LESSON MATERIALS

What do I need for flute lessons?

These materials are essential to get the most out of your experience in flute lessons. Especially for virtual lessons, it's imperative to have everything you need for a successful lesson.

Click on the underlined links for examples - you can purchase items from Flutistry, Flute World, Flute Center, Music & Arts, your local music store, etc.

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Flute in working condition

If the flute needs to be repaired, maintenance is expected to be done ASAP. Playing on an instrument with even a minor problem is not a productive use of time and can be very frustrating. Please let me know if you need help finding a repair technician in your area.

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Flutes, ideally, need to be taken in for a COA (clean-oil-adjust) or at least a tune-up
once a year. Just like an oil change for a car, this will help your flute last longer and play better (and save you money in the long run).

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If you want to purchase a flute, let me know before you start looking! I have connections to several music stores and I will help you with the process.

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Sturdy Music Stand

A sturdy, functional music stand is conducive to proper posture so it's vital to have one that can be raised and lowered easily. I highly recommend a non-wire stand since they are often flimsy, break easily, and cause unnecessary frustration. Avoid practicing with music sitting flat on a table or desk: this will encourage poor posture and create tension in the neck from looking down, which will make it harder to breathe properly.

Manhasset Music Stand - this is a trustworthy music stand that will last for years or decades

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Cleaning Materials

The flute needs to be swabbed out with the cleaning rod and inner swab after every time the flute is played. This will keep the pads dry which can prevent them from tearing or leaking (which will need to get repaired). Also use a polishing cloth on the outside of the flute to wipe away dirt, sweat, and oils.

• Cleaning Rod - a plastic or wooden rod (NOT metal, which can scratch the flute)

• Flute Inner Swab - an absorbent swab, usually made of bamboo, cotton, silk; can also be a clean, thin, medium sized handkerchief

• Flute Outer Polishing Cloth - a microfiber cloth similar to a glasses cleaning cloth

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Flute Music

Music can be found at your local music store, Flutistry, Flute World, Flute Center, Sheet Music Plus, etc. depending on what is assigned to you. Sometimes, public domain music can be found for free from imslp.org or flutetunes.com

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Here are some common books we use in the studio:

• Intermediate Flute Scale Book

• 2 Octave Scale Practice Guide

• Trevor Wye - Tone

• Taffanel and Gaubert 17 Daily Exercises

• Melodious and Progressive Studies for the Flute

• 125 Easy Classical Studies for Flute

• Trevor Wye Beginner's Book for the Flute Part 1

• Flute 101 series​

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Other Music Supplies

Metronome/Tuner

Essential for the intermediate and advanced flutist! These apps can also be used: Pro Metronome, Tonal Energy.

USB Microphone

Recommended for virtual lessons, especially for intermediate and advanced students. You will receive more accurate and quality feedback if you can be heard clearly.