How important is learning the piano to flute performance?

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 2:55 pm

Well... the original poster actually asked whether learning flute is beneficial to those majoring in music/flute performance.

As far as you are specifically saying, you are right. Piano helps very little by means of physically playing the flute. By the physical act of playing flute, you would be better off studying music theory and learning very rudimentary piano.

As far as being a music performance major, I think it is very important [particularly because I am one]. If it weren't important, then every accreditted music institution in the country is wasting it's time teaching "class piano."

Okay. I am zipping my lips on the issue. I have no more to say, and if I did, it is probably best to not mention it. IMO, continuing the debate could either be helpful, or [more than likely] hurtful. So, I want no part in such a thing.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 3:32 pm

If you are looking to major in music performance, you might want to take a look at the curriculum from a few colleges and universities (with regard to piano/keyboard skills). Here are a couple of examples:

Manhatten: http://www.msmnyc.edu/keyboard/

Eastman: http://www.esm.rochester.edu/degrees/bm_core.php

etgohomeok · Post by **etgohomeok** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:26 pm

fluteguy18 wrote:As far as you are specifically saying, you are right. Piano helps very little by means of physically playing the flute. By the physical act of playing flute, you would be better off studying music theory and learning very rudimentary piano.

As Stephen Colbert would say, I accept your apology

(just kidding, I'm a Colbert fan).

Sorry if I'm coming off as argumentative and disagreeable, I like to have intelligent debates (it must be because I joined the debate team this year because my friend needed a partner).

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:20 pm

I don't know whether to take that seriously, or as tongue in cheek humor...

Either way, it was not an apology. It was merely an acknowledgment that within the confines of the logic you presented, you were correct.

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:55 pm

hmm..

or at least partially correct.

in any case, I'll blow this thread now.

seeya

etgohomeok · Post by **etgohomeok** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:28 am

I know it wasn't an apology, I just had to take the opportunity because Stephen Colbert (my favorite comedy news show host) would have done it. It's kind of his trademark.

Lighten up, guys

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 2:28 pm

etgohomeok

I really do not have a problem with your views about the piano requirement. My issue is with the overtones of your statement. I play many different instruments, but I am proficient in guitar and flute. I think it is wrong to assume that just because someone plays more than one instrument, this makes them a less qualified musician. There has been more than once that I have even out performed people on instruments that I do not consider myself most proficient on. I use to play cello many years ago so I read bass clef(Also can read bass clef from piano training!) There has been many times where I have filled in for bass players because they could not read, or create a walking bassline for a jazz tune.

If you choose not to play piano, or you think it is a waste of time, fine. However I will put my 50% guitar/50% flute up against most people's 100% any day of the week.

Peace and love!

Phineas

abcflute · Post by **abcflute** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:39 am

I studied piano during Conservatory years whilst majoring in Flute Performance. Now I just play piano for myself, for pleasure... But it's good to know that I'm capable of providing the accompaniment for my students if necessary.