Is piccolo necessary to learn?

[FLflutist]

It's just a thought that popped into my head one day. Should it be something I should consider gaining some skill in if I want to continue with performing later on in life? It's not that I don't like piccolo, it's just that I'd rather play flute.

[flutepicc06]

It can be very important to know how to play piccolo at least decently. Some groups won't even consider you for membership if you can't play picc. Knowing how is only going ot open more doors, in any case, so you might as well get started now. I can't even tell you how often I've gotten into groups based on my skill with a piccolo. If you can make a director feel comfortable that you'll take care of the part, and do it well, they're going to keep you in mind next time they (or someone else) is looking for a piccoloist. I would strongly encourage you to start working on some piccolo (assuming your basics on flute are solid).

[squidsnaps]

well, i wouldn't say it's necessary to learn... but you know, it's a good idea. there are plenty of ways that playing piccolo can help you improve flute and vice versa. i'm not quite sure if that's true for all, but that's my personal experience.

it's preference thing too, cause for me i'd rather play picc and i am a lot better at it than flute. obviously if you don't like playing picc you're not going to learn it (unless you have to), right?

[FLflutist]

Hmm... Then I'll probably ask my private teacher to give me a few lessons on Piccolo (and alto flute ><) over the summer then.

Thanks

[fluteguy18]

I recommend learning picc. It can only open more doors for performance possiblities.

[pied_piper]

Learning the piccolo can provide benefits to your flute playing. I found that playing the piccolo improved my flute embouchure especially in the top octave. The piccolo embouchure is smaller and less forgiving to variation than on the flute. When I started getting a better piccolo sound, my flute upper octave became more focused and generally sounded much better...