Choosing an Intermediate Flute
Tips to Help Simplify Buying a Flute for an Advancing Student
Oct 28, 2009
Most young flute players start their musical experience on a closed-hole or 'plateau-style' instrument.
The closed hole structure of a beginner flute makes it much easier for a novice player, or a player with small hands, to produce sound and is generally considered to be more durable and less fragile than an intermediate flute.
Most beginner flutes or student flutes are nickel- rather than silver-plated, which also makes them less expensive and easier for the young musician (or parent) to maintain since they do not tarnish as silver does.
How to Know if a Student is Ready for an Intermediate Flute
Before investing in a step-up instrument, which will be more expensive and require more care, it is important to determine that the student musician is committed to continuing musical study. Regardless of what a sales person might say, nickel-plated, plateau-style flutes have been producing acceptable sound for casual elementary or middle school players for years.
However, for the student who is enthusiastic about continuing to grow as a musician, an intermediate instrument provides additional opportunities for subtle variations in sound and can make it possible to achieve a finer overall tonal quality as well as more flexibility in both the higher and lower ranges.
Selecting an Open Hole Flute
Intermediate flutes are typically open-holed or 'French style', requiring the musician to properly position the hands over the keys to allow the fingertips to completely cover each hole. This can take some practice and usually the help of a patient teacher.
Most music stores also sell sets of tiny corks to plug up the holes until the student gets used to the correct hand position. The corks can easily be removed one at a time as the student masters each key.
Intermediate French-style flutes typically offer either a silver or silver-plated head joint and/or body. Most advanced flutists believe that the higher the amount of silver in the instrument, the better the sound. To make the investment worthwhile and to ensure optimal sound, choose an intermediate flute that has at least a silver head joint.
B-Foot Flutes and C-Foot Flutes
Another consideration when buying an intermediate flute is whether to choose one whose foot joint ends with the note 'C' (called a C-foot) or one that includes an extra, lower 'B', called a B-foot. Because they include an extra key, B-foot instruments are typically a little longer and a bit heavier. But the extra key obviously also offers extra musical flexibility and is closer to a professional-level instrument.
Some intermediate instruments also include a split-E mechanism. This is a non-essential feature designed to make it easier to play a clearer, better high-E. It is not a necessary component for most intermediate-level musicians.
Brands of Intermediate Flutes and Where to Find Them
Brand is a matter of personal preference, although Armstrong, Emerson, Jupiter and Yamaha are widely recognized to be consistent producers of good quality intermediate instruments.
Although intermediate flutes are harder to find as rentals, there is a good used market for these, especially on line. Resources like www.FluteWorld.com as well as Band directors and private flute teachers can be a valuable resource in this area.
Because intermediate flutes often range in price from $300 to $2000, it is important that the student have the opportunity to try out an instrument and make sure he or she is happy with both the feel and the sound before making the investment.
 |
