Fluteland.com Flute Message Board

Get yourself a real adjustable music stand. If you are not standing up straight while playing, that will make your neck hurt.

Nice find. Thanks!

Send it back to the seller for repair.

Good luck!

Here are a few online resources to help you get started.

Fingering charts:
https://www.wfg.woodwind.org/flute/index.html

General info for beginners:
https://www.jennifercluff.com
https://www.jennifercluff.com/beginn.htm

Yes and no. The basic fingering is the same, but there are a number of preferred fingerings that are different than flute. For the lips, they are similar but on the piccolo, the embouchure is much smaller than on flute.

Practicing getting a good sound on the head joint is a useful thing to do. Many teachers start beginners with just the headjoint, so go for it. Regarding replacing the pads, there is a lot more to it than just pulling the old ones out and popping new ones back in their place. Pads have to be shimmed...

That's quite interesting. Selmer didn't make a lot of flutes with the Varitone pickup. Do you have the electronic units that go with it (controller and amplifier)?

It's a generic flute of Chinese origin. The engraving style and the black caps on the tenons are dead give-aways that it is Chinese.

Short answer: YES!
Part of the reason is helping to properly balance the flute but it also affects the venting of notes so if the fingering charts show using the pinky, use it.

If you get your flute serviced, you'll find lots of things much easier. There is nothing more frustrating to a new player than an instrument that is not working correctly. Even the tiniest of leaks can make the flute difficult to play.

It's safe to wipe down the outside of the headjoint and body with a microfiber or similar soft cloth that has been lightly moistened with alcohol. You can do the same to the inside of the headjoint using a handkerchief-sized cloth on the cleaning rod. You can also clean the inside of the embouchure ...

Something does look a bit out of line. It might be bent or there might be a loose screw allowing it to slip out of position.

Can you share some additional photos from different angles/perspectives?

I suspect this will vary by region because some areas are having more cases of COVID than others. Call around your area to see what you can find. Try calling music stores, schools, and universities for suggestions. There are are number of teachers offering online lessons. Try a Google search to find...

Glad I could help.