Flute Basics
Embouchure and placement of flute headjoint

Flute embouchure

To play the flute you need to begin on the headjoint separately.  Place the headjoint just below the lower lip where there is a line between the chin and lip. This position varies according to chin shape and lower lip thickness. A quarter of the headjoint embouchure hole should be covered. Experiment with a higher placement on the bottom lip or a lower placement below the lip, in the crook of the chin. Stretch the lower lip onto the lip plate as much as comfortable and form an embouchure (a lip formation that resembles the photo, in which you form an aperture to direct air onto the strike edge of the headjoint embouchure hole). The shape of the aperture is roughly that of an ellipse. It can be formed in the center of the lips or to the right or left sides. Experiment to find the correct placement for yourself. Now, a tone can be attempted: blow gently. Modern flutes are designed to play easily and you must learn to direct your airstream across and into the embouchure hole. If you are successful, a moderately loud "a natural" will sound from the headjoint. Make sure to hold this out as long as possible and repeat this one note many times. The lips must learn to produce this tone with regularity. After this is achieved, you are ready to assemble the flute and learn your first notes.

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Correct Holding Position and Embouchure