Copyright - Trygve Peterson, D.M.A. Assistant Professor of Flute Body position Form a triangle with the body, arms, and flute. Arms are straight in front of body, not pulled sideways. Head looks to the left . The head and flute face the stand and conductor, not the torso and chair. Good body position is relaxed, poised, and responsive to the music.
Hand position Use the flute as a lever between hands and head.
The 9 fingers that operate the flute must be completely free and independent of holding the flute. Right hand thumb is behind the 1st finger, pushing forward. The thumb and pinky do not lever the flute vertically. Left hand, side of 1st finger, pushes inward. The wrist is bent, curving and cupping around the keys.