Considering Alto flute, what d you think?

flautists_r_us · Post by **flautists_r_us** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:41 pm

Alright, I'm a pretty good flute player, and I REALLY like the lower register, and I'd like to switch to alto. How hard would it be to switch from key of C to G?? Is the alto fun to play? Easy (considering)? It'd be a few years before I could try one I'm sure, but if ever, should I consider switching?

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:17 pm

I like alto flute a lot. Switching isnt really THAT difficult, but it will be different for each individual player. What I have noticed when I learned to play alto, was that my embouchure had to be larger, and looser to accomidate the lower pitched flute. It is really mellow, and the low notes if played well are simply beautiful. So, because you like low notes, I think you would probably like the alto flute quite a bit. It will probably take practice to learn, but shouldnt be that difficult.

You will probably have to learn to transpose music a little bit if you cant find the piece you want for alto flute [ if it is only written for C flute] if you want it to sound exactly the same but about an octave lower. You will be able to play what is written, but the actual pitches produced will be about a 4th lower than the pitches written on the staff. As for trying out some flutes, I know several companies offer trial periods [ but with the intention of purchase], and you could also try to attend some flute conventions. I know that there is the NFA conferance, and the South [Eastern?] Conferance, and then the Flute Society of Kentucky has a conferance every year with several vendors.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:55 pm

I don't know exactly what groups (if any) you're playing with, or what you intend to do with alto, but alto won't really be much use if you're intending to switch permanently. Most larger ensembles do not use alto flute. There are some parts in some orchestral scores, and flute choir music, as well as a somewhat limited solo repertoire. If you want to keep playing in groups, be sure to keep up with your C flute playing, but I would encourage you to learn alto if that is something you're interested in. I have a great time when I get to play my alto. It'll be like learning piccolo....It'll take some time to get used to going back and forth to C flute (or whatever other type of flute you might have to use), but once you do figure it out, it's not terribly difficult. Actually playing alto well is not easy, though. Aside from the normal difficulties associated with playing flute, it responds slower due to it's larger size, and unless you want to spend about 5K, it will probably have some intonation difficulties in the upper range, but these can be overcome with some practice. You'll also want to learn some alternate fingerings that may make playing alto easier.

flautists_r_us · Post by **flautists_r_us** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 4:17 pm

I was just thinking of playing it as a hobby sort of, and in case I play in an orchestra later on and they happen to need an alto for a piece. Just curious as to what you foks thought.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 8:19 pm

There are quite a few great solos for alto as well. Personally, I love the alto! Fluteworld carries many solos, in case you are looking for music later on.