question about playing the flute

[jsimon1013]

Hi everyone! Ok, I''ll be blunt in
that I''m the newbie on the board. I don''t actually play the flute...my
question is about the learning process. I''m majoring in music and wanted to
pick up an instrument, and, after compiling a short list of possibilities, I
decided to turn to the web for help, which led me here! As for a little more
backstory: I''ve never played an instrument, though I''ve been singing in
choral groups for close to 15 years, so I can read music. Flute was an option
for me for three reasons: first, my aunt has played her whole life and could not
only supply me with a flute but also would be able to teach me. Second, as a
classical music fan, I''ve always had an interest in the flute (I have James
Galway cds coming out of my ears!). And third, living in a small apartment, I
feel that practicing flute would be less annoying to my neighbours tham say, a
trombone! So, with all of that background, here''s my question: Is picking the
flute a good idea? I''m 27...is it too late to start on an instrument in
general or this one in particular? Is flute one of the more difficult
instruments to learn? You see where I''m going with the line of questioning.
Any opinions, input, personal experiences are welcome! - jsimon1013

[damjan]

Dear J., Any flutist will tell you that
picking up a flute is a good idea since we all love it! 27 is not too late to
start. It might be a little late for you to become a first chair flutist in a
philharmonic, but it is definitely not late for you to learn to play it very
well. For example, Dave Valentin (one of the greatest Latin Jazz flute players)
started when he was 19. It is easier for your fingers to adjust to the flute,
compared for example to piano, where even your hand bones adjust to the keys as
you grow and get older. Flute is not an easy instrument, and it requires a lot
of practice, especially with your tone. However, you should be able to enjoy
playing songs with it fairly soon, especially if you are already a musician. So,
I would say, if you like it, go for it. I hope this helps.

[jsimon1013]

Thanks for the response! I'll be sure
to let everone know how it goes. jsimon1013