learning the flute
The flute can produce a rich mellow sound in the lower registers and a bright, brilliant sound in the upper registers. The sound of the flute is produced by blowing across the hole near the top of the instrument, a bit like you might make a sound blowing across the top of a bottle.
The upper part of this instrument is called the headjoint. I usually focus on this part of the instrument for the initial lessons as this is where the student can begin to build a solid, warm sound and start to learn how to use their tongue to separate the notes.
Flutes, although a relatively small instrument, can require a good arm length and reach across the body. Often children find they can manage a standard flute at about age 9. It is, however, very much dependant on the size of the child both in terms of how well they can manage the weight and whether their hands can reach the keys.
For those who find it difficult to reach the keys and manage the weight of a straight head flute, curved head flutes are available. These are brilliant for bringing the instrument closer to the player, reducing both the weight and the reach of the hands. Please watch the video opposite for an explanation of curved head flutes.
For younger children who want to learn the flute, but find even a curved head too big, there are a couple of other options. The fife, which is an instrument in it’s own right, is blown like a flute, but is plastic, much smaller and has holes to cover rather like a recorder. Another instrument I use with younger pupils is the Nuvo Toot. Again, similar to a fife, but has the option of an additional lip plate which helps direct the air into the correct position. This can be removed once the student is more confident holding the Toot to the side and moving their fingers confidently. Please see below for a video about the Nuvo Toot.
