I loved my first flute. My grandparents bought it for me, secondhand, when I started beginner band. I was a beginner, but my flute was not a beginner flute. It was previously loved, many a beautiful tone flowing through. The love of its previous home was not lost on me.
And so, the love story began…
Mom was so mean! She made me practice 30 minutes a day. I hated practicing at first. Then, it became an obligation for which I would procrastinate so much that by the weekend, my first item on the agenda was “makeup” practice. If I was a procrastinator all week, then by the time I was finished making up time, my embouchure felt wobbly, like jello. I would vow not to procrastinate again, but that next weekend, I was right back to doing “makeup” time.
As I look back, it is so amazing to me that I not only learned to love it, but that playing the flute was a part, and still is a part, of who I am today.
4 thoughts on “For the love of flutes…”
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I wanted to play the flute so bad as kid, but I did not because we could not afford it. But now that I grown I can afford to get my own flute. I have now idea that there was more that one kinds. Can you tell me how does a beginner find the right one? I am so excited to be able to to do this. Thank you so much
Hello Cherry.
I had many friends who were able to rent their instruments while in beginning band. They had the option to purchase, also, if they wished. Renting is a good option with a younger beginning band student, as, he/she may decide at a later date that playing an instrument just isn’t for him/her. At that point, the parents are only out the rental fee.
You may check with your local music stores. Some of them still offer the rental option. The shop representative will be very knowledgeable about the product line for all instruments. An inexpensive option is best if you are still on the fence about whether this will be a sporadic hobby, or a lifestyle, and even somewhere in between. If you know you are going to stick with it, you may opt for a more expensive option.
I would recommend an inexpensive option for your first flute. As you progress and you realize you want to stay the course, you will know better what you want and you can start shopping for all the bells and whistles then. I have always played a closed hole flute because my fingers are quite little (boney, really!). The music that comes from an open hole flute is so beautiful. If you choose that option, finger placement is important for consistent tone.
Thank you so much for your comments and please touch back to let me know how it turns out!
Tamara
tamara@flutetastic.com
I play a trumpet, and my mom had also bought me a trumpet when i was in college, but she did not forced me to practice. For your case, it’s indeed a blessing in disguise and you’re blessed to have a great mom.
Flute is a nice instrument, and I wish i had picked up learning flute instead of trumpet when i was in the school band. Honestly, trumpet is noisy and playing the trumpet alone is not as nice as flute. So keep the music going…..
Hello Jeffrey.
So, did you get your start playing the trumpet in your school band? You mentioned that your mom bought you a trumpet when you were in college. Did you also play in the college band? I was in college band also. Some of the concert band music that we performed at recitals had some really beautiful trumpet solos.
I say if you enjoy music, keep playing. You’ve got a great start in that you have learned to read music. It is never too late to learn a new instrument. With all the access we have to “free” lessons on YouTube, “free” sheet music and endless vendors to purchase instruments, music, and other items related to playing an instrument, it is very easy to get back into it.
I want to thank you for your comments. I encourage you to keep playing. Please check back here often to see more topics on music in general, and, of course, the flute, in specific.
Tamara