Flutes

Flutes

Considered band orchestral woodwind instruments, flutes impart a beautiful, lilting sound. Whether you're joining the school marching band or you're taking up the instrument as a hobby with hopes of professional playing, finding the right instrument is the first crucial step towards your career as a musician.

One of the first things you'll notice is that flutes come in a variety of materials. Silver body flutes generally come in several silver materials; either sterling silver, nickel silver, or regular silver, which consists of silver alloys. Most student flutes are nickel silver, while higher quality instruments come in sterling silver varieties. Practice flutes may be plastic, while native-style wood body flutes have a deep, distinct sound.

Different flutes provide different sounds and harmonies. Alto flutes have a low sound that's often featured in orchestras. Bass flutes are not as prevalent, and their deep sound may be heard in flute ensembles. The most common flute to learn on is the soprano, or concert, flute. This is the standard-sized flute and the size most people are acquainted with. Bass and alto flutes are larger, while piccolos are the smallest type of flute with the highest tones.

Choose the right flute according to your playing skills. Beginners should opt for a basic nickel or silver model, preferably a concert flute. Silver-plated flutes are affordable options for beginners. For more intermediate players, stepping up to a silver flute works well, and for advanced players, a solid sterling silver, professional quality flute fits the bill.

Your flute requires special care to extend its lifespan, and it's wise to maintain your flute properly to keep it playing at the highest leve. When you aren't using your flute, keep your instrument in a padded case. When you're taking apart or putting together your instrument, you may require cork grease to keep the process smooth. Use a lint-free cleaning cloth to keep your horn shiny, and use a special flute screwdriver to replace loose parts as needed.