The pan flute is typically curved. Position the flute’s curve toward your body. Keep the pan flute horizontally aligned with your head. So if your head tilts one way or the other, the flute should also tilt to remain aligned with your head. [2] X Research source
Move the bottom of the flute slightly away from your or closer to you to adjust the direction of the air flow into the tube. Adjust the position of the tube’s top higher or lower depending on your mouth and lips to produce a good quality sound. [4] X Research source Tighten up your lips/embouchure when you are playing the higher notes (shorter tubes). Relax your embouchure when you play lower notes (longer tubes). [5] X Research source
Make minor adjustments to your embouchure and the flute’s positioning so that you achieve the sound you want.
Tilt the flute: Tilt the bottom of the pan flute away from you so that your lower lip covers part of the tube opening. [7] X Research source Draw the flute down slightly against your lip at the same time. Retract your jaw: You can also retract your jaw to play half-notes. Pull your chin backwards while directing air into one of the tubes. [8] X Research source
Tilt flute away from your body to bend a note downward. Keep the airflow constant. [9] X Research source
You can also get a vibrato sound by moving the pan flute towards and away from your mouth just a slight distance. Do this quickly while keeping the air flow consistent and strong. [13] X Research source
Practice different techniques while moving up and down the musical scale, working on staccato sounds and vibrato sounds. Practice a scale with half-notes. On each tube, play the regular note and then play the half note by tilting the flute toward or away from your body.
Play “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by blowing into the pipe that corresponds to each number: 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 3, 5, 5, 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2, 1[15] X Research source
Alternately, take the pan flute to a musical instrument repair shop for professional repair.
