How To Play Flute? Tips & Techniques

The flute is one of the oldest known musical instruments. Paleolithic flutes with hand-bored holes are the earliest identifiable musical instruments, dating back to about 53,000 to 45,000 years ago. The flute is a popular woodwind instrument that has been a part of various musical traditions worldwide.

Learning how to play the flute can allow you to explore new musical instruments and develop a unique skill. In this guide, we will cover important steps and techniques that beginners need to know when learning how to play flute.

What Is the Flute?

The flute is a reedle How to Play Flute woodwind instrument that produces sound when a stream of air is directed into the embobouchure hole. It has a cylindrical body with series of tone holes and keys. The flute is available in various materials, such as metal or wood, with the most common being silver or nickel plated C flute.

How to play flute?

Here are the steps to get you started on learning how to play flute:

1: Choose a Flute

• The first step is to select a suitable flute. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a student level instrument, such as a closed hole flute.
• The type of material a flute is made from impacts how it sounds when played. Most basic flutes have an outer layer of either silver or nickel.
• Flutes made entirely of pure silver are considered high-quality. If you want to buy a really good flute, a pure silver one is the best option.

2: Assemble (and disassemble) the flute

• Before mastering how to play flute, you need to learn how to properly assemble and disassemble it.
• Hold the foot joint and body joint of the flute and slide them together while being careful not to grip the keys.
• Next, hold the head joint and body joint and join them by sliding them together. Again, avoid gripping the keys during this step.

3: Tune the instrument

• Tuning your flute is necessary for getting the notes right and playing in harmony with other musicians.
• To tune your flute, check that the cork is centered: Thereafter, raise the flutes pitch by shortening the headjoint or lower the pitch by lengthening it.

4: Learn proper hand and arm placement

• Learning the correct hand and arm positioning is important when learning how to play the flute efficiently to avoid strain or injury.
• Your right hand should support the lower portion of the flute.
• Position your index, middle, and ring fingers on the last three keys of the flute body.
• Place your pinky finger on the first key of the flute foot joint.
• Use your right hand to control the keys at the end of the flute. Your right thumb should be underneath, providing support just below where your index finger rests.
• Hold the flute parallel to the floor.

5: Practice correct embouchure

• The embouchure, or the way you position your lips and mouth, is the most important aspect of flute playing.
• See that the embouchure hole is positioned right in the middle under your lower lip.
• Purse the corners of your mouth inward while keeping your lips smooth and relaxed.
• Blow a stream of air from the center of your lips, directing it toward the embouchure hole.
• To produce short staccato notes, move your tongue back and forth.
• Adjust the speed of your airstream to change the pitch of the note you are playing.

6: Read music

Being able to read music is important for learning how to play flute. Thus, familiarize yourself with musical notations, including notes and rhythms.

7: Practice regularly

• Consistent practice is the key to mastering how to play flute.
• Set aside time each day to work on your technique, tone production, and repertoire.
• Start with short practice sessions and gradually increase the duration as you finally learn how to play flute.