Are beginner flutes easier to play?

[Mackie]

My daughter is getting old enough to start playing the flute. I am considering letting her use my old Gemeinhardt M2CS from many years ago, at least until I am certain she is going to stick with it... but then I started to wonder if beginner flutes were easier or somehow better suited for kids to learn on. Does anyone have any insight? It has been too long for me to remember if there were any differences in that flute versus the first one I ever had.

[Daleo]

I'm new to flute but not instruments. Student models are made to be affordable. They are typically made of cheaper material, and have less frills. They are not necessarily easier to play.

Ex- student level instrument may be completely silver plated
the intermediate level may have a solid silver headjoint and silver plated body and footjoint

The flute you have is probably fine for her, just make sure its in good playing condition first. Maybe take it in for a tune-up.

[sarahspins]

I don't think they are easier necessarily. What they are is cheaper, so if something were to happen to it.. it's not as big of a deal, but if she'll be playing under your supervision and not taking it off to school, then I wouldn't worry that it's not a basic beginner model. A COA is a good idea if it's been sitting a while though.

[Phineas]

I have always disliked terms like "Student", "Intermediate", and "Professional" when it comes to describing a flute model. I have played on supposed "Pro" models that are very easy to play. I have played on "Student" models that were difficult to play.

Generally on flutes that are considered "Student" models have head joints that allow beginners to more easily execute playing notes. Some players take advantage of this quality for things like playing with rock bands or marching bands or doubling etc........

This does not mean that a student could not learn to play on a higher level flute. When I lived in Asia, most students start out on "Intermediate" or "Professional" models.

Phineas