I just started learning the flute. I have a 'band/student flute' and I thought that the only difference between a band/student flute and a concert/professional flute was the size. Is this right? or is there more to it than that?
Thanks
What is a band flute?
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fluttiegurl
- Posts: 882
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:05 pm
Not exactly. There is WAY more to it than that. All flutes are pretty much standard. You may be referring to a B footjoint (as opposed to a C foot which makes the flute longer), but that does not make a flute a pro flute. The higher the level of the flute itself, the more craftsmanship goes into making it. Everything else (open holes, B foot, inline/offset G, etc) is just a list of options that flutes may or may not come with. Generally speaking, the more advanced the player, the more likely he/she will have a more advanced flute (though this is not a 100% rule).
Personally, I really do not like the term "professional" when it comes to flutes. I know pros who play all kinds of flutes. It has been my experience that the more advances a student becomes, the more he/she will benefit from a higher level flute, but they can still play well with their starter flutes.
Also, there is no difference between a band flute and a concert flute. Flutes are flutes, and though there are auxiliary flutes in different keys, what you see in band will be the same basic thing as you see in say an orchestra or in the hands of a soloist.
Personally, I really do not like the term "professional" when it comes to flutes. I know pros who play all kinds of flutes. It has been my experience that the more advances a student becomes, the more he/she will benefit from a higher level flute, but they can still play well with their starter flutes.
Also, there is no difference between a band flute and a concert flute. Flutes are flutes, and though there are auxiliary flutes in different keys, what you see in band will be the same basic thing as you see in say an orchestra or in the hands of a soloist.
The fact is, if a flute player sucks, a "professional" flute will not help them! Practice time will ALWAYS win over flute dollars! Everytime! I agree with Flutiegurl. The term "Professional" flute is over rated. I know professional musicians that still play on Gemmy 2sp, and Armstrong 104sValero wrote:I was way off...
Thanks for clarifying this to me, now I can appreciate my humble band flute a lot more.
Be careful. In flute circles, peer pressure will kill your pocket book. I know so many students that fall into the "flute brand" trap, only for some expensive flute to wind up a relic in an attic someplace.
Take care of the flute you have. Keep it in good playing condition. Make sure you have it cleaned and adjusted regularly(Annually in most cases). The higher level flutes will always be there for you to buy later, when/if you need one.
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