Flute- now I'm going to blame it on my lips!

[jonnyc]

My stupid question 100000001 !
Is it possible to have the "wrong shaped lips" to play the flute?
I don't mean embouchure per se, and I am not the elephant man here!

[bpimentel]

I suppose it's possible, but not very likely.

Flute is difficult. Get a good teacher and give it some time. Good luck!

Bret Pimentel

[Dr G]

I split my lower lip in an accident when I was a child and probably caused some damage - I certainly don't have a perfect "textbook" flute embouchure. On the other hand, I learned to compensate for it many (30?) years ago and I consider my tone and range to be good.

Find a good flute teacher to get started. A good embouchure is imperative for success on the flute.

[Joe]

Jonnyc, people with a large tear drop (the indentation between the nose and upper lip) that causes the upper lip to dip significantly in the middle often have major problems on flute. Flautists with this problem usually have to learn to play to on side or the other instead of in the middle. This often causes the sound and control to suffer some. With enough practice, though, even this can be overcome for the most part.

[Gordon (NZ)]

It seems to me that it is exceedingly common for players to blow slightly out the side, with no problems. Indeed it may be the norm.

See http://www.larrykrantz.com/embpic.htm