Flute players spend hours a day in a practice room listening to themselves in a confined space. And, it’s difficult to know what you sound like to outside ears. Is your sound projecting? Are you making enough of a diminuendo? One way to assess your playing from an outside perspective is to use a recording device. In today’s tech era, there’s no reason not to record yourself. Phones, tablets, and computers all come with microphones, and some can pick up instruments quite well.

Let’s dive in. If you’re not recording your practice session, here are 3 reasons why you should start today.

1. Unbiased Feedback

A recording device provides unbiased feedback. We often think that we sound one way, according to our own ears. We may think that we’re making a really nice diminuendo or that our double-tonguing is clear and even, but a recording device can reveal that our diminuendo is going flat or that our double-tonguing syllables are uneven. The recording device will highlight any deficiencies in our playing.

2. Real-World Performance Situation Simulation

For some reason, when we hit that record button, our body elicits the same fight or flight response as in a real live performance. If you’re preparing for auditions or a recital, recording, especially with video, can provide a way to practice dealing with performance nerves.

3. Growth Tracking

If you’re struggling with a musical concept in your flute repertoire or want to get a baseline of where you’re at with a piece, a recording can help track progress. You can set daily or weekly recording goals. Or, if you’re feeling particularly bold, you can start the #100daysofpractice challenge created by violinist Hillary Hahn.

Let today be the day you take your flute playing to the next level, and start using a recording device. No matter where you are on your flute journey, recording practice sessions will make you a better player.

Happy Practicing!
Sarah