"Tone is the Living Soul."

Shinichi Suzuki, Suzuki Method founder.

Selecting an Instrument

Selecting an instrument is one of the first decisions a parent has to make when a child decides to learn an instrument. For young beginning flutists it's important to select the proper instrument for your young daugher or son to ensure that they begin with the proper sized instrument to prevent hand and posture problems from developing.


Flutes with curved headjoints are commonly used by young flutists and provide a good way for children to learn the flute and later switch to a straight headjoint when their arm span and hands have the arm span and reach that a full size flute requires. Curved headjoint flutes are made by a number of major instrument manufactures, including Jupiter and Yamaha. Many of these beginning flutes come with a curved headjoint and a straight headjoint so the student just needs to switch to the straight headjoint later on in their studies without having to purchase an entirely new instrument. Jupiter also makes the popular one piece Prodigy model, which allows for a lighter weight instrument that may be more comfortable and an excellent choice for the youngest flute student.


Renting a flute from a local music store is a good way for parents to start a child on an instrument until the student has made sufficient progress to merit the investment in their own instrument. Most local music stores offer rental instruments, and many offer curved headjoint flutes for rental. In some cases, music stores have rent to own programs that may offer a good value. But, for the long term, if a student is going to study for a year or more, purchasing a high quality instrument will be more beneficial in terms of saving the rental costs and providing the student with the best quality instrument to learn on and have for many years.


I recommend that students who don't already have an instrument discuss the selection of an instrument with their instructor to ensure that they have all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Flute lessons may begin with introductory tone and embouchure development exercises. The flute may be selected within the first few lessons so parents and students have time to evaluate their options.


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Resources

Here is a list of some resources for purchasing music and instruments, flute maintenance, and other music related services:


Resources for instrument repairs and music supplies: Foxes Music, Alberti Grossi Woodwinds.


Free Local Concerts: U.S. Marine Band, U.S. Navy Band, U.S. Army Band, and the U.S. Air Force Band.


National Suzuki Information: Suzuki Association of the Americas.


Suzuki Information for Washington, DC metro area: Suzuki Association of Greater Washington.