Flute – 10 interesting facts

Posted on November 1, 2014November 2, 2014 by Cristy

Flute – 10 interesting facts

By Brendan Lai-Tong

When many people think of flutes, they think of a transverse flute, which is typically used in bands and orchestras.

The flute has been a part of history for thousands of years and has evolved over that time into the instrument that is often seen today.

Here are ten facts you may not have known about the flute:

A musician who plays the instrument can be referred to as a flute player, a flautist, a flutist, or, less commonly, a fluter.
There are many different sizes of flutes within the family: piccolo, alto, tenor, bass and contrabass.
Standard concert flute is pitched in the key of C, and has a range of approximately 3 octaves.
Alto flute is pitched in the key of G
The instrument has been made out of lots of different materials throughout history including: bone, wood, glass, ivory, plastic, resin, brass, nickel silver, silver, gold and platinum.
Theobald Boehm helped create the modern Western flute. He started improving design and the fingering system of the flute between 1831 and 1847. Most flutists had adopted Boehm’s changes to the design by the second half of the 19^th century.
George Washington, James Madison and Leonardo da Vinci all played the instrument.
Flutes are considered one of the earliest instruments and date back to Germany over 35,000 years ago.
Many cultures have their own version of the instrument. For example, one of the most popular traditional Japanese flutes is the the Shakuhachi.
The earliest use of the word “flute” was in the 14^th century

We hope that you enjoyed these facts. Please feel free to chime in if you have other interesting flute facts!

http://blog.sheetmusicplus.com/2013/01/30/top-10-facts-about-flute/

Flute Electronic Amplification

Posted on September 30, 2014October 18, 2014 by Cristy

Flute Electronic Amplification

A flute can be amplified by microphone or by pickup. There are advantages to each method. A microphone gives you a certain degree of flexibility by allowing you to move the flute closer and farther away.

You can go all the way from a low, breathy tone played close to the mike to shrieking high notes played on the flute from a distance, all without touching a control.

Pickups on the flute also have strong advantages. You don’t have to worry about where your flute is in relation to a mike.

Feedback problems are reduced or eliminated. Often the pickup is used with a preamp that can be kept near you, giving you full control over your own volume output. The pickup can be easily hooked through various electronic special effect devices. Probably most important of all, the reproduction quality of pickups is substantially better than that of microphones. In fact, this can even be a disadvantage—it’s harder to hide your faults from a pickup.

The pickups in use today are electronic assemblies that fit within the flute head joint itself, replacing the cork. The various pickups available are based on differing principles, each pickup having its own peculiar characteristics. If possible, try out various types in your flute before buying.

For good reproduction, a voice amplification system or PA is required. Electric guitar amplifiers will not reproduce clearly.

http://www.markshep.com/flute/Finding.html

Picking the Right Music Teacher (Flute Teacher) for Your Child

Posted on August 1, 2014October 18, 2014 by Cristy

Flute Teacher

Picking the Right Music Teacher (Flute Teacher) for Your Child

There are many flute teachers out there, so picking the right one is important.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a music teacher (flute teacher).

You can find out all about Cristy Wilkins at www.exclusivelyflutes.com.au/flute-tuition/

Brought to you by MENC: The National Association for Music Education

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the prospect of evaluating a music teacher (flute teacher) for your child, especially if you have no music background yourself. But now you can relax — we’ve taken the guesswork out of the selection process with this checklist.

The most important part of selecting a private teacher is to find the right match for your child. Music lessons (flute lessons) are a personal activity and the relationship your child has with his or her (flute) teacher is key to achieving a successful, long-term educational experience.

1. Ask for recommendations for good music instructors (flute teachers) from friends, teachers, and others in your community.
2. Interview the prospective (flute) teacher to find out his or her:

qualifications
teaching experience
policies regarding fees, cancellations, etc.
professional development

3. What are the (flute) teacher’s practice and performance requirements? (Flute) teachers working with older students from school programs may not have performance or recital requirements due to the demands of the school music program. But all (flute) teachers should have some type of practice requirements.
4. Does the (flute) teacher have his or her students study a variety of music and music styles?
5. Does the (flute) teacher incorporate theory and history into the (flute) lessons?
6. Once you’ve selected someone, ask to sit in on a few (flute) lessons in order to observe the relationship developing between your child and the (flute) teacher. Look for the (flute) teacher to inspire and your child to cooperate. Your child should have his or her interest sparked by the (flute) teacher and want to learn more.
7. Attend a recital given by the students of the (flute) teacher. Talk to other parents about their views of the (flute) teacher’s lessons.
8. Does the (flute) teacher help his or her students to set goals for progress? Does the (flute) teacher provide formal or informal evaluations for parents so you can see your child’s progress?
9. Ask for references if appropriate.

Sometimes, the best advice you can get about choosing a music teacher (flute teacher) is from other parents who’ve been there.

One Mom’s Tips for Picking a Good Music Teacher By Rosemary Forrest

As the parent of two grown daughters, both of whom are singers, I learned several things about picking teachers and schools for them.

1. You should be welcome to observe your child’s private lessons (flute lessons). And they should take place at an appropriate time and place.
2. Opportunities to perform are as important as good instruction. There should be participation in community events, opportunities to audition for solos, and more than just an end-of-year recital.
3. Music is expensive. Expect what you pay for sheet music to roughly equal the expense of several (flute) lessons. But it’s a good investment if your child is interested. It should be good sheet music, not just what’s popular this year.
4. Singers should be taught a variety of styles and should be expected to sing in at least German and Italian as well as English.
5. Students should be given the opportunity to compete or be rated in their area. A good music (flute) teacher will belong to professional organizations that provide these opportunities.
6. Colleges offering music majors should have undergraduate courses taught by full professors, not graduate students. Some highly rated colleges use graduate students to instruct the undergrads. Research colleges thoroughly if your high schooler wants to major in music. (The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) website lists accredited schools of music and answers to frequently asked questions.)
7. Check the credentials of the (flute) teachers in the area your child wants to study. A great jazz school may not be what a classical singer needs, for instance.

Source: “Opportunity-to-Learn Standards for Music Education,” Published by MENC.

Don’t forget Exclusively Flutes for all your New and Used Flute Sales, Flute Hire, Flute Servicing, Flute Repairs, Flute Tuition, Flutist for Hire, and Flute Gifts and Flute Accessories.

5 Benefits of Flute Tuition for Children

Posted on July 18, 2014October 18, 2014 by Cristy

Flute Tuition for Children

Flute Tuition – 5 Benefits of Music Lessons for Children by Natalie Rutherford

If you live in British Colombia, by all means, seek out this flute teacher Natalie Rutherford. I really like what she has to say about music tuition, which would as equally apply to flute tuition.

Many parents put their children in music lessons (flute tuition) when they show an interest in playing a particular type of instrument or even in developing their natural singing voice. What many parents don’t realize is there are many benefits to these lessons for children of all ages. It goes well beyond just appeasing a child’s interest and allowing them to do something fun in their free time.

Here are just five of the great benefits children can gain from music lessons (flute tuition):

Musical children have an easier time with schoolwork.

There have been many different studies that have found children involved with music (flute tuition) during childhood have an easier time with schoolwork. They score higher marks on tests and often come out well ahead of their class in all subjects. Since there are many studies that have showed this correlation it can’t be a fluke. Musical children (those involved in flute tuition) clearly benefit from changes in the brain that help them absorb information and remember things better and that helps them get through school with better grades.

Children gain self confidence when they master an instrument (flute).

Music lessons (flute tuition) allow children to experience challenge and overcome it. They are able to take an instrument (flute) that is difficult at first and master it to create beautiful music that they are very proud of creating. This gives a big boost in confidence and helps them see how strong, smart and powerful they really are. This confidence will help them in all aspects of their life as they grow older.

Music gives children something to look forward to and dream about.

When children are allowed to express themselves through music it gives them something to look forward to in the future. Some kids may get excited about learning as many different instruments as possible, while others just live to master more difficult tunes and songs. Some may enjoy learning the classics, while others want to play along with popular tunes on the radio. Whatever it is that excites them about music, music lessons (flute tuition) serve as a portal that exposes them to new things. It allows them to look into the future and find something exciting to focus on.

Music can teach children to work with others to produce great results.

Many children start out with music lessons (flute tuition) and eventually join a group of other musicians. This may be a band they put together with other kids or a school band or orchestra. Children start to learn how to play along with others and work well with others. This is a valuable life experience that will serve them well no matter what profession they end up entering.

Music lessons (flute tuition) allow children to master fine motor skills.

Finally, on a purely physical level, small children can learn to fine tune the use of their hands and other body parts through music lessons (flute tuition). As they learn to coordinate their fingers on the flute or play the piano they are using their bodies in a unique way that helps them develop fine motor skills they will need to tie their shoes and do a variety of other things as they grow into adulthood.

No wonder so many parents want their children to take music lessons (or have flute tuition)! It’s not just about encouraging a child to become a pop star or chase their own interests, there are real benefits to music lessons (flute tuition) for children of all ages.

From- http://natsmusicpath.com/benefits-of-music-lessons-for-children/

Don’t forget Exclusively Flutes for all your New and Used Flute Sales, Flute Hire, Flute Servicing, Flute Repairs, Flute Tuition, Flutist for Hire, and Flute Gifts and Flute Accessories.

Flute Service

Posted on July 11, 2014October 25, 2014 by Cristy

Flute Service

You should have a professional flute service every 6-12 months. In a routine flute service, the technician should complete tasks such as:

removing any dents from the body of the flute.
check all pads for wear, and make necessary replacements.
a small amount of shimming.
a full clean of the flute, including under the mechanism, removing most dust and tarnish.
inspection of the case, to ensure it is adequately protecting the flute.
cleaning and oiling of the mechanism, to keep it running smoothly.
inspection and necessary replacement of any worn or missing felts or corks.
inspection of the instrument for air leaks, and make necessary adjustments.

Specialized Tasks not covered in a flute service

Various further tasks may be required to bring your flute to full working order, which are not carried out in a regular flute service. Often this would be to treat damage inflicted upon the flute, such as a bent key or a snapped spring. These things can be costly to repair, so you are best advised to take good care of your instrument in the first place!

After your flute service

Do not leave your flute sitting in the open air for extended periods (and NEVER on a chair!)

This will encourage silver flutes to tarnish.
There is a greater opportunity for dust to collect on the mechanism.
There is greater potential for your flute to be knocked over (or sat on!) by an unsuspecting passer-by.

Do not allow non-flute players to fool around on your flute.

Always wash your hands before you begin to play, and if possible, clean your teeth. Dental hygiene (especially after eating) helps to prevent sticky pads.

Avoid leaving musical instruments in vehicles. Temperatures inside vehicles reach extremes of hot and cold, causing glues to melt, or lubricants to become quite sticky. In addition, instruments are generally not covered by motor vehicle insurance, and are a prime candidate for theft.

Have a professional flute service regularly.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Flute/Flute_Maintenance

Music Training Mental Benefits of Flute Tuition

Posted on July 4, 2014October 18, 2014 by Cristy

Flute Tuition

Music Training Mental Benefits of Flute Tuition

As a flute teacher and music educator, I strongly believe in the many benefits of music education. Whilst the following article refers to music education, flute tuition would certainly produce the same benefits.

Harvard-based researchers find a link between early musical training (flute tuition) and cognitive capacities that allow for planned, controlled behavior.

As we’ve reported, a large body of research has noted a link between music education (flute tuition) and higher test scores. But precisely why learning an instrument would have a positive impact on academic achievement has never been clear.

A new study from Boston Children’s Hospital provides a possible answer. It reports musical training (flute tuition) may promote the development and maintenance of a key set of mental skills.

These executive functions, which are coordinated in the brain’s frontal lobe, “allow for planned, controlled behavior,” writes a research team led by Harvard University scholar Nadine Gaab. They enable us to manage our time and attention, organize our thoughts, and regulate our behavior—abilities that are crucial to success in school, as well as later life.

“Replacing music programs (or flute tuition) with reading or math instruction in our nation’s school curricula in order to boost standardized test scores may actually lead to deficient skills in other cognitive areas.”

In an experiment featuring two separate groups of test subjects—one consisting of children, the other of adults—Gaab and her colleagues discovered a link between early musical training (flute tuition) and heightened executive functioning. This, they argue, could explain “the previously reported links between musical training (flute tuition) and enhanced cognitive skills.”

In the online journal PLoS One, they describe a study featuring 30 adults between the ages of 18 and 35 (15 working musicians, and 15 non-musicians), and 27 children between the ages of nine and 12 (15 of whom had at least two years of musical training [flute tuition]).

All performed a series of tasks to measure various facets of cognitive ability, including verbal fluency, mental processing speed, and working memory—the crucial ability to hold several ideas in your mind at the same time. In addition, the children performed a separate mental task while their brains were scanned using MRI technology.

The key result: “Children and adults with extensive musical training (flute tuition) show enhanced performance on a number of executive-function constructs compared to non-musicians,” the researchers write, “especially for cognitive flexibility, working memory, and processing speed.”

The musically trained children (or those in flute tuition) showed “heightened activation in traditional executive-function regions” of the brain during a task-switching exercise, they report, along with “enhanced performance on measures of verbal fluency.”

Gaab and her colleagues caution that more research will be needed to show causation. The chicken-and-egg question has been raised in the past in regard to music and the brain, and these results don’t definitively answer it: It’s possible that kids with higher levels of executive functioning are more likely to be drawn to studying music (or the flute).

Longitudinal studies, measuring executive functioning before music training (flute tuition) begins, will presumably be required to definitively answer that question. But the very real possibility that music training (flute tuition) boosts executive functioning provides another argument for the importance of music education (flute tuition).

“Replacing music programs (or flute tuition) with reading or math instruction in our nation’s school curricula in order to boost standardized test scores,” the researchers warn, “may actually lead to deficient skills in other cognitive areas.”

Article found at-

http://www.psmag.com/navigation/books-and-culture/new-evidence-brain-benefits-music-training-83761/

Buying New and Used Flutes

Posted on June 27, 2014October 25, 2014 by Cristy

Buying New and Used Flutes

I found the following article on eBay about new and used flutes, and extracted some of the more informative paragraphs, which I thought people considering purchasing a new flute might find useful:

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Flute-Guide-/10000000000818282/g.html

Not all flutes, not even all new flutes, are ever worth buying at any price. $100 is a great price for a good used flute. Lots of used flutes on eBay sell for $100 or under. Very, very few of these are worth buying. Let’s start at the bottom of the new & used flute pile and move upwards.

The worst new & used flutes for sale on eBay are the Chinese imports. I’m not just talking about the obvious ones, with the poorly translated titles like “fair sounding lucky flute instrument” auctions from China. The same new flutes are sold by American (and Australian) businesses who import these flutes by the thousand. Most of the “bankruptcy sales” and “80% off retail” listings are these flutes. All of the coloured flutes fall into this category. These coloured flutes, be they pink or blue or black or whatever, are all extremely low quality. Most of the listings which describe the flutes by year such as “2006 model” or “2007 model” are these new & used flutes. (Real new & used flutes are not like cars. They are not sold by model year.) For some reason they often come with “joint protectors”, or little plastic caps that fit on the end of the tenons. Sometimes they are sold with grease for the joints. (This is unusual for the good brands). They will claim a normal retail value in the $600 range. This is an exaggeration; they import these new flutes from China for as little as $25 per flute. The descriptions are suave with much html and they look quite professional. They will claim to be high quality and will say they are not the cheap imitations you have heard about, even though they are. They will say they are enormously popular in school band programs. (Band directors and flute teachers laugh at these flutes.) My favorite thing they say is that these flutes are “Teacher Approved.” There is no teacher I know of who would recommend these flutes for their students. Even though they are made in China, they are not always shipped from China, but rather are sold from America (or Australia). The sellers are often American Power Sellers with tons of very positive feedback. People post feedback immediately upon receiving the new flute in the mail. They open up the package, look at the shiny flute which they have no clue how to play and immediately send rave reviews to the seller’s feedback account. A month later, when the flute literally falls apart, the buyers are unable to leave negative feedback because they already left positive feedback. When they do break, the warranties will be recently expired. And of course, these sellers never give anyone their phone numbers or email addresses, and never answer questions.

There are many reasons why these new & used flutes are a waste of money. They are manufactured in China by unskilled assembly line workers who get paid less than a dollar per hour. The metal these new & used flutes are made of is not nickel-silver, or even brass. It’s usually pot metal, an alloy of copper and lead. Folks, there could be serious concerns here about lead poisoning. The metal is brittle and has a low 900 degree melting point. The low melting point makes this metal easy to work with in the construction of the flute, but impossible to repair. (The flutes are cast instead of forged.) These truly are “disposable flutes.” Dents cannot be removed from pot metal, ribs and posts cannot be reattached with solder, and the tenons cannot be adjusted. The silver plating is microscopically thin and will wear off quickly. Even worse, the silver plating is often applied with chemicals containing cyanide. (I wonder if they take the time to wash these chemicals off?) The metal underneath is grey and ugly. Spare parts are not available for these new & used flutes, since it is always unknown which factory they came from. Either way, these factories do not sell spare parts anyway. There is no music store that I know of that would even attempt to repair a Chinese flute. And I have seen some rather shocking construction defects on these flutes over the years.

What should I buy? Good new & used flutes are made by good brands. Enough said. End of story. No exceptions. The sellers of the Chinese instruments I described above will claim that their brand is famous, well known, and high quality. Sometimes they exaggerate; most often they out and out lie. Most of those brands are not brands at all. The Chinese factories that sell these flutes sell them completely unmarked with no brand or serial number. The American (or Australian) importers engrave their own American sounding names onto the new flutes, along with a meaningless serial number. When enough bad reputation spreads around the internet they just change the brand name.

In contrast the manufacturer of our new flutes, Gemeinhardt is the largest exclusive manufacturer of flutes and piccolos in the world. Their 2SP model is the top selling flute and the second-best selling band instrument in the U.S.A. This is according to Gemeinhardt’s own press releases, which can be read on Gemeinhardt’s website at http://www.gemeinhardt.com/ We also only stock quality used flutes, made by leading manufacturers, and they are all fully re-conditioned by Exclusively Flutes, and subject to strict quality control, and sold with warranty for your peace of mind.

Cristy Wilkins – Flutist for Hire

Posted on June 20, 2014October 18, 2014 by Cristy

Flutist for hire

Cristy Wilkins – Flutist for Hire

As a Flutist for Hire a number of people in the past have asked me the question as to whether it should be ‘flutist’ or ‘flautist’ when I describe to them what I do.

Honestly, I don’t think it matters a great deal, but I tend to refer to myself as a flutist, and have used this term as one of the page headings on my website, as in ‘Flutist for Hire‘.

I did find this interesting piece recently though online, and think Sir James Galway, the world famous flutist, is deserving of the final word on the matter.

Flutist or Flautist?
by Maeve Maddox

A reader asks about the most appropriate word to use when referring to a person who plays the flute:

“I write on musical matters, so would appreciate advice on how to write flutist…Many presenters of classical music programmes pronounce the word as “floortist”. Is flutist correct & is is there another written form?”

I can’t comment on the pronunciation “floortist” other than to say that I’ve never heard flutist or flautist pronounced in that way.
The three most common terms I’m familiar with are:

flutist [(flū’tĭst)]

flautist [flô’tĭst, flou’-]

flute player

I’ve read that flautist is the preferred British usage. To American ears it sounds pretentious, but ironically, the earliest use of flautist given in the OED is from the work of an American writer, Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The Italian word for flute is flauto and the 1860 novel in which the word appears, The Marble Faun, is set in Italy. The choice flautist over flutist may have been prompted by Hawthorne’s desire to add local color.

My Middle English dictionary gives floute and floutour for “flute” and “flute player.” My edition of Chaucer gives flowte and floyte for “flute,” flowtour for “flute player,” and floytynge for “playing on the flute.”

I’ve played in a flute choir. We called ourselves flutists and flute players.

According to a factoid at NationMaster.com, world-renowned flute virtuoso Sir James Galway has this to say on the matter:

“I am a flute player, not a flautist. I don’t have a flaut, and I’ve never flauted.”

Thanks to Richard Shackleton for post idea.

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/flautist-or-flutist/

Cleaning & Care of your New Flute

Posted on June 11, 2014October 25, 2014 by Cristy

New Flute

Cleaning & Care of your New Flute

We’re confident that you will enjoy your new flute from Gemeinhardt flutes. Your woodwind instrument was designed by master craftsmen to give you quality sound and maximum potential. You can help maintain your new flute in “like-new” condition following these tips on cleaning and suggestions for general use.

Storing your new flute

When not using your new flute, keep it closed in its case to help protect the finish from unnecessary exposure to impurities in the air, especially in geographic areas affected by salt or sulfur content. Also, keeping the instrument in its case helps prevent the possibility of damage by dropping it accidentally.

Do not store yournew flute in areas of extreme temperature changes. Keep the instrument away from radiators or from windows where direct sunlight can cause extreme heat.

Putting your new flute together

Before assembling your new flute, wipe the tenons (ends) clean. Remember that even under normal circumstances, slight scratches on the tenons will appear after time since metal is rubbing against metal. Never use grease, oil or silver polish on tenons. When assembling the instrument, avoid grabbing the key mechanism. Carefully, but firmly, hold the main body and insert the tenons in the receivers with a twisting motion. Align the embouchure hole on the head joint (the section without keys) in direct line with the first (closest) key on the front of the main body (longest section). Align the rod on the foot joint (shortest joint with keys) exactly in the center of the last key on the main body. If you have any questions, your teacher will be glad to be of assistance.

Putting your new flute away

After you have played your instrument, clean it before putting it away. Moisture left inside your new flute can cause faster pad deterioration. Cleaning the inside can be done by threading a pre-washed flannel cloth through the slot on the cleaning rod (wrap the cloth around the rod) and running the rod through the inside of the flute. The outside of the new flute may be wiped with a plain damp cloth to remove finger marks.

Tarnish prevention tips

If you wish to preserve the finish of your new flute, we suggest using the Gemeinhardt Flute Care Kit, available by order through Exclusively Flutes. You will find this kit desirable since tarnishing is a characteristic of silver (which requires constant care).

The polishing mitt in the kit will remove tarnish and help retain the original beauty of your new flute. A word about body acids: Perspiration or body acids can cause more severe tarnishing. More frequent use of the polishing mitt in the Gemeinhardt Flute Care Kit will keep the finish looking better. We do not recommend the use of silver polish. Silver is a soft metal and prolonged usage of an abrasive polish will cause signs of wear on the finish. Under no circumstances should you use any commercial silver polish on the instrument.

Key mechanism

Oil the key mechanism occasionally and sparingly. Once every month should be sufficient and oil should be applied with a special key oiler to prevent excessive application. Wipe off any excessive oil carefully. A special key oiler is available from Exclusively Flutes as a part of the Gemeinhardt Flute Care Kit. Also included in this kit are swabs, a polishing mitt and a brush that may be used to wipe the dust and dirt away from the key area.

Pad care

Pads will get dirty and sticky even when you do your best to keep them clean. Pads may be cleaned using a small amount of alcohol on a cloth. Do not use water since it will cause pads to swell and ruin proper pad seating.

Repair and maintenance

Worn felts, worn corks, loose pads, bent springs or keys can result after a period of continuous use (usually six months or more). Periodic services by Exclusively Flutes are important and will help avoid costly repairs later on. This constant attention will keep the instrument in top playing condition.

If you have further questions about the care and maintenance of your new flute, please consult with your teacher, Exclusively Flutes, or write to Gemeinhardt at:

Gemeinhardt Musical Instruments, LLC. 
57882 State Road 19 
Elkhart, IN 46517

Gemeinhardt is more than a fine new flute. It is the name of the master craftsman who first created these remarkably fine woodwind instruments.

Originally designed by Kurt Gemeinhardt to be mechanically, acoustically and musically correct in every price range, today’s Gemeinhardt flutes are still crafted in the tradition of the master’s own creation. That is why they still bear the name and why we recommend Gemeinhardt flutes with complete confidence.

Courtesy of Gemeinhardt

http://www.gemeinhardt.com/support/cleaning-care.html

Don’t forget Exclusively Flutes for all your New and Used Flute Sales, Flute Hire, Flute Servicing, Flute Repairs, Flute Tuition, Flutist for Hire, and Flute Gifts and Flute Accessories.

Flute Hire

Posted on May 11, 2014October 18, 2014 by Cristy

Why commit to buying an expensive flute straight away, when you can try before you buy by hiring first? Check out our flute hire prices, the lowest in Adelaide for a quality instrument. You can negotiate to buy at any time.