I'm not sure what you mean by "stamina for my lips"...I can tell you that, when playing the transverse flute, I have found myself "clenching" and becoming prematurely tired and achy in the face muscles as well as the fingers...relaxing and concentrating on tone is the only way that I can relieve this problem. I currently have a really crappy chanter (it was a misguided gift...I'll probably buy a Dunbar chanter sometime soon) and it isn't worth the time it takes to pick it up and blow in it...I'm sure that you have a decent one and that the instrument isn't the problem.

A while back I learned about something called "The Alexander Technique" which is a sort of lining up, relaxing and being conscious of your posturer in any activity that you engage in...I'm by no means an expert in this technique but just reading some of the basics has helped me to find ways to avoid unnecessary stress and discomfort while doing all sorts of things. Our Australlian and NZ members might know more about Alexander as he was a big noise down under and was, I believe, in politics down there.

Anyway, I hope that the solution to your discomfort is something as simple as being aware of it and consciously trying to relax. I've had friends that are guitarists that have had their chiropractors analyze the way that they play and adjust things like arm position and strap length and they have all found that it has helped relieve stress considerably.

Mellow out, man....BE the chanter.....grooovy!

Best

AA