Flute

 Flute The flute is one of the highest-sounding instruments in the woodwind family. Flutes have a high-pitched, clear, and lyrical sound. Sound is produced on the flute by blowing //over// a hole in the top of the mouthpiece. If you have ever tried to make a sound by blowing over the top of a water bottle, you have created sound in a similar fashion! Flutes are the only woodwind instrument to be played without a reed. The reason we still place it in the woodwind family is because flutes used to be made out of wood. Today, nearly all flutes are made of metal to improve sound quality and the projection of sound. The flute is a versitile woodwind instrument, appearing in concert bands, jazz bands, marching bands, and orchestras. media type="custom" key="3687559"

In this clip, you will hear internationally renowed flute player Emmanuel Pahud perform Carl Reinecke's Sonata for Flute. Although the notes are very high, Mr. Pahud is able to create a very smooth and lyrical sound on the instrument!


 * Some notable flute players are Sir James Galway, Emmanuel Pahud (above), and Eric Dolphy.
 * If you like a high-sounding woodwind instrument that is very versitile, the **flute** could be a good choice for you!
 * An instrument even higher-sounding than the **flute** called the **piccolo** is available in middle and high school. If are interested in learning the **piccolo**, you should start by learning the **flute**.
 * If you are interested in a woodwind instrument but like an instrument that can also play lower notes, you might enjoy learning the clarinet.
 * Trivia: The flutes that young flute students use are what we call "closed-hole" flutes. When you get older and your fingers grow, you may invest in an "open-hole" flute which has circular openings on each key (like a clarinet or recorder). These "open-hole" instruments generally have a warmer, darker sound that those with closed holes.

Back to Woodwind Family Home (main) Contact your Teacher