Embouchure hole
Opening in the head joint of the flute over which the air stream is blown.
What it means
The embouchure hole, also called the blowing hole, is the opening in the head joint of the flute over which the player blows the air stream. It is oval and lies in the lip plate, on which the lower lip rests. The air stream strikes the opposite edge of the hole and is split there; the air column in the tube is thereby set vibrating, and the note arises.
Musical use
The shape and size of the embouchure hole influence a flute's response, tone and volume. Flute makers therefore work carefully on edges and curves. The hole is covered only partly, not completely, by the lower lip; how much, together with the lip opening and air direction, determines pitch and tone color.
The embouchure hole should be distinguished from the embouchure, that is, the position of lips and mouth cavity, and from the labium of the recorder, which, unlike the transverse flute, is blown through a channel.
Performance practice
Place the flute so that the embouchure hole lies roughly in the middle of the lower lip and the air stream strikes the opposite edge. Change the position only in small steps, because even a millimetre affects the sound.