I Want To Play Flute

[wilshire]

Hello

I am 21 years old and have been playing bass guitar in various death metal and progressive metal bands for the last five years, and I feel like I need to try something different. I love the sound of the flute, but I want to know how good of an idea it would be for me to begin playing it. I won't have an instructor, and I can't really afford to spend more than about $300 on my first flute so I don't know how good of an idea this is at this point in my life. I have plenty of time to practice though!

[flutepower]

Hey,

Do begin playing flute.
I am in my fifth month of playing with no tutor - and
I am not doing that bad. I can play up to the high G note
already. Actually, I don't have that much money to buy a flute
yet, and due to my family's recent move, I can't buy a 3-500 dollar
flute yet - but if I save my allowence money and work money
till January 2011, I believe I will have enough money then.
I am working on a "cheep" flute that was $130 or $150.
It does not sound horrible for that price.
Try it out with a cheep flute to make sure you would enjoy playing.
I suggustbuying the book "How to PLay the Flute" by HOward Harrison.
It is a great beginner book.
Good luck - and I hope you consider playing!
~Melissa

[Fox]

I started without a tutor and got fairly far. I was able to play from low B up two octaves.
I now recently started with an instructor and I have had to change quite a bit from what I was doing.

So, you could start with playing on your own, but eventually you want to see a good teacher to give you tips and set you on the right path.

He explained the difference from what I was doing to how he is teaching me as: At the moment you are able to play, and that's fine. Yet, as you progress you won't have the flexibility of tone later on that you could have.

That comment was the big one for me to try hard to change the way I was doing things and be frustrated for two months.

[Bo]

I used Harrison's book too, it is good.

[zummerzet_lou]

wilshire .. I too swapped a guitar for flute in my early 20s.

I started off for the first few months with just a teach-yourself book with a CD, and then found a great flute teacher. I really can't recommend having a teacher enough.

all the best, and just do it!

Lou

[Kleynan]

haha I was in the exact same situation as you I had played many rhythmic instruments in the past, with the bass being my "main" instrument, and I just wanted to try something completely new. Being a huge progressive Rock fan i chose the Flute (also because I love the sound of it in general).

About 3 months ago I just went for it and bought a Flute, a Yamaha YFL series (I definitely recommend them) and I have been playing on it every day ever since. I too cannot afford lessons, so I bought the Harrison book aswell, and have just been teaching myself through Trial and error and continuous practice.

Its definitely worth it, the flute is an amazing instrument. Go for it!