There are a variety of factors for you to consider if you are in the market for the best beginner flutes.
For starters, you will need to base your search on your skill level. For example, if you are an experienced flutist who is comfortable holding the slightly bigger and more complex models, you should filter your search according to these characteristics.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner flutist, there are a number of student flutes for you to choose from. These beginner flutes are often smaller and easier to hold.
There are also a number of brands and manufacturers out there that could complicate your search even more.
For this reason, we will be discussing five top-quality options that you should definitely consider. We will go through a few advantages and disadvantages of each, making your shopping experience that much easier.
So let's get right into it so you can get a flute in the hands of your young player.
How Are Beginner Flutes Different?
The first question that you are likely to ask yourself is how beginner flutes differ when compared to regular models.
The answer to this is relatively straightforward. Flutes for beginners are designed to be smaller, less complex, and easier to hold.
These models are also much easier to play (produce a sound).
When you hold an intermediate or professional flute, you will notice that they include unique features that are not found on beginner options.
This is due to the fact that student models make use of fewer add-ons in order to improve playability.
Most student flutes are silver plated throughout. This gives the instrument a great sound quality while reducing its price tag.
More so, the student flute makes use of a C foot joint - this leads to the instrument having a shorter tube and fewer keys available.
The offset G key is almost always used on the student flute. This makes the G key much easier to reach and play.
On the other hand, intermediate options lie somewhere between beginner and professional models on the playability scale.
This instrument is easy to play when compared to professional models but slightly more complex than the student flute.
Instead of the C foot joint, the professional and intermediate models make use of the B option. They also have a much higher silver content than the silver-plated beginner models.
They have either a silver head joint or a silver head joint and body, to be more specific. However, this depends on the price and quality of the instrument.
The Different Types Of Flutes
It is also important to note that there are different types of flutes out there for you to consider.
From the very early years of civilization, experts and archaeologists were able to prehistoric instruments similar to that of the modern-day flute.
In other words, this instrument has been around in different forms for thousands of years.
Some of the simplest models are made out of simple cane or carved wood.
The entire family of flutes has a number of instruments, including the Piccolo, Eb Soprano Flute, C Flute, Bass Flute, and Alto Flute. Each of these models is grouped according to its unique sound and shape.
Piccolo
In short, a Piccolo is basically a small version of the regular flute. Therefore, this instrument is perfect for people who have smaller hands. It is also easy to play when compared to the slightly bigger models.
Alto
On the other hand, the alto flute can be recognized by its distinctive tone and mellow range. It is important to note that this instrument is slightly longer and thicker when compared to the C flute, making it harder to play. This instrument also features a C foot.
C Flute (Recommended for Beginners)
The C flute is by far the best flute for students. This instrument features a C foot, making it easy to play when compared to the other models. In addition, the beginner flute is actually one of the oldest, most popular wind instruments on the market.
Bass Flute
Lastly, the bass flute has a pitch one full octave below the C flute. Because of its size, this instrument is normally made using a curved head joint.
When deciding which model suits your style, you will need to consider a number of factors, such as your budget, skill level, and size.
How To Choose The Right Beginner Flute
As we have already mentioned, you will need to consider a number of factors when looking for the best beginner flutes.
A beginner flute is smaller, easier to play, and less complex than intermediate and professional models.
With that being said, not all beginner models are the same, meaning that you will still have to choose from a number of options.
Price Range & Budget
You will first need to consider your price range. For example, if you are searching for relatively cheap flutes, your options will be way more limited.
A decent beginner flute is usually priced somewhere between $500 and $1000. Anything below this price tag may not meet your expectations when it comes to sound quality and longevity.
Materials
You will also need to think about which material you prefer. Some of the best flutes for students are silver plated. However, you can also find copper-nickel, gold, and wood options.
The material from which your beginner flute is made will obviously affect the sound that it produces. For this reason, you will need to consider what music you will be playing with your beginner flute before investing in one model.
Types
We have already mentioned the different flute types. You should also base your search on these unique models, as they each produce different sounds and have a different shape.
There is no one 'best beginner flute' on the market.
It is important to remember that all musicians are different - for this reason, you will need to put your preferences first when shopping for the best student flute for you.
The Top 5 Beginner Flutes
For your convenience, we have made a list of five great-quality student models. To make things a little easier for you, we will discuss a few of the good and bad features of each model.
In this way, you will be able to decide exactly which option is the best beginner flute for you.
1. Montreux Sonata Straight Head Student Flute
The Sonata student flute is silver plated and features an offset g key. More so, this closed-hole instrument is much smaller and thinner than regular models, making it perfect for smaller hands. You will also receive a cleaning rod with this purchase.
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The instrument is silver plated and offers a great sound quality. It is the cheapest option on the list - if you are shopping on a strict budget, this model may be perfect for you.
This flute is well-loved by schools thanks to the strength and quality of the keys and pads. Plus, the flute comes along with a durable carry case, a cleaning cloth, and a handy shoulder strap.
However, it is important to note that the quality of this flute may not be as outstanding as some of the other options mentioned below.
Pros
Cons
This flute is also silver plated and features a French-style key system (closed hole). While the instrument is not as small as some of the other products listed, it is still easier to play than intermediate or professionals options.
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This flute is silver plated and made out of top-quality materials. With this in mind, you will get plenty of use out of this purchase, as it will last you a very long time.
It is important to note that you will receive a strong and durable carry case that is contoured and very attractive. Additionally, the package includes a cleaning rod, cloth, and gloves.
It also has an offset-G key which helps younger students in playing and holding notes.
However, when compared to the other options on the list, this instrument is slightly larger, making it a little more challenging to play.
Pros
Cons
This flute can be purchased in an array of colors and has a very distinctive sound. More so, the instrument is very durable and long-lasting.
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This option is made out of great quality materials and will last you a very long time.
In fact, it is completely waterproof.
With that being said, the quality of this option has boosted the price quite a bit, making it more expensive than the other options mentioned.
Pros
Cons
This Yamaha YFL model is made out of great quality materials. It also produces a strong sound and will last you a long time.
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The Yamaha YFL is widely considered to be the best flute for beginners.
This option will give you plenty of use out of your money as it is made out of great quality materials. However, with that being said, it does have a higher price tag.
You will receive the necessary cleaning equipment with this purchase, as well as a few tutorials and an instruction manual on how to assemble the instrument.
Pros
Cons
The Trevor James flute is also a fantastic option for beginners, as it is small and thin. Made out of good quality materials, this option will last you a long time.
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This model is one of the best flutes for kids. It has a smaller size, making it much easier to hold and play.
You will receive a cleaning rod and instruction manual with the purchase. More so, the package includes a tutorial on how to play a few basic songs.
However, this option is also relatively pricey.
Pros
Cons
Flute Playing Tips For Beginners
If you're just starting out playing the flute, keep these tips in mind:
Practice & Patience
One of the most important tips that any flutist should keep in mind is that practice makes progress.
In other words, if you want to improve drastically, you should be playing the instrument for a few minutes (or more) every single day. Learning to play any instrument is a complicated skill that requires dedication, time, and perseverance.
Remember that learning your scales is as important as practicing pieces, so give equal attention to both.
Keep the Flute Clean
You should be cleaning your flute at least once a week. Most models include a cleaning rod and cloth, which makes this process a little easier.
Keeping your flute clean will prevent the build-up of mold and fungus, which could have a massive effect on your health in the long run.
Have Fun
Make sure to enjoy the process of learning to play the flute. It is a wonderful instrument and a great introduction into classical music. Don't get overwhelmed with the theory side and play around with the notes and sounds your instrument can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is The Best Flute For A Beginner?
There are a variety of models that are considered to be some of the best student flutes on the market.
However, your opinion may differ when compared to other flutists out there.
For this reason, it is recommended that you experiment with an instrument before investing in it. This way, you will get a more accurate idea of the feel and sound of the instrument.
If you are searching for some of the best flutes for beginners, there are a number of choices for you to look into.
This includes the Yamaha YFL and Trevor James student flute. These are by far two of the better beginner options on the market.
Both models feature an offset g key, making them slightly easier to play when compared to intermediate and professional models. They are also closed hole options.
The best beginner flute type is by far the C flute. This instrument is shorter and thinner than other models, making it perfect for smaller hands. Most C flute options also make use of an offset g key.
If you are on the market for a wooden flute, there are also a number of options to choose from. For example, The Cygnet Rosewood Wooden Flute is widely considered to be the best wooden flute for beginners.
2. What Are Good Flute Brands?
One very important factor that you will need to think about when investing in a decent beginner flute is the brand/manufacturer.
If you purchase a student flute that is made by an unknown, unpopular brand, you are likely to have a poor idea of the quality. More so, these brands are often much harder to get into contact with if there is even an issue.
A few of the best beginner flute brands include Yamaha, Trevor James, and Arista.
With that being said, there are a number of other manufacturers that you may want to consider for your student flute.
3. How To Play A Wooden Flute
It is important to remember that a wooden flute has the exact same design and shape as regular models. While it sounds somewhat different, it is important to remember that your playing style will not change depending on the material of the flute that you are using.
If you are unsure of how to play the wooden flute, there are a number of YouTube tutorials that you could watch in order to get a better understanding on how it is done.
Conclusion
The flute is by far one of the most popular wind instruments in the world. However, it is important to note that there are various models and types on the market when looking for the best flutes for beginners.
There are a variety of student models out there for you to choose from, including the best beginner flutes listed above. However, it is important that you decide exactly what you are looking for in a flute before investing in one particular instrument.