Flute Lessons

The flute is a member of the woodwind family. It is usually associated with orchestral music but is found within wind and show bands, as well as being seen within a jazz setting. There is a multitude of music available in a huge range of styles making it a very flexible instrument to learn. 

Another member of the flute family is the piccolo, a smaller and higher instrument. Due to the challenging nature of the piccolo it requires a more advanced player. Once you have reached at least Grade 3 level, you might wish to add this instrument to your playing capability. 

Requirements

There is no minimum age to start playing the flute but for smaller children it can prove to be a little heavy and a stretch for small hands. For children who cannot quite make the stretch of the traditional flute, there is a version with a curved head making the stretch a little less. If this is still not quite suitable, or if the flute is found to be too heavy, there is a smaller plastic flute called a Fife which is available to learn on. Please enquire further is this is something you might be interested in. 

One’s just not enough…

Once you have reached Grade 3 level or so, it is quite common to move on to the saxophone. The fingering for flute and saxophone is extremely similar. Once you have learnt one woodwind instrument, you should find you quickly pick up another. In advanced settings, it is possible to have “Reed” parts within bands that require you to play clarinet, saxophone and flute.

Care and Maintenance: 
You should use a cleaning rod and cloth after playing to remove excess moisture.

Reputable Brands

When you buy your first flute, it is usually recommended to go for a cheaper student model that will last you up until Grade 3+.  These usually start around £150 but the more you spend, the longer the flute will last before an upgrade. It is always best to speak to a player before purchasing a flute but some reputable brands include:

• Yamaha
• Jupiter
• Pearl
• Trevor James

There are also rent to buy schemes available as well as purchasing outright.

Caution

If you are buying a second-hand instrument, try to make sure you know exactly what you are buying e.g. the condition/playability of the flute. It is advised to go with a known brand when purchasing your first instrument; cheaper and second-hand instruments are often harder to sell on.

Helpful Links

www.justflutes.com
www.clarineo.co.uk