GETTING AN INSTRUMENT
A Student flute can cost from $650 upwards to $1600. These are silver plated or with a silver head joint. Just fine for a beginner. Even though open holes {also called a French Model} are NOT necessary for a beginning student; the band directors push the more expensive open-holed flute. There is ABSOLUTELY NO reason to have an open-holed flute unless you are an advanced player or a professional. A closed-hole flute for a beginner is easier to play. A beginner will bang the flute around; it will fall off the chair; fall off the stand, and get dented. The embouchure hole should be rectangular in shape and not oval. Here in Austin, you should be able to rent a Yamaha flute for about $45 a month at your local music store, with the rental being applicable to the purchase price. A professional flute will be handmade, with a silver/ gold or platinum head joint, drawn tone holes, a low B foot, split E Mechanism and a C# Trill key if possible. Some of the top brands are Yamaha {Professional}, Haynes, Powell, Muramatsu, and Pearl.
CLEANING SUPPLIES
Be sure you get a FLUTE CLEANING AND TUNING STICK with a soft cloth, swab and a “fluffy” stick to soak up moisture. The “fluffy” stick will help save the pads on the flute. This should be included in your rental.
BOOKS
Essential Elements Book 1 for Flute – this has recorded tracks found online that will help make practicing more interesting.
The Essential Elements books also come in Christmas Favorites and Broadway Favorites. I highly recommend for these for extra FUN practice!
For additional material, get:
The Rubank Method for Flute Book 1.
The Progressive Flute Method Book 1 by Andrew Scott
MUSIC STAND
A regular folding stand with a case, or a more sturdy version – still portable, or a very sturdy stand for use just at home . . . any of these will work fine.