Another great debate is where the flute lip plate sits on the lips of the flutist. Even some band directors get it wrong. I walked into a band room recently and was watching the younger flutists as they put the flute to their mouths. As they did, they rolled they flute head joint in just like they were going to “kiss” the mouth plate (in fact that is actually what they did) and then rolled out the head joint to play.
Picture 1-Kissing the flute
Picture 2-rolled out
The result was that the flute was actually sitting “on” the lip which is entirely wrong! Because of the high position of the head joint on the lips the poor flutist did not stand a chance on being able to play much. Their low notes were very weak and airy. Almost anything below the staff was useless. Their tone in general was thin and non-focused. And when they tried to play above the staff, they had some major issues, bless their heart!
Believe it or not, the flute lip plate actually rests just BELOW the lower lip!
Picture 3-Flute lip plate below the lower lip
And then what you do is have the pink of your lower lip lay slightly across the inside edge (nearest your body).
Picture 4-lower lip slightly laying over the blow hole
I know, if you play incorrectly then when you change the way you set the flute to your mouth it is going to feel weird at first.
Whenever I see a flutist with the “Kissing” embouchure I ask them if I can move the head joint down slightly. After I reset it, I have them play some music with the “new” embouchure. They are absolutely blown away with the difference. I have had some of them actually break down crying over how much improved they sound when they play.
Give it a try! You can even try this in front of a mirror to visualize what you are doing. I am sure that once you try this you will not go back to your old ways!! Good luck!