Did you know that there are times when you will not want to use the tongue to start a particular pitch? Depending on the song you are working on, you may need to start a pitch without using the tongue to start the sound of the note. Most young flutists tend to use the tongue to start all notes on the flute as they play. The problem is that there may be a particular part in your music where it may be very soft (ppp) and adding the tongue would make the entrance of the note too harsh.
When I work with younger flutists, I notice that they tend to use their tongue to actually produce the pitch. Let me explain. If you use your embouchure correctly you should be able to start any pitch in any octave without the tongue. Most younger flutists use the tongue to force the note out which produces a very harsh and loud sound. They have not developed the correct embouchure for that octave. They are using the tongue to force the pitch out.
Here is how you can tell if you are using your embouchure and diaphragm correctly. Take a breath, then push the air out with your diaphragm muscle (your tummy) and start a note without using your tongue as an aid. Your goal is to push the air out the same time you produce the tone (without the aid of the tongue).
Try it with some notes on the staff
If you are doing it correctly, then the diaphragm muscle and the air coming out of your mouth should function at the same moment which will produce the desired pitch at that same exact instant.
Now try the same routine above the staff.
By now you should be getting the hang of it! When I practice (which is every day) I always incorporate a few minutes of this exercise into my routine to keep it fresh!
In flute/band/orchestral literature, there will be times when you have to start a note very softly and do not want the accent of the tongue added. I can remember, in numerous orchestral works, where I had to start a pitch (high A3) at ppp and sustain it that way for several beats at an extremely slow tempo.
If you are using the correct embouchure in conjunction with the diaphragm, then you should be able to produce any pitch (high or low) without using the tongue.
Go ahead and give it a try. I think you will find that it will only enhance your flute playing and help you on your way to becoming a great flutist!
For the related YouTube video click here