From an extensive catalogue of classical music to classic funk and disco, and on to contemporary flute-toting artists like Lizzo, no one can deny that this instrument has staying power. The flute is also fairly forgiving: beginner flautists are able to pick up a tune fairly quickly, making it a popular entry-level instrument for children and adults alike.
The Woodwind Family
While it's often made of metal (usually silver or silver-plated) and reedless, unlike other wind instruments like the oboe, clarinet and saxophone, confusingly, the flute is part of the woodwind family. This is partly because earlier versions of the flute were carved from wood, and partly because, generally speaking, woodwind instruments are called woodwind because of their particular structure rather than the materials they're made from.
Flute Variations
The piccolo is a really small, high-pitched version of the flute. Then there are many different, lower pitched versions, some of which are less common than others. The alto flute is often played in orchestras and, very occasionally, will be accompanied by the bass flute, which is more common in film soundtracks due to its sombre and atmospheric sound. Lower-pitched flutes like the contrabass flute, subcontrabass flute and the double contrabass flute are much more rare... as is the astonishingly big hyperbass flute.
Orchestral Flutes
The number of flutes in a symphony orchestra will depend on the size of the orchestra, since each section of the orchestra has an ideal size in order to maintain a balance between every group of instruments. The average orchestra will usually have one piccolo and two flutes, while a larger orchestra will have one piccolo and three flutes - maybe supported by an alto flute. In concert bands, things are very different, since the flute section will need to be loud enough to compete with the brass section.
Flute Sheet Music
The flute is a melodic instrument, so it gets plenty of time in the spotlight. There are plenty of immediately recognisable pieces that have been written for the flute - even if you're playing alone, which might be one of the reasons why the flute is so popular among children. To get an idea of the range of music at the fingertips of any flautist, have a flip through these flute books.
Plastic Flutes
The sound of a flute is produced by air flowing through the long central pipe and the opening and closing of valves that influence the airflow and therefore the pitch. As a result, the sound of a flute depends more on the build quality than the materials used to make it. So, if a flute is made from plastic, it doesn't necessarily mean it's better or worse than a metal flute within the same price range. However, many musicians do prefer the look of a silver or silver-plated model over that of a plastic model.
Flute Stands
If you're not playing your flute, then you'll need to keep it somewhere safe, like a flute stand. A good flute stand isn't just essential when practising at home, but when performing or even recording - especially if you're a multi-instrumentalist who's constantly swapping instruments.
Beginner Flutes
If you're not sure that the flute is going to be the instrument for you, then it makes sense to go for a more affordable beginner's model. The only difference between a professional flute and an entry-level flute is the sound quality, so there's never any need to invest too much money in one, because you can comfortably learn the ropes with a cheaper model.
Keeping Your Flute Clean
Of course, because you're constantly blowing into it, your flute will need cleaning and taking care of. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your flute is essential, and there are plenty of handy accessories available that are designed for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Flute
How much does a flute cost?
You can get a great beginner-friendly flute for as little £200, while professional models can cost thousands of pounds.
Which flute should I get?
If you're a complete beginner, then you'll be fine with a cheaper, entry-level flute. It can even be made from plastic, since it's the build quality and not the material that dictates the sound quality.
What does the flute sound like?
Simply because the sound is so focussed and the timbre is so colourful, the sound of the flute is able to soar effortlessly over the rest of the instruments in an orchestra. The flute can also be played really quickly - to a virtuoso level - so you can do a lot with it.
Why is the flute a woodwind instrument?
While the flute doesn't have a reed, it's still part of the woodwind family because, firstly: earlier examples were always made of wood, and secondly: woodwind instruments are classified because of their shape and the way that sound is generated rather than the materials they're made from.
