Flute help wanted?!
Question: I am learning the flute, I bought one a few months ago and have no tutor. am 65.
I have beginners books like Play the Flute and Tune a Day but what book do you use when you just know a few notes. What book do I go on to once I have learnt these books.
I do not want to take exams it is purely for my pleasure. I am musical and can play other instruments but do not know the flute fingering well enough to just play tunes.
Is there a good sequence of books to buy...suggestions please with the new notes diagrams easy to see like the beginners books have.
Thank you
Answers: I am learning the flute, I bought one a few months ago and have no tutor. am 65.
I have beginners books like Play the Flute and Tune a Day but what book do you use when you just know a few notes. What book do I go on to once I have learnt these books.
I do not want to take exams it is purely for my pleasure. I am musical and can play other instruments but do not know the flute fingering well enough to just play tunes.
Is there a good sequence of books to buy...suggestions please with the new notes diagrams easy to see like the beginners books have.
Thank you
It's wonderful that you want to learn the flute!
Many publishing companies sell method books that come in a series, so once you progress through their first book, you can move on to the second. The beginning method books teach you new fingerings as it goes along, and then there are several etudes afterwards to practice the new fingering. The fingerings progress in difficulty, as well as the music.
The only downside is that these books are catered to young children, so there will be lots of colorful pictures. There will also be fingering charts in the back of the book for the notes learned, and most likely extras.
Some series that I know of:
Essential Elements
Standards of Excellence
Rubank Elementary Method
Pares Scale studies
I also advocate taking lessons, if you feel comfortable doing so. Most music shops offer lessons or can point you in the direction of local flute teachers. That way, you're learning proper technique with another's guidance.
Beginning method books discuss proper technique, but they can't watch you and make sure you engage in it all the time like a teacher could.
Good luck!
Well done you for taking up the challenge. I used to play the flute - but not to any great standard. Much of the classical flute music tends to be in the very high range (difficult to read and play for a beginner). The Tune a Day books are OK but get a bit boring - so my advice is:
go to a good music shop and have a look at some of the Recorder music. The range in generally easier to play and the are many nice minuets etc to choose from. Then you can gradually build up your repertoire. Good luck!
Look for the PRO-ART Flute method; book 1 (red cover) and book 2 (blue cover)
More Information, as Requested.
Of course, many Flute methods have been published. I do not suggest that the Pro-Art is the only reasonable choice, but this is one that I have used and found it to be effective. Like any good method - it gives hints on technique, fingering charts, etc. The opening sections give lots of pictures (photos) to help with hand positions and holding the instrument to the mouth. It also gives adequate instruction on the care of the instrument. This method is designed to be effective for self-study or individual private study, or group study. You can use this method and, even without any prior knowledge or experience of the Flute, learn to play the Flute. This method is very effective in introducing new notes, and offering scales, studies and songs to learn the instrument thoroughly. The Pro-Art method is also relatively inexpensive.
You actually stand the best chance by going to the local junior high school or elementary school and asking to see the band director. Normally they will give basic instruction to even a senior for extremely reasonable fees, or even free. Then you can be sure you are learning properly.
Riley's Flute Melodies is fun.
With a little more work, you can play the Bach a minor partita for unaccompanied flute.
It is good for performing at gatherings at which there is no accompanist available.