Should my son change his beginner flute for a professional?

[capbdpra]

Hi!

My son has been taking a weekly half hour private lesson for 1 year using a
beginner flute. Recently his teacher suggested that we purchase a "professional" flute, as according
to him, it's better to transition to a professional flute now, rather than later becuase it's "like young children learning
a new language, the earlier the better, and not having an acccent".

I am concerned, not only about the price ( not sure, but at least $1500 or more?), but also, because
the instructor is steering us towards his prefered vendor. Apparently the vendor mails you three types of flutes
to your home, and you have the opportunity to try each one, to determine which one is better suited.

Eventhough my son does not practice, and is not truly motivated with his flute education, we believe that
he should continue, knowing that eventhough it's an expensive "hobby", that a basic musical education is vital, and,
my son likes his instructor.

Please share your views on the instructor's suggestion on getting a professional flute, and what we should
look for in a flute to consider it professional.

THANKS!

[pied_piper]

There really is not one right answer to your question. That's because there are a lot of different reasons to upgrade or not. Flutists progress at different rates and that affects when they should upgrade. Typically, beginners take several years to progress to the point where they can benefit from an upgraded flute. Some may never progress to that level. On the other hand, if your son is a prodigy and he is very serious about his playing, then a flute upgrade may benefit him and allow him to progress even faster.

However, you have indicated that while your son may enjoy playing flute, he is not really motivated and does not practice much, if any. In your situation, I'd say it probably does not make a lot of sense to upgrade right now. The only way your son will benefit from a better (and more expensive flute) is if he takes it more seriously and practices regularly.

Perhaps, his teacher sees some natural abillity in your son and thinks that a better flute may motivate him to practice more. It may be that the teacher knows a good deal and is simply passing that on. The teacher may be concerned that your son is playing an inferior brand flute and feels it is holding him back. (You didn't mention what brand/model he currently plays - Poor instruments are one of the primary reasons students get frustrated and quit music.) Any of those may be possible, but your suspicions about a connection between the teacher and vendor could be true also. When I was teaching, I always gave parents several different store options to avoid any perception of impropriety. I still do that with musician friends, too. If asked, I will offer my opinion about the value and service of different vendors, but I never "push" one and not mention others. There are MANY places to purchase a good flute, so don't jump without more information: What brand(s)/model(s) did the teacher suggest? In the $1500 price range, you would be looking at an intermediate level flute and not a professional level flute. True pro flutes start at around $8000 and go up from there.

For information about the differences between student, intermediate, and professional flutes and flute vendors, see the FluteLand FAQ:
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5859

It was compiled by several of the forum members and it offers unbiased information that may help if you do decide to buy a better flute for your son.

[Zevang]

I completely agree. I would not add anything to your response.

[cflutist]

and again, Pied Piper gives sage advice. I totally respect his posts on this board.

[pied_piper]

Wow! Thanks to Zevang and cflutist for the kind words. I really appreciate it.

[Bo]

I agree with pied_piper too (it would be impossible not to agree with so good advice!).
At any rate flutes around the price you indicate are rather intermediate or semi-professional. 100% professional flutes are VERY expensive, but I wouldn't worry too much, as if you really want to upgrade an intermediate flute would be fine for the moment. I wouldn't hurry though.