William Kincaid, Principal Flutist of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1921-1960 and teacher for many decades at the Curtis Institute of Music, was one of the most influential figures in the history of American flute playing.

While organizing and digitizing documents in my studio/office today, I came across a well-worn, yellowed photocopy of a 12-page document, “Notes on Flute Performance” by William Kincaid. I remember that the article (with no copyright indication) was given to me by a teacher many years ago. (I wish I could remember the rest of the story!)

I reread this article, which discusses basic topics including resonance, tone, embouchure, vibrato, articulation, phrasing and line from the context and in the words of William Kincaid.

I have posted a pdf of the article for you to read and to consider under ARTICLES/DOCUMENTS. I welcome comments and questions.

To read more about Kincaid read: Kincaidiana by John C. Krell, a former Kincaid student and member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, available at http://www.nfaonline.org/NFA-Store/Product.aspx?ProductID=74

There are several historic recordings of Kincaid re-released on CD available for purchase through a variety of sources.

We can still learn from this great teacher, William Kincaid.

Catherine

Upper Lip Images: "Trunk and Snout"

"Buzzing" the upper lip against the tongue seemed to be a frequent prescription for tone and articulation issues in lessons this week.

I often speak of how the upper lip can be strong and flexible, capable of lifting and extending itself well beyond the upper teeth and the tongue.

Did you know that a elephant trunk has over 50,000 muscles and no bones? Imagine how strong and flexible an elephant trunk is!

Try imitating an elephant trunk with your upper lip, surrounding muscles, and tongue.

Here is everything you ever wanted to know about elephant trunks and more:
http://elephant.elehost.com/About_Elephants/Anatomy/The_Trunk/the_trunk.html




Aardvarks have long tapered snouts and long tongues. Picture your "snout"--your lifted and extended upper lip --sucking in air when you inhale.




For more thoughts on upper lip and tongue position, visit Jerome Callet's website:
http://www.super-chops.com/

Happy "buzzing!"

Catherine