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Josh and I found a groove in between takes - I think this is Dowd's #9 but I'm not sure.

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Joshua Mannix

Sean, this is an unrelated question versus the video: how do you know you're hitting the right tone on the flute if A. This is your first instrument ever to learn how to play and you have 0 experience beyond that and B. At the moment, no in person/live teacher?

Sean Cunningham

Ooo, great question and one I have a lot of experience with as I was in the same boat when I started. #1: have a high quality instrument. If you've got a good flute (just like a good whistle) you can start by assuming that if the tone doesn't sound good then it's your fault - which is a good problem to have. I grinded through 2 pretty poor flutes, not knowing any better, and it probably set me back. #2 do as much listening as possible - listen to Matt Molloy first and foremost - but listen to as many other flute players as you can to get a good idea of what good tone is supposed to sound like. #3 practice embouchure on the flute, fingers on the tin whistle. I.e. learn tunes on the whistle and just use the flute to practice getting good, strong tone.

Sean Cunningham

Ahhh Doorley's playing is both wonderful and unique - his tone is indeed different from most others I've run across. The main thing is to be in control - as clear (or as breathy) as you want the tone to sound, and hopefully along with that as efficient as possible.