What kind of flute should I get?
Ideally, you should let your instructor help you select a flute that is right for you. A Wal-Mart flute is not a good choice for ANYONE--you get what you pay for. If you purchase an inferior instrument, you will lose your initial investment when you have to upgrade because there is no re-sale value, nor can the instrument be repaired.
Should I rent or buy a flute?
Renting a flute may be a good option for a start, especially if the rental fee goes toward the purchase of the instrument. Buying an instrument outright, however, saves money. Ideally, a student's flute should be "upgraded" near the beginning of high school to what we call a "step-up" instrument. The right step-up flute will provide faster, easier key action; will contain more solid silver (producing a better tone); will offer greater flexibility for expression and musical interpretation; and will, of course, be more valuable than a beginning instrument. Students who wish to progress to a higher level of playing must have a higher quality instrument when the time comes. Again, getting the instructor's help in selecting the instrument can save time, money, and frustration.
Can I just get a flute off eBay?
In order to shop intelligently, you have to know exactly what you're looking for. Even if the seller has an item in "good shape, only played for a year", the description can vary a great deal from reality. I've purchased several instruments on eBay, but I know what I am looking for, what kind of scratches and dents are significant and how much it will cost to have my repairman bring it to playing condition. I can count on a $150 overhaul on each flute I buy on eBay, before I can recommend it to a student.
Required Accessories
Metronome or combination metronome tuner. Korg, Seiko, Sabine namebrands. My favorite is here: Korg TM-50 Combination metronome/tuner
Music stand for home practice. Manhasset makes a great permanent stand in many colors. Konig and Meyer is my favorite portable stand, also in many colors.
Cleaning materials for flute: outside wipe can be a piece of soft flannel or a silver-polishing rag. Inside wipe can be a piece of cotton t-shirt or any other thin, absorbent material. If you like expensive cleaning materials, use a silk swab. You need a cleaning rod. I DO NOT RECOMMEND A FUZZY FLUTE SWAB, KEY OIL, CORK GREASE, OR A FANCY CLEANING KIT. Feel free to ask for more specific information if needed.
Spiral notebook for teacher's notes and student journal
Music stand for home practice. Manhasset makes a great permanent stand in many colors. Konig and Meyer is my favorite portable stand, also in many colors.
Cleaning materials for flute: outside wipe can be a piece of soft flannel or a silver-polishing rag. Inside wipe can be a piece of cotton t-shirt or any other thin, absorbent material. If you like expensive cleaning materials, use a silk swab. You need a cleaning rod. I DO NOT RECOMMEND A FUZZY FLUTE SWAB, KEY OIL, CORK GREASE, OR A FANCY CLEANING KIT. Feel free to ask for more specific information if needed.
Spiral notebook for teacher's notes and student journal
Frequently assigned music books
below are listed some of the materials we use; a larger list from which you can order directly from this site is HERE
Edward Ayola: Winning Rhythms
Trevor Wye: Beginner's Book for Flute Part 1 and Part 2
Robert Cavally: Melodious and Progressive Studies for Flute
Trevor Wye: Flute Practice Books: Tone, Technique
Voxman: Rubank Band Method (occasionally, for some students)
Paul Taffanel and Phillipe Gaubert: Daily Exercises for Flute
Marcel Moyse: Daily Exercises for Flute
Great online resource: Sheet Music Plus