Is it too late for me to learn flute?

pandagirl11 · Post by **pandagirl11** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:04 pm

Hello! I'm 15 years old (will be 16 in October) and I was just wondering if it's too late to begin to learn the flute. I can play piano (doing DipABRSM in November and Canadian ARCT in August 2005), violin and viola. I notice it doesn't take me that long to pick up string instruments but I also noticed that woodwind instruments are a lot different. I just bought a Gemeinhardt 2SP model and honestly, I have no idea what I just bought. Can anyone explain to me the differences between the flute and about an approximate about how long I'll need before I complete grade 10 flute? It took me...6 years to finish Grade 10 piano, so an estimate for flute?

neve · Post by **neve** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 8:02 am

I really hope it's not too late for you to begin to learn the flute, because I'm much older than you (yesterday it was my birthday - 27) and I'm just starting to study!!! ...and I can't play any other instrument! I'm quite worried about this, it all seems so difficult... Anyway, we will see. Hello everybody: I'm from Italy, I'm an architect, I can't play flute yet... and that's all for the moment!

monkey · Post by **monkey** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 9:47 pm

its never too late to learn I know there are people ion this site who are just starting that are in there 30s and with the level ten thing I belive it would be really hard to get to leavel ten because I think there are only like 7 levels ( please correct me if im wrong im not up on all of this stuff im only 14) anyways I think even really great flutists are like level 7 because many people on this chat room who have been playing for many a years are only like leavel 3 or 4 I have been playing for 4 years and one of the best flute players in my school and i am only like a leavel 2 or 3 but im not sure! hope i was of some help..
but remember don't be discuraged! u can do it!

Lauren · Post by **Lauren** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 11:22 pm

its not too late 2 learn....it never is! and it'll b easier to learn now that l8r ne wayz
my answer is
*no*

Burke · Post by **Burke** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 6:33 am

Gosh, I must be the old lady here! I'm 46, so I really hope it's not too late for me. I just rented a Gemeinhardt student model two days ago. A talented young flutist from church is willing to tutor me. When I discovered fluteland last night, I made a fast decision to join, to augment my tutor's instruction.

If it's too late for a fifteen year old though, I'd better return this flute, before they ship me off to a nursing home.

pandagirl11 · Post by **pandagirl11** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 11:30 am

Hmm...so maybe I'm not too old to learn..

But I do feel quite stupid at lessons. -.-" My teacher says I'm expecting too much too soon...but I don't believe I've learned to the best of my capability yet. I've learned C1 to G3, most notes solid now, and C+, D+, G+, F+, Bb+ and some of the minor melodic scales. All arpeggios...

But I still don't think I've practiced enough. Meh. What can I say? My teacher keeps going on vacation. -.-" Well, not quite on vacation, she's more on tour than on vacation. So far, I've had 6 lessons...and stopped for 4 weeks and now I'm stopped for 2 weeks for the Christmas holidays.

I have no motivation. -.-"

powayflute01 · Post by **powayflute01** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 11:58 pm

It really sucks that your teacher is gone so much. Maybe you ought to consider getting a new teacher...
Hmm...as far as ways to get motivated...what you could do is consider getting a couple of sessions with a nearby professional flutist (maybe someone from a nearby symphony?) and maybe they could help you out. I did that over the summer and it helped me a ton!
Also, you might want to consider strengthening your high register...working on A3 and B3 and all that (it will help your range as well as your tone quality).
What are you working on with your teacher? It could be that you just need some new material to work on.

pandagirl11 · Post by **pandagirl11** » Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:51 pm

I just bought the Trevor Wye Articulation book and am working on some exercises inside. Learned half my major and minor scales and arpeggios and doing...currently, 4 studies this week (Grade 2 level). And...8 pieces from "40 Little Pieces in Progressive Order for the Beginner Flutist". -.-"

Boring, huh?

I think so too. She says she knows I'm bored but I can't get anywhere if I don't work on strengthening my diaphragm and making my notes sound more solid first. My reading is at an ARCT level since I just finished my piano exam...fingerings are actually quite quick, 'cause I played violin for 8 years....

...now just the breathing...

powayflute01 · Post by **powayflute01** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 12:20 am

I concur--those lessons don't sound like the most interesting things in the world! If I were you, I'd go to a music store and thumb through some solos....or go through your solo book and find things you're actually INTERESTED in playing. Because...even though your teacher has a point about making your notes solid, if you don't stay motivated then you just won't practice at all, and I think that playing something is better than nothing. I'm not familiar with the Trevor Wye books, but my general understanding is that they have a pretty good reputation on this message board...maybe do an excercise or two out of that book and then find a cool piece that will help motivate you. Besides...I really don't see just how working on your assigned lessons would help you solidify your notes...I mean, long tones might do that (which are very boring but also a good idea to do) but it seems like just playing in general would do that.
Good luck to you.

Burke · Post by **Burke** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 11:01 am

I'm going to look into the practice book recommendations I've read here too, but thus far, I've just been using the lessons on this site, and playing a few hymns from an Episcopal hymnal. Church is the reason I'm doing this.

What do teachers generally expect from students for daily practice time? A young lady from church said that she would tutor me, but we haven't met formally yet and I don't know what she'll ask of me. I've been practicing three or more hours per day (off and on during the day, not all at once), but I'm starting to have some pain in my upper left arm. I think I'm overdoing it, but I don't want to put this flute down!

This is Powayflute01's favorite face

I've spent most of my life wearing it.

pandagirl11 · Post by **pandagirl11** » Fri Dec 31, 2004 11:45 am

Hmm...my teacher says that about an hour to an hour and 45 minutes a day would be the best for me right now as that's what she believes is appropriate for my grade level. She also thinks I'm expecting too much -.-" from only 8 lessons. =P But that's okay. =) Have fun playing!

Burke · Post by **Burke** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 9:15 am

If I continue the practice schedule I've established, I'll soon be in too much pain to play at all. This is the first thing I do in the morning, and the last thing I do at night. If I were still in school, my other homework would be suffering, but my music teacher would probably love me.

I'll back it down to about an hour every day for a little while, and put the flute away when I'm not practicing, so I won't be tempted. In some way, I may be a little like you. I'm expecting a lot of myself, but this isn't going to happen overnight.

noseflute · Post by **noseflute** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 3:11 pm

Hi Burke,

Practising as much as you have described is admirable, but if you are having aches and pains you must check your posture... it is common for flute players to bring their shoulders forward and up (especially the left), also that your head is right on top of your spine and not reaching forward at all. Try checking in a mirror when you hold the flute, and compare your body position to when you are just standing naturally (ie without the flute).

This is one critical area where a face-to-face meeting with a flute teacher can be invaluable.

Good luck!

Burke · Post by **Burke** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 4:50 pm

I checked my posture while holding my flute just after I read your post. You nailed the problem exactly. I know you're right about the teacher, too. I'm just not sure when we'll start meeting. We don't have a firm plan yet, but I'm going to see her in the morning and I'll talk with her then.

Thanks for raising the posture question. I hadn't thought about that.

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Is it too late for me to learn flute?

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