These warmups are taken from the essential Marcel Moyse publication, Tone Development Through Interpretation. Moyse, in addition to being one of the great flutists of the 20th Century, was perhaps the most influential teacher of the flute through his many pedagogical works as well as his teaching/coaching at the Marlboro Festival in Vermont. The two sets of exercises offered here are from the back of Tone Development and might often be overlooked because they are exercises as opposed to the musical transcriptions presented throughout most of the book. However, they are as essential as any of the fundamental exercises in Moyse’s most popular work—De La Sonorite. I have made some small additions to each exercise regarding tempos, dynamics, and breath marks. Both Moyse books referenced here are invaluable sources for flutists and highly recommended for woodwind doublers.
Exercise I focuses on the low register of the flute and must be practiced slowly with the emphasis given to the uniformity of the tone, legato, and the dynamics indicated. It is especially important to make subtle crescendos to the lowest notes to ensure that the resonance of the upper notes is maintained throughout. Practice each exercise twice—the first time without vibrato and then with vibrato on the repeat. Play this warmup AFTER warming up in the lower register with smaller intervals.
Exercise II turns our attention to the upper register and is concerned with playing softly while maintaining total control over the nuances indicated. Make sure to maintain an ample supply of air and angle the air stream higher against the back wall of the lip plate than in exercise #1 to be successful. Like the lower register study, play this exercise twice—the first time without vibrato then with vibrato on the repeat. Attempt this warmup AFTER one has played for a while in all registers of the flute. It can be tiring on the lips so be careful not to do this for too long.