Playing Dizi: Concepts, Terminologies, Jargons

Mind your intonation. Fine tune the tension of the membrane every time before practising and playing. 

A loose membrane causes a lumpy sound. Adjust it by breathing on it, at least 4 seconds. Then hold its edge with your left thumb firmly, stretching up and down to the other side across the membrane hole. If the membrane is too tight, simply breathe on it for a while. Never adjust it with your fingers or any kind of things.

Adjust the length of dizi as needed if yours has a joint. The longer the flute, the lower the pitch. If the pitch is still too flat despite a completely connected joint, tighten or even change the membrane.

Always lift the fingers that are not required, ideally 3-5 centimeters above the finger holes. Too low finger position significantly affects the intonation.

Your articulation shapes phrases. Tongue every beginning note of a phrase, a slur and, occasionally, notes within a legato. Good articulations ensure the flow and fluency of music.

Breathe only at breath marks ("v") indicated.

Use the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to provide a steady and controlled airstream.

Always keep your oral cavity open – you experience the indication when you sense your chin descending, regardless what notes and registers you are in.

The higher the note, the smaller the embouchure; the lower, the larger. Try to practice controlling the size of your embouchure only with your lips, without any other parts of your face muscle.

Double the air speed when you octave higher. Avoid squeezing cheeks and lips. Always play high notes without using  force.

Rise your airstream, that is, the angle at which you blow across the embouchure hole, for a diminuendo.