WanderingFlutist wrote:Thank you, I'll check the FAQ out after I write this post out.
Jim, I plan on pursuing music in college most definitely. I'll play literally anything I can get my hands on, as long as it isn't ridiculously beyond my skills.
I don't really have a set budget (my father is paying for my flute), but I don't think he'd want to spend much more than 2,500-3,000.
Pied_piper- your information was very useful by the way, thank you! I'm 99% sure I'm getting an open-holed flute, but the b-foot thing was just a preference, as it would just be nice to have the B "handy."
2500-3000 will get you a pretty decent step-up flute. At that price range the leading competitors are Azumi, Amadeus, Avanti, Trevor James, Lyric, Pearl, Yamaha, Dhi Zhao, and Sonare (but not necessarily in that order). Gemeinhardts probably won't compare favorably. Entry level handmade flutes start at $4000+. These are the lower end of what most serious musicians would consider as 'professional' and many would only consider them 'pre-professional.' Genuine top notch, handmade flutes go for $10K+. If you're looking to seriously pursue music in college (as a music major) I would recommend looking into the 'entry' handmade flutes AT LEAST. They're a lot sturdier, play far better, and will last you much longer than a step-up. These brands (in the $4k bottom price range) include the lower models of Muramatsu, Miyazawa, Altus, etc and some of the mid-grade models of companies like Pearl and Haynes. A lot of college teachers have brand and model preferences (most being all solid silver bodies which start at roughly $6k at least). You'll need at least a handmade headjoint and mechanism to last you through college if you stick with it.
I would do a lot more research if I were you. I would hate to waste a lot of money only to risk being told your flute isn't good enough or to get into college and realize being a music major isn't what you thought it would be. It's a lot of hard work and is in no way like being in your HS band program. While you haven't said whether or not you are wanting to major in music, if you are it seems to me like you have a long way to go before spending a lot of money in applications, auditions, travel expenses for auditions, and the enrollment process. I would make sure my goals were rock solid before investing several thousand dollars on something that right now seems like more of a whim than a burning, unquenchable desire to be in a career field that is monetarily fruitless for all but a select few.
Not trying to be a downer. Just trying to bring reality into the equation before you risk a lot of money and parental fury. I've lived it and have watched countless others live it as well. I'm just trying to be real with you.
