For those Texas high school flutists learning the 2020-21 All State Flute Etudes (see tmea.org), the first steps are to learn the correct notes, proper rhythms, articulations, and dynamics. Then divide the etudes into large sections, and define the phrases. Be sure to plan your breathing along with the phrases, and mark your breaths, so that you remain consistent. You do not have to play all the way through the etudes each day. With time management being a concern for everyone, it is best to drill small groups of measures each day slowly and carefully. As you progress, begin combining measures and phrases together but remain under tempo during the early learning stages. Slowly increase to performance tempo as your technique improves but keep your focus on musicality and clean execution.
