What You Need to Start Learning Flute

 

 

When you start learning flute you need things to get you going on your musical journey.  In fact you can start learning the flute with five things. These five things will be outlined below, with:

 

1. A Flute

 

 

If you are learning a musical instrument then you need to be able to play it at any time you want. 

I started on a Yamaha student flute which my parents bought. Then later on I upgraded to a Selmer flute which I have been playing on ever since. My model is not available but there are updated models available.

Take a look at  Yamaha Flutes Here

Take a look at  Selmer Flutes Here

There are other brands which will help you start learning flute just as well. 

 

2. Cleaning Kit

 

When you play an instrument you need to look after it and keep it clean.

Here are some flute cleaning kit options

Generally you need to clean the inside and outside of the flute with different cloths and the pads with thin absorbent paper. These and more come in cleaning kits. Some cleaning kits come with a cleaning rod but when you purchase a flute, a cleaning rod usually comes with it. Please note that if you view some of the ratings of these cleaning kits , some people have given the kit a lower score because the kit didn’t come with a cleaning rod. My advice….if you haven’t got a flute cleaning rod then either buy it separately or choose a cleaning kit with one included.

Cleaning your flute is all part of the overall care of your flute to keep it it prime condition for your musical enjoyment. So there is no better time to get into a good habit than when you start learning flute.

 

3. Music Stand

 

 

I used the stand on a piano or a chair as my music stand for many years. They are fine to use for playing sitting down at home but the chair could be a little low to play with a good posture.

My advice is to get a music stand when you start learning flute because:

 

1. You can play sitting down or standing. 

Sitting or standing is fine if you play on your own at home 

You will most likely be sitting down for practices and performances if you play in a musical group such as a chamber group, orchestra, big band.

If you play to perform as a solo artist then you will most likely be standing.

Please note that when you play standing then you are more likely to get a better posture for breathing and hence sound.

                           

2. There is a better chance of getting a good posture because you can adjust the height to the desired level.

 

3. They are very portable.

 

4.  Start Learning Flute with Sheet Music

 

 

I recommend getting a flute method book to get started.  This is because a flute method book will have the fingering, techniques, exercises and techniques to enable learning in a step by step fashion.  And it  is always there for easy reference at any stage.

Some people like to learn and play by ear and memory. This  is great to be able to do and play along to your favourite artists and songs.

Other people like to play music by reading what is in front of them. This is another great method for playing your favourite pieces and I feel it is beneficial to do so. This is  because you can sight read music for fun and join musical groups which use music for performance like a chamber group or orchestra.

So when you start learning flute you can choose from the many options of flute method  or tutor books on the market. Each has good and not so good points. But in the end each one is a vehicle to learning and playing the pieces you want to.

 

5. Start Learning Flute with Music Lessons

 

It is beneficial to get someone to teach you to start learning flute. A flute teacher can guide you in the right direction and can see what you are doing well or what you need help in. You can always try and learn yourself through the aid a method books, through an online course, YouTube or  lessons by skype or google hangouts. The latter is particularly good if you live in a remote area,  just live in a different location to the desired teacher or need a catch up lesson. However you may develop bad habits. And you may not always see what is a good technique or not. Face to face lessons work the best. 

 

So there you have it

A Flute

A Cleaning Kit

A Music Stand

Sheet Music

A Flute Teacher

ARE

 Five Things You Need To Start Learning Flute

Happy Playing

 

Feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or are interested in taking up flute lessons in Rolleston or one of the Canterbury Schools I teach at.