note: there's this comedy anime show called ClassicaLoid and it's about well known (well, apart form one) composers (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Liszt, Tchaikovsky etc... ) and what it would be like if they were reborn into the Japan of today. It's cheesy, cringy, slightly weird but hilarious. I thought you might like it. Just remember it's a comedy so the music isn't the main subject.
I loved reading about your path toward becoming an English and Italian teacher!!!! Warmed my heart so much!
And omg, I need to mention ClassicaLoid to my boyfriend ASAP. It already sounds hilarious!!!!
JustAnotherFlutist my pleasure! I hope you'll like it!
Also I wanted to ask if you have watched/listened to the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's concert this year? I watch it every year and love it to death. The principal flutist's yellow gold flute sounds like heaven and it makes me jealous cause I know I'll never be able to play one.
OMG, I haven't yet! Thank you for the heads up, I'll go check it out!!
JustAnotherFlutist Great! It's really a treat, I wanna go see it live if anyhow possible someday. The positive thing is anyone can now have a chance to get tickets (maximum 2) but the drawback is they range from 35€ to 1000+ € and you have to sign up to a contest to win said tickets. -.- They're not up for sale, sadly. This goes for the Christmas and Silvester concerts as well. And I even live in Vienna, this is so cruel!!
Sorry for the vent 🙈
WOWWW, that's crazy!!!! Man, concert tickets are not cheap. I scored ~$120USD tickets (each!) to take my boyfriend to see one of his favourite pianists (Yiruma!). Whew, I had to really be careful about my budget when I did that. The look on his face when I asked him if he wanted to go was priceless though. :)
Good year Joanna, and thanks for your channel. You kinda inspired me to pick up the flute one year ago, and that was kind of my late dream come true.
Happy New Year to you too! A dream is never too late to come true
Well, i saw someone playing the flute and a few days later i took my mome to every music shop of my home town.....well it was very expensive for them and insted i begun painting lessons (thank god, i was very good at it, really really early in my life)....i was 10 years old then and after 32 years i'm here as a maried, professional painter, who is learning the flute 1,5 year now, doing really well and progresing faster and faster. I think that the tip is to step in to any door opens in front of you towards your every dreem and it'll just happen, simple as that. Keep going.
I love your story and your mindset. It's so true, keep your mind where you know your heart is and you'll get there!
Hey Joanna, I just wanted to say you inspire me in so many ways, I've been playing the flute since I was 9 and I'm turning 16 now and watching your videos has always made me want to pick up the flute and better myself. Your videos made me build up my courage to audition for my county honor band. So thank you for being one of the biggest inspirations.
Great video Joanna. I too fell in love with the flute at a young age but unfortunately never got to start playing until 15 but it was a great experience. I saw James Galway on Seasame Street and was fascinated by that sound and funny looking instrument. You should look at "Pretty Great Performances" sketch on Seasame Street.
Wow, this is such a good video because it shows (in your expressions) how much you have enjoyed the flute life, music and the Internet. Happy New Year! BTW, I really enjoyed that chicken-wing video for the self-taught flutists.
Thank you for sharing your story----I am in my 60s, a school librarian, which I love but still trying to find a way to make music a larger part of my life. I watch your videos not only for practicing tips and suggestions, but just to see what the life of a professional musician is like! Thank you again for being yourself, and also for being so supportive of your students and youtube viewers!
My pleasure!!! It makes me so happy to see that you said that you watch this channel to see what the life of a professional musician is like! THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED, and it fills me with joy to know that I am doing just that!!! :D Thank you for watching and supporting, and I hope you keep enjoying the content I continue to roll out! :D
This might be my favorite of your videos. I identify with much of what you said! My experience is in the world of writing, but I have also experienced the evolution of my dream. I love that you "bubble over" with joy for what you do.
That is awesome!!! Please keep writing and share what you've got! :D Writers make the world go round!
Have you considered make a video about band directors favouring students?@JustAnotherFlutist
It was a big problem in my middle school band. There was this one flute player who is REALLY good at flute. (To get perspective, she gets first chair every year in Allstate band. And anything she auditions for, she gets first chair.(( I really want hate her guts, but she is the nicest person ever and so nice so I hate myself for trying to hate her. :/))
Back to the band director, so he treasts her like she is perfect and better than anyone else in band. And he gets really expensive flutes for her to use. And he didn't bother teaching us anything.
Souffle Girl You’re not alone! I had a band director just like yours when I was doing my undergrad. He was an amazing trumpeter but he could not conduct to save his life and he was biased mostly towards the Brass section. He did not like me very much because I always asked him questions ( like any student would) and he did not believe in my talent ( so much that he tried to put me in pre-applied flute lessons because he didn’t think that I was good enough to take college lessons but my teacher stepped in and she stood up for me).The worst thing that he did was that he chose this girl to be Principal Flutist of the wind ensemble ( or Wind Symphony as he would call it) over me despite the fact that she didn’t audition because he liked her better. He reluctantly had me play piccolo because I was the only one with piccolo experience and the only one who owned a piccolo. Also, it felt like no matter what I did to try and earn his respect that it was never enough. I’m sorry to vent.. It’s something that I’m still trying to get over.😞❤️😊😃🎼
That is unfair for that to happen to you. Favouritism doesn't belong in band/orchestra!
Yay video!
Whee! :D
I've run the gamut of dreams....when I was a kid I wanted to be a nurse, that was until I saw a piccolo and wanted to be a piccolo player (then had my 10 year old heart broken by being told I couldn't learn piccolo until I learned flute, and had a band teacher who thought I'd do better with clarinet...so I did bad on purpose on clarinet so I could get to play flute and eventually piccolo). For a short time I wanted to be an actress, radio DJ, singer, seamstress, fashion designer, graphic designer, and corporate CEO.
Right now....I work at a gas station and do graphic design on the side LOL
Hey now, there's no shame in that! You're an artist, that part is apparent enough. ;) You just gotta take some time to reflect on why you love what you love. ^_^
(Btw, I'm gonna get back to you on Monday re: designs ;) )
Last year is when I got a solo during our song. It seemed like the best time , but now I’m high school, solos come blasting here and there and usually section leader gets it, but I usually attempt to go straight for it and compete for the solos.
Hey Joanna I just want to say thank you for all your different histories of different flutes such as the Jupiter flutes Yamaha gaminhart flute and recently I just got my first professional flute and also it was my birthday yesterday and also I have eight flutes now you're the coolest flutist I ever met
OMG, thank you so much!!! I feel all fuzzy inside now ^_^ All the best with your new baby! What brand is it? :D
Thanks for sharing your story. It really shows how anything can happen in the future and whatever we thing is inevitable is sometimes not the case.
Yup! My professor Dr. Bob put it beautifully: "In the future, you won't be doing what you currently think you'll be doing." ;)
I got the Yamaha 577 you reviewed awhile back for Christmas! It's my first professional flute. It's easier to produce a better tone than my intermediate flute.
OMG, that makes me so happy! I hope you're enjoying it!!
Aaaah my cellphone isn't working properly. ahahaha sorry! But to what really matters... Dreams change with life, because life doesn't stay the same, and as life unfolds, we ourselves unfold too, and we keep adapting and changing, discovering, learning (a heck of a lot as you say and I love it), sharing and this is why I believe you are amazing. A person I look up too (as most of your viewers - no pressure uh? LOL), because you are humble, human and very thoughtful. And what is great about the dream changes is that you got to be so versatile, you can play solo and ensemble, you can teach, you can gatter audience while being so nice. That's why I love your channel, because you are authentic and we can tell that you are driven for your love and passion for music and "edu-tainment".
Oh, Pedro, thank you so much!!!! Your comment means so much to me, and it confirms that I have indeed been doing what I set out to do here! You guessed it, it _is_ a bit of pressure, but I always remind myself that what you guys want to see is the real me anyway, so there's no need to pretend about anything. it's the most liberating and empowering thing in the world, which is why I wanted to make this video about this topic. ^_^
And Happy New Year, Joanna.
Happy New Year, Pedro!!! ^_^
Actually I thank you Joanna, I was in a really dark place when I got to know your channel, and it inspires me up everyday! I watch some of your videos daily, not just to procrastinate between study sessions, or taking care of my dogs, seeing my friends, but to get inspired to keep going and believing in all the good things that are out there. You share what I also believe music should be about. Not about being the virtuoso but connecting, sharing, comunicating. And also you make us smile with the histories. You know... the "I Failed Ear Training" made me feel a lot better about the things some of my professors told me. And after that I got to teach Ear Training to the beginners and it was an amazing experience. You made me a better teacher ! I truly wish you a happier 2018, with lots of fulfillments, health, joy, love and music.
Oh gosh, reading that just warmed my heart so much. That's EXACTLY what I want this channel to be about--that beacon of light and hope that so many are looking for in this lonely music world. It breaks my heart to know that there are more out there who feel alone when they're really not! I truly mean it when I say that we're all in this together. We all go through the same experiences, and we all learn the same things. Might as well do it together. :)
I had an audition on my flute yesterday and I passed it! I want to say thank you because your videos really inspired me (:
OMG CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I'm so glad my videos helped you out, that makes me so happy!!
Enjoyed your videos^_^ you made me knew more about the flute like at the beginning when I learnt the flute I thought it would be boring but when I learnt it I fell in love with it:)
Wheee, that makes me so happy!! ^_^
I started my channel because my husband also told me that I'd be good at because I talk a lot. I just need to post more videos more frequently.
I love nerding out to music!
Keep at it!! :D :D :D
Hi! I want to start off by saying I love your videos a ton and I’ve been learning a lot from them! But also, I need some advice. I’m a freshman in highschool and next year I want to play the flute in band. I don’t know how to play it and I have zero experience on it (although I got a pretty good beginner flute for Christmas.) I think the practices start early July. I was wondering if you thought I could learn enough to be able to play/ read music by then. I’ve watched some of your beginner videos and they really helped by the way!
I can relate to you I wanted to start right into Alto flute because I saw someone play it then I changed to Bass Flute then I downsized to piccolo 😊 Great Video Joanna really liked it
Keep pursuing that wonderful feeling of gravitation!!! Find out why you want to play all the flute cousins! :D
This sounds almost exactly like my story ( except when I wanted to play flute I was 11 not 5 ha ). I think a lot of people can relate to this. Thank you for sharing. :)
You're absolutely welcome! I just want people to know that it's okay for your dreams to change because maybe at the heart of it, you're really aiming to do the same thing but through different means :)
I really love your channel I don’t play the flute , i play the clarinet Bb Buffet Crampon but I still come here EVERYDAY . CAN YOU DO MORE PRACTICE WITH ME?
LOL, Practice with Me's will always be here--it's quickly becoming one of my favourite parts of this channel! :D
JustAnotherFlutist Joanna also don’t worry , you don’t need to put on make up even in your normal videos . LOL have a nice practice time on the beautiful flute of yours I’m not talking about the Mateki but the BRANNEN
Hahahaha, thank you! It's more that I want these videos to have a unified look to them, and a bit of makeup helps set my Practice with Me videos apart from them. More of an artistic juxtaposition, if you will. Or me just being a nerd about how I put my channel together XD
Happy new year! And happy new music and teaching adventures in 2018 to you!
Happy New Year to you too!!! All the best on your 2018 music journey too! :D
Your videos make my Flute playing enjoyable more than it already is 😄
That makes me so happy!!!!
JustAnotherFlutist 😄😄 Like my band director always said family of flutists play together stick together 😊 I'm glad I have people so passionate about playing
That's so sweet
Oh wow! After fucking 4 years of learnig I was finally intodruced to the concept of tone develloping through youtube. It's kinda sad that all the teachers I had before (3 in numbers) wouldn't teach me this part of playing the flute! 3 Months ago I bought Trevor Wyes Tone develloping book and I'm making slight progress, but still I'm so furious, bc if it would have accoured me that tone develloping was a thing a few years earlier: how good would I be now?...
WHAAAAAAAAAAT. OMG, I'm so sorry you went though that. That's awful. :( But it's never too late! The Trevor Wye tone book is THE book to get your tone going, I promise!! Keep at it, you can do it!!
Thanks for the nice reply! That really motivates me to stick to the book. After this semester I'm going to switch teaches and search for a privat alternative, bc aparently the ones from the govermental musischools are not what I'm searching for. Maybe I'll even check out your online lessons ;) Thx for the motivation!
My pleasure!! I'd love to include you in my online studio, just hit up the online lessons page on my website! :D In any case, keep on keeping on!!
I love your vids. I recently had to quit the flute due to my epilepsy. Have you ever had a student like this?
Could you maybe do vid on your piccolo? Or at least what brand is your piccolo?
That will come later, as my current piccolo quite frankly isn't in great shape. ;)
I just love when your videos come up it just makes my day!!
Aww, I'm glad!!
Wow! When you talk about the things you love and enjoy I kinda get the feeling, that we are very similar, just you actually know how to put you feelings into words! Hahahahahaha... but nvm, I still have some time to figure aut what the one thing is, that connects my noumerous dreams! Really enjoyed this video!
I'm glad!! Keep finding what it is that you love about music!! :D
Learning tone sucked for me too, I played flute when I was 10 and tone sucked and now im playing oboe too and it’s very difficult
Oh man, that was a rude awakening XD I'm glad I stuck it through though, and you can too!!
You know your flute 101 video and how to blow into the flute video do you thing you could do one on piccolo because I’m having a hard time pleasssse 😀😀😀
I wanted to be a zoologist when I was a kid
Then I realized that was quite difficult, and a most realistic choice would be just being a Vet.
Then I learnt about the reality of job searchig, unemployment, paying bills, so a much better goal would be studying human medicine.
Then I decided that it was too difficult, too much sacrifice and dedication for something that wouldn't satisfy me, so went back to veterinarian medicine.
Then I learnt that I sucked at everything and had zero skill but theoretycal knowledge (I could barely peel a tomato) so I was between killing myself or being a librarian, but then I fell in love and went to the chemistry college chasing the most beatiful blonde hair I had ever seen...
And Now I want to play the flute.
Wow, I definetely lost the point xDDD
God Bless You all
There's got to be that one thing that's pulling you into all those interests! Maybe spend some time reflecting on what about all those things you like so much. :) The answer might surprise you!
Can you please do a review on a bass flute:)
Kaitlynn Dawsey I would agree with you but those tend to be quite the investment for a flustist. What am I talking about she a has a 20,000 dollar flute
Hahaha, I'll definitely look into it!
Yup, that's why I'm currently not looking for one myself. Still working on paying off my flute, I'll get there! :)
JustAnotherFlutist You could try some of the cheaper models like a pearl or do zhao, which are like $3,500 or you could try an alto flute from either of them which is cheaper than half of the flutes you've reviewed. The pearl isn't even $2,000, it's like $1,500.
Yup, just making the rounds. ;) It depends on what people want to see, and for some reason, late 2017 saw a lot of viewers who were curious about the more expensive flutes. Thank you for making your voice heard though! It really helps steer the reviews into the direction that you guys want to see. ;)
Awesome video Joanna! Thumbs up!!
Thank you!! :D
I started playing on a cheap flute (to see if I enjoyed it) but have now been playing the flute for the past 3 or 4 ish years (I am now 15). My cheap flute has gotten to the point where it really needs to be replaced so I am hoping for a good quality intermediate level flute that I can have for a while. Do you have any recommendations for which flutes would be a good option (bearing in mind that I live in New Zealand and would have to pay for most of it myself). I would like one that will last me and is "future proofed" so I don't have to upgrade it for a while. Thanks very much :)
Hey joana could you make a video over alternate fingerings in the third octave to play really fast passages? I love your videos too keep it up
There's an amazing website wfg.woodwind.org/ that features a chart for all the fingerings!! It even describes whether it's the basic fingering, sharp, flat, or whatever other uses they could be used for. Check it out!
JustAnotherFlutist wow that website is great. THANKS!!!!!
Hey Joanna I'm playing flute at a grade 5 level and am looking at buying a yfl 372. I am an instrument repair tecnition, but was hoping for sombre advice
this is a serious question but do you have any tips on sight reading music? Our band mid terms are soon and we have to sight read. We will get about a minute To look at the song.
Yes I do know the brand of the flute it is a Guo and the other funny thing is I tried it and I kind a got a terrible sound on it they tried to low notes and I can't and I can't get it out
Hm, I've only heard of the Guo here and there. I'm sorry you didn't have a great experience with it!
Hi Joanna! I’ve been having a crisis lately about playing the flute while wearing makeup. My biggest problem is foundation on the chin rubbing off and sometimes giving me the “flutists goatee.” Have you ever had this problem? Do you have any suggestions? I feel like this is especially a problem on concert days because I want to be able to look nice for those kind of events. Thanks so much you are THEE COOLEST! :D
Jazmyn Reid OMG Yes! I always have that problem!😃
Actually this is my second day having that flute so hopefully I get a good sound before I actually perform on this Beautiful shiny's flute and I also have two Chinese flutes
That's great!
Btw, to keep your comments together, don't write a separate comment, and instead, hit the "reply" link under my comment in reply to yours! A tip for the future ;)
I'm just curious. Does everyone who graduates from music school actually become really good musicians or only some people actually become good musicians? Since I wonder is it the music school that makes a good musican or is it that it has the ability to make a good musician by giving you the tools and skills?
So relatable.
🤗
JustAnotherFlutist Yee
Thank you so much for reminding me and yesterday it was my 17th birthday
Happy birthday!!! :D
Hi Joanna, do you happen to know of any other music-related professions for someone who's not exactly good enough to be a professional flutist (like a performance major)? I'd really like to keep music as a part of my life but I'm not sure if I would be able to major in music. Thanks!
Music education, music history, composition, or music business!! There are so many options, and you can use music school to find out what all your options can be! :D
I wonder if Joanna realises how beautiful she is! Not just on the outside but deep down inside as well ❤️
Awww, thank you so much!!!!
Joanna, I live in Seattle and would like to study with you in person! Is this possible? 🎶
When I get older i want to go to UGA and become a Redcoat (I am currently in marching band)
You can do it!!! :D
Do you have any tips on how to strengthen your ring finger? Whenever I trill with it, I can never get it fast enough :(
A lot of exercising it by resting your fingers on a surface (as if you're playing the piano) and lifting each finger up and down rhythmically and evening, one at a time. This forces you to learn which fingers need to be slowed down (usually the index and middle finger) and which fingers need to be trained to have more independent control (usually ring finger and pinky). I hope that helps! :)
Hi! I,m sorry if what i'm going to say is not totally related with the topic. I have been playing the flute for almost 9 months already and i still find myself playing it badly. I am a self taught flautist and i think i still have a lot to learn and improve with playing the flute. I watch videos in youtube and if i'd compare it to my playing, it's really really good. I have a question, is it because i did not take formal flute lessons, or because of the quality of the flute (cheap flute), or both? Please enlighten me. Thanks!
Hm, unfortunately that's not enough info for me to make a good informed piece of advice for you. I would suggest looking for a teacher in your area who can give you a few lessons. Maybe they can hear you play a bit, and you can show them what you know. Then maybe they can point you in the right direction from there. :) All the best!! I admire people like you so much :)
JustAnotherFlutist Oh i see. Thanks for the reply. Btw, i always watch your videos and i learned a lot, and your different stories are worth watching and laughing for. 😀
What do musicians drink out of? SOLO cups!
LOLL, YASS! We need to start compiling a list of all of your jokes (please do so if you haven't already!!)!!
I'll try!
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Aw, thank you!
And btw you're so cute, from inside to outside XD
Aw, thank you!!!!!