Piccolo Readiness Checklist
Are YOU ready for the piccolo? Let's make sure you have a good foundation on the flute first! Check off items as you complete them - once you hit 9 out of 10, you're ready!
Download the Piccolo Readiness Checklist here: Piccolo Readiness Checklist
Tone Quality:
▫ I can produce a clear sound on the flute from C1 - B♭3
▫ I can play multiple dynamics on each register of the flute
▫ I can change registers of the flute using air direction, rather than volume
It's important to have a solid understanding of tone production, dynamics, and register changes on the flute prior to starting the piccolo. The physical mechanics of each of these skills is similar, but on a smaller scale, when playing the piccolo. Small embouchure manipulations like those required on the piccolo are only possible after this level of competancy on the flute.
Finger Technique:
▫ I can play the following major scales: C, G, D, A, E, A♭, E♭, B♭, and F
▫ I can play technical passages while keeping my fingers close to the keys
▫ I can play passages of 16th notes that are over eight beats long
Piccolo parts in ensemble and solo pieces tend to be technically demanding. In addition, the smaller size of the piccolo can make the instrument unstable when playing faster passages. In order to successfully play the repertoire often assigned to piccoloists, one must have a strong foundation of flute finger technique prior to starting the piccolo.
Other Factors:
▫ I can demonstrate a variety of articulations on the flute cleanly
▫ I understand and can execute the mechanics involved in
multiple-tonguing
▫ I can begin to identify and correct intonation problems when
playing in an ensemble
▫ I can confidently play by myself in front of others
Articulating is more challenging on the piccolo than on the flute because of how small the aperture, or the hole created by your lips, is. Piccolo parts in solo or ensemble music also tend to feature articulated passages in both single and multiple tonguing. Hearing intonation problems in an ensemble is an essential skill for piccolo players, who must tune down several octaves to the lowest-pitched instrument. Lastly, piccoloists often have soloistic lines in ensemble music and must subsequently be comfortable being heard playing by themselves.