A Consequence of Sequences 1

As flute players, we are encouraged from the earliest stages to focus on our scales and arpeggios and, as we become more proficient, on our studies (études). Sadly, for young players, this can feel more like some form of punishment rather than a path to musical enjoyment and mastery. Heaven forbid that we should actually enjoy playing our instruments!

The benefits of regular practice in the above disciplines only really become apparent as we mature and gradually grasp the idea that they are musical activities, through which we can learn to sculpt our flute sound and personality. Even then, the connection between scales, arpeggios and studies is not necessarily an obvious one.

A Consequence of Sequences aims to bridge that gap. By blending certain characteristics of scales and arpeggios into the more enticingly melodious and harmonic structures of studies, this book of sequences (covering Breathing and Phrasing, Fingers, Articulation and Intervals) aims to provide an opportunity to work on demanding technical issues, in bite-sized and manageable segments.