All About The Flute
This article was found on an American website, the Children’s Music Workshop
All About The Flute
A flute for a child is a great starting point for learning music. One of the most popular instruments in the world, the flute is played by people of all ages and skill levels. Flute repertoire is extensive: the instrument is used in school band programs, symphony orchestras, flute choirs, jazz ensembles, and as a solo instrument. Popular, classical, jazz, and even rock music has been either written or transcribed for the instrument.
Many people are unaware that the concert, or C flute, is the best-known member of a family of related instruments played in the same manner. The flute family consists of the piccolo, E flat, concert, alto, and bass flutes. The concert flute is the instrument of choice for beginners.
Beginner school bands usually introduce the flute in the fourth or fifth grade. It is important for young players to be large enough to reach the keys without straining the neck or hands. For an eager student whose reach is not sufficient, flutes with curved head joints are available; many flute manufacturers offer a beginner model instrument featuring both a standard and a curved-style head joint. The curved head joint makes it possible for a young flutist to hold the instrument without having to reach beyond his or her capabilities at first.
As the student grows, it is a simple matter to change over to the traditional, straight head joint. Be sure to check with your local music dealer, band director, or flute teacher when deciding whether to purchase the extra head joint option; the initial cost is nominal. Purchasing a regular flute and discovering later that the student really needs the curved head necessitates the purchase of the curved head joint and another case as well.
The flute case is also very important. The flute is a delicate instrument, and can easily be damaged, so look for a sturdy case with latches that will not come open. Most cases come with the purchase of a new instrument, but when buying a used flute, it may be necessary to replace an older case to protect your investment.
Read more from the American website, the Children’s Music Workshop at http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/instruments/flute/