Balinese Flute

One of my well travelled students who is lucky enough again to be travelling to Bali later this year, inspired me to post some information about Balinese Flutes. Despite owning a menagere of Balinese flutes in my household, I am yet to master this wonderfully simple yet multifaceted instrument.

Made of bamboo, a suling or Indonesian/Balinese flute is usually played in Gamelan ensembles. Unlike the Western hand position, to play the balinese flute you place your right hand at the top and left hand at the bottom. A unique technique of this instrument involves moving your fingers over the holes to create a quivering sound otherwise known as a ngelik. Critcial when playing, is the way in which you alter the air flow through the flute and the way you use vibrato to alter the tone. Generally, the flute is played using circular breathing much like the didgeridoo. There are various varieties, designs and sizes.

For more information and history of Surling follow the following links
http://balaibanjar.blogspot.com/2009/11/balinese-flute.html
http://www.balibeyond.com/gamelanbali.html
http://www.balimusicanddance.com/articles/what-is-a-suling.html