AboutHolly Expertise I can answer questions about learning to play the flute, reading music, problems encountered when playing, flute repertoire, practicing tips, and performing, as well as information about classical composers and their works. Please note that I am no longer accepting any questions about what kind of flute to buy, upgrading, flute brands, reselling, what a flute is worth, etc. I have answered many of these questions in the past, so please either view my answers in the the previously asked questions section or visit my website, which has a page about buying flutes: silentgalaxy.com/buyingflutes.html. Thanks!
Experience I've played the flute since fourth grade, graduating with my master's degree in flute performance. I have taught at local music schools, given flute lessons for over ten years, have played in and soloed with several orchestras, chamber groups, and various other ensembles. For more information about me, visit my website at silentgalaxy.com. I love the flute, and I love helping people, so I welcome your questions!
Education/Credentials Bachelor's and master's degrees in flute performance from Carnegie Mellon University.
Your answers to other people are very helpful. These questions are based on a full reading of your guide to buying a flute, and enjoyment of your website. Nice landscape photos!
After seeing John Calloway's Flute Odyssey orchestra at Yoshi's Oakland this week, I want to pick up the flute again, an irregular habit for many years of adulthood. However, it's still my student flute (Artley, renovated into proper working order by House of Woodwinds) and to that I attribute my discouragement. First question: is the fact of a student flute the reason I can't form true notes above High C?
I suspect that my interest wouldn't repeatedly fade if the flute itself were more capable, as well as sweeter to hear, so it's time to move up to an intermediate model. Second question: Having never played an open hole model, I'm intimidated by auditioning them. Will my inability to cover the holes properly compromise the comparison among models?
And third, how hard will it be to master the open hole after all these years? Obviously anything better than a student flute is open hole so improving the situation appears to depend on that.
Thanks so much for the advice.
Helaine
(Design professional)
Answer Hey Helaine,
Thanks for visiting my site!
First, I agree wholeheartedly about moving to an intermediate model. Student flutes are by nature student caliber - perfect for band students, people who aren't sure if they want to keep playing the flute, accident-prone people who clunk flutes around or sit on them, etc. But for people like you, who have a genuine enjoyment and appreciation for the flute as well as a knowledge and intuition for the creative arts in general, the limitations of entry level flutes will definitely hold you back.
So, to answer your first question about not being able to hit those high notes on the Artley: due to technical & mechanical shortcuts / design, student flutes are harder to play than an intermediate level flute. If House of Woodwinds *recently* renovated this instrument, then it's definitely a design limitation of the flute, and not pilot error. If the flute was last checked out a few years ago, it could also be that it needs to be given a little tweaking, as pads and mechanisms develop problems through disuse. Even so, I'm still betting that the fact that it's an Artley student model is the biggest issue you're facing, and the main reason why those high notes are tricky. Another reason might be just some general rustiness at playing the flute, since you haven't played it for a while, but a better flute will help with that, too.
I would recommend going to a music store and trying out some of their intermediate level flutes, so you can see firsthand how it feels to play an intermediate instrument - I'm sure it'll be a delightful experience. :)
For your second question: Open holes can seem intimidating, but the thing is, you set the bar for exactly how challenging they are or aren't: by plugging the holes with little plastic or cork plugs and only taking them out when you're ready. For testing out models, ask the store to plug the holes so you don't have to worry about anything but simply playing. They should be more than willing to do so - it's in their interest to have you playing as well as you can so you can make a proper comparison. :)
And finally, learning to play open holes won't be too difficult. It sounds like you've had some time off here and there, so it'll probably be *easier* for you now than if you were used to playing every day - your hands should adjust very quickly. What I recommend is buying a set of those plugs (they're cheap) when you get your new flute, and gradually get used to the open holes over a matter of days / weeks (however long it takes for you to feel comfortable). Start by plugging them all except for one (your choice on which one). When you're used to playing with that key open, take the second one off, and so on. That way, you're never overwhelmed with trying to place five fingers exactly *so* on the keys all at once, but can get used to them at your own pace. This is what I did when I switched to an open holed flute, and it worked very smoothly.
I hope this helps - good luck with your flute, and if you have any more questions, please let me know! I'm always happy to help. :)
