As flute players, we are encouraged from the earliest stages to focus on our scales and arpeggios and, as we become more proficient, on our studies (études). Sadly, for young players, this can feel more like some form of punishment rather than a path to musical enjoyment and mastery. Heaven forbid that we should actually enjoy playing our instruments!

The benefits of regular practice in the above disciplines only really become apparent as we mature and gradually grasp the idea that they are m...