How to Blow a Bansuri Using a Straw

How to Blow a Bansuri Using a Straw

 (Beginner Flute Breathing Tutorial)

Learning how to blow correctly is the first and most important step in playing the Bansuri flute. Many beginners struggle to get a clear sound from a flute instrument because the embouchure (mouth position) and airflow are not yet developed.
The straw method is a simple, effective exercise used by flute teachers worldwide to help beginners understand airflow direction, control, and pressure before moving fully to the bansuri instrument.

This tutorial will guide you step by step on how to use a straw to improve your blowing technique for the bansuri.

Why Use a Straw to Learn Bansuri Blowing?

The bansuri is an open-hole side-blown flute, unlike a whistle-type flute. Producing sound depends entirely on how air is directed across the blowing edge.

Benefits of the Straw Method for Flute Beginners

  • Helps understand air direction without wasting breath

  • Improves breath control for the bansuri flute

  • Reduces frustration when learning the flute online

  • Prepares beginners for clean, stable notes on a real bansuri

This technique is especially useful if you are learning the Bamboo Flute through videos or tutorials.

What You Need Before Starting

Basic Requirements

  • A normal drinking straw (paper or plastic)

  • A quiet place with good posture

  • Your bansuri flute (optional for later steps)

Tip: This exercise works for all sizes of flute instrument, whether you play a beginner bansuri or a professional one.

Understanding Airflow in a Bansuri Flute

How Sound Is Produced in a Bansuri Instrument

In a bansuri, sound is created when air hits the sharp edge of the blowing hole and splits into two parts:

  • One part goes inside the flute

  • The other goes outside

The balance between these two air streams creates vibration and sound.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Blowing too hard

  • Blowing straight into the hole

  • Incorrect lip opening

The straw method fixes these problems naturally.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Blow Using a Straw

Step 1: Correct Posture for Flute Breathing

Stand or sit upright with:

  • Relaxed shoulders

  • Straight spine

  • Neck aligned, not bent forward

Good posture ensures smooth airflow, which is essential for any flute or bansuri flute.

Step 2: Hold the Straw Correctly

  • Place the straw gently between your lips

  • Do not bite the straw

  • Keep lips relaxed and slightly closed

Lip Shape for Bansuri Blowing

Your lips should form a small oval opening, similar to how you will blow into a bansuri instrument later.

Step 3: Blow Air Through the Straw

Focus on These Points

  • Blow slowly and steadily

  • Use air from your diaphragm, not cheeks

  • Avoid forceful blowing

You should feel a smooth, controlled stream of air coming out of the straw.

Heading 4: Breathing Tip for Beginners

If your cheeks puff up, stop and reset. Proper flute blowing never uses cheek pressure.

Step 4: Direction Control Exercise

Now slightly move the straw:

  • Angle it a little up and down

  • Notice how airflow direction changes

This trains the same control needed to hit the blowing edge of a bansuri flute correctly.

Step 5: Simulating the Bansuri Blowing Hole

Hold your free hand flat and blow the straw across the edge of your hand.

What This Teaches

  • How air splits on an edge

  • How small angle changes affect sound

  • Why precision matters in a flute instrument

This step directly connects the straw exercise to real bansuri playing.

Transitioning from Straw to Bansuri Flute

Step 6: Apply the Same Blowing to the Bansuri

Now pick up your bansuri flute.

  • Place the blowing hole near your lower lip

  • Do not cover the hole completely

  • Blow gently using the same airflow practiced with the straw

Key Similarities

  • Same lip shape

  • Same air speed

  • Same relaxed breathing

If done correctly, you should start getting a soft, clear sound.

Common Problems and Solutions

No Sound Coming Out

  • Adjust the flute angle slightly

  • Reduce air pressure

  • Recheck lip opening

Airy or Breath Noise

  • Narrow your lip opening

  • Slow down the airflow

These issues are normal when learning the bansuri online or offline.

How Long Should You Practice This Exercise?

Recommended Practice Routine

  • Straw exercise: 5–10 minutes daily

  • Bansuri blowing practice: 10–15 minutes

  • Total flute practice: 20–30 minutes

Consistency is more important than long practice sessions when learning a bansuri instrument.

Best for Beginners Learning Flute Online

If you are learning flute online through videos, courses, or tutorials, this straw method helps you:

  • Understand instructions better

  • Progress faster

  • Avoid bad blowing habits

Many professional flute players still use this exercise for warm-ups.

🎥 Video Section: How to Use Straw for Bansuri Blowing


Watch this video to visually understand straw blowing technique for bansuri flute beginners.

Final Thoughts on Learning Bansuri Blowing Technique

Mastering blowing is the foundation of playing any flute instrument. The straw method simplifies this learning process and builds correct habits from day one. Whether you are practicing on a physical flute or learning the bansuri online, this technique will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Once your airflow becomes stable, your bansuri flute will respond beautifully with better tone, control, and confidence.

Back to blog

Leave a comment