Learning the Flute for the younger student

After teaching the Flute for many years now and specialising in this instrument i have rarely come across a young student of the flute who finds it impossible to reach the keys or has difficulty in holding the flute after 2 lessons.

Parents often come to me wanting advice on different makes of flute, especially whether it is worth buying the curved head flute for their young daughter or son worrying that they may not reach the keys. I have always evaluated the child first in a 'taster lesson' but rarely do I find that they are too small to play a full size standard C flute.

In the first lessons it is the straight head-joint I use for tone and embouchure only without the body of the flute. Then when this is consistently achieved I add the body and foot-joint of the flute.

It is very awkward for them at first and frustration can set in but I find purchasing a curved head flute is a waste of money as these are discarded after a couple of weeks, and I feel that the student should be getting used to the longer arm stretch asap and normally they have always been able to do so.

As far as buying a flute is concerned it of course depends on what level the student is at. For the sake of this article I am assuming it is for a young beginner. There are many decent makes out there and many really 'bad' makes.

Shopping on eBay is not a good idea for a flute unless you really know who you are dealing with, which make of flute you are shopping for specifically, and they are a reputable company music shop with good feedback. You can, in this case then, get a good deal.

The best new or used makes for the beginner student that will last the child including the inevitable knocks the poor flute endures in the first few months are: the Yamaha Student Flute YFL 211S, and the Pearl Student Flute range. These are the only 2 makes I would really recommend. These flutes are priced at the higher end of the market when they are new (£350), but used flutes in good condition can be picked up at a much lower price (around £200). Remember many people buy a flute, have 3 lessons then it sits in the box for years! Insist that it receives a full service before you purchase one: this will save a lot of money in the long run.

There is no need to spend a huge amount on a flute for a beginner. A used 2nd hand flute with a service will do. Boosey and Hawkes (an older flute) made a good solid flute which I personally love the sound of. These are often found on Ebay or 2nd hand. Some American makes (Gemeinhardt) are good solid flutes too.

Flutes to steer clear of are coloured flutes (Pink, blue, etc). Every little girl would love a pink flute wouldn't they.... they do fall apart though and are more toys than musical instruments. Flutes made in China are to be avaoided at all cost. They do not last past the first lesson especially with a child learning to play.

I hope this article has helped anyone that is thinking of buying a flute.