Towards a More Inclusive Flute Pedagogy: Analysis and Pedagogical Strategies for the Teacher to Facilitate Student Learning of Odd-Year Oklahoma Honor Band Flute Audition Etudes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a pedagogical guide for students preparing the odd-year honor band flute audition etudes in Oklahoma. This document expands access to specialized flute instruction and is a resource for students in all regions of Oklahoma. The etudes in this document were analyzed, leveled based on the National Flute Association (NFA) leveling criteria, and matched with pedagogical advice appropriate to the level determination. This analysis was then used to determine learning outcomes expected of beginning, intermediate, and advanced level flute students in Oklahoma. To determine the performance skills and associated technical problems expected at each level, several band and flute method books were evaluated. The summary that follows the etude analyses details the various problems associated with learning the flute and addresses each in turn. The pedagogical summary includes instruction to overcome the following list of issues associated with playing the flute: poor instrument balance, poor hand position, poor tone quality, technique issues, inconsistent articulation, poorly managed breath control, weak low register tone and projection, and poor upper register response, intonation, and dexterity.