I am having a problem playing a "c" from any other note. Not that I can't play the note but I have trouble knowing where to put my thumb after I take it off the key on the back (sorry, I don't know what to call that yet!) Basically I am afraid of dropping the flute. At the moment I am holding on to it with the grip of a vice as if my life depends on it! Any help or suggestions anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
There only needs to be 3 points of contact on your flute for balance
1 - your chin
2 - Left hand, index joint
3 - Right hand thumb
Sounds as though you need to go back to basics and try holding the flute in these 3 places (no fingers down).
A vice like grip will lead to problems later on - possible RSI type issues, and also will affect your flexibility, and therefore you won't be able to play as fluid, or fast.