Beginner Flute Guide

BEGINNER FLUTE GUIDE

This Beginner Flute Guide will provide the opportunity to celebrate each flute related step with your child throughout their first flute. Because getting all of the supplies is such a daunting task, listed below is a wealth of information that will help you have a smooth process

Your First Flute

When looking for a flute, it is best to find a durable flute that can handle young hands while producing a good sound and with minimal to no dents. To make sure your flute is in good order check for:

1. For Quick Key Action - The keys should move quick and smoothly

2. That the flute is dent free

3. Cork – Really for those that have a sweet parent or grandparent passing the flute down please check the cork at the top of the flute. If it moves easily it needs to be replaced. I am happy to look over these flutes. Be forewarned, I will most likely recommend getting either a Clean Oil and Adjust (COA) or a new flute, depending on the condition of the flute.

4. For those inheriting flutes, please be aware of and check for mold and mildew spores. These flutes have been locked away for a long time. Getting a COA is highly recommended.

Recommended Flutes:

The following flutes provide an excellent sound and durability for young hands. Least likely to be in the shop throughout the year. They are listed in order of preference.

1. Jupiter

2. Gemeinhardt

3. Yamaha

4. Pearl – Beginner flutes only. Easy to get a good sound on these

5. Armstrong

Beginner Flutes I DO NOT Recommend: 

1. Amadaeus (A Haynes Company)

   1. Reason: they are constantly in the repair shop.

2. Any cheaply made flute from a place (large warehouses, stores with red bulls eye, or blue and yellow flower that I can’t name including online places that deliver in two days) that sells food, clothes, house supplies…

3. viii.Bundy.

   1. There is a long standing joke in the flute world that if your house is robbed and they took a buddy…they will return it.

To RENT or PURCHASE

I had the wonderful opportunity to pick out my first shiny new flute when I was a little girl. A moment I will always treasure. I rarely had problems with it and enjoyed it for many years. I am partial to purchasing a new flute however, I understand the necessity of renting a flute. In case you are on the fence here are points for each side:

Renting a flute

Companies give you a rent-to-own deal. Once the contract is complete you own your instrument (and have significantly overpaid). Be in the know: brand new Gemeinhardt 2sp costs $479 at Flute Specialists AND Flute World.

Purchasing a flute

• Every flute player in the state of Michigan is in luck. Fortunately for us we have two very well known Flute shops in the area. 1. Flute World s located in Farmington Hills, MI and Flute Specialists, in Royal Oak. Both Stores have a wonderful selection of beginner flutes for purchase.

• Ownership: If you purchase a brand new flute it is yours at a reduced cost to renting at higher quality.

• If you decide to purchase I suggest looking at Jupiter 511 RBSO - an open hole beginner flute. Another recommendation is Jupiter 507

Accessories 

You do NOT need a flute care kit! The only items you need are:

1. A Chemical Free, Lint Free Polishing Cloth (to clean the surface of the instrument)

2. A Durable Cleaning Cloth (to clean the interior of the instrument)

Additional Accessories:

1. Music notebook for lessons with dividers

   1. a small ½ inch binder with 5-tab dividers is perfect. I will have some available in the Maltby band room.

2. Tote bag/ flute bag

   1. Students will be juggling their flute, notebook/binder, band book, cleaning cloths, and pencils. I recommend finding a tote bag or small backpack dedicated to the flute to help make your life easier on band days. The great news is beginner flutes easily fit in a tote bag.

3. Music stand (for home practice)

   1. Stands are provided at school however stands are also needed at home. There are wire stands but Manhasset music stands are the most durable. My first stand has lasted over 15 years and still looks relatively new. Look for a sturdy stand to practice at home.

4. Tuner and Metronome

   1. Necessary items overall. I use the tunable app at school and use Korg KDM2 metronome at home. Amazon sells a Korg TM50BK Instrument Tuner and Metronome combo for $20.75. Well worth the cost.

5. Must-Have Apps

   1. Speaking of apps. Here are two recommended apps:

      1. Tunable - accurate tuner and metronome. Provides recording options as well.

      2. Tenuto- a must! This app has concise staff recognition, including note identification, key signature identificatin, interval identification and more.

Daily Tools

Once everything has been purchased and your child is ready for class here is a list of items young flutists ALWAYS need each class period  / private lesson:

• A Flute

• A Sharpened Pencil

• Music Notebook

• Band Book

• Tote Bag

• A positive attitude with a desire to learn!