Choosing a Flute - Rent or purchase?

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Choosing a good instrument for the beginning student is of primary importance and should be done in consultation with the private teacher. There are many different flutes available and some are more suitable for beginning players than others. For younger students there are instruments that have been adapted to fit smaller hands and shorter arms, so it is best to wait until after the first meeting with the private teacher before going to the music store. At this point you will then have the necessary information to make an informed decision.

 

Most music stores have a variety of reasonably priced rental plans so it is not necessary to purchase an instrument at the beginning. Renting gives you the option to return the instrument if the student does not wish to continue after the first year.

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Music stands - An extra expense?

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The music stand does not only hold the music, but it ensures that the player is practicing with good posture and proper playing position. Playing the flute requires use of the lungs and the diaphragm. When the flutist is standing with good posture, the body functions well and it is easier for the player to produce a good sound. An adjustable music stand will make this possible. Placing the music on a table, the bed, or propping it up somewhere (like the piano music rack) is counterproductive as the person practicing must adjust their body position to read the music. This interferes with playing posture and can actually impede progress.

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Music stands are available at the local music stores. There are several varieties that fold up and many come with carrying cases. The height of the stand and the distance from the player can be adjusted. Prices start at under $30 and go up from there and it is well worth the expense. It may also be possible to pick one up from a thrift shop or perhaps there is one that a friend or family member no longer needs.

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Students participating in public school music programs will need a music stand for larges scale events, as the School District often is not able to provide stands for every student at these concerts.

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Performance anxiety

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Students at the Flute Studio will be given various opportunities to perform before an audience. Part of playing an instrument is performing for others, and feeling nervous before a performance is perfectly normal. Think about the last time you had to make a presentation before an audience. Undoubtedly you felt "butterflies" or similar emotions. There are several things that you as a parent can do to help.

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1. Focus on the positive. When the performance is over, say positive things about what went right.

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2. Set realistic goals. It is not necessary to play the hardest piece in the book. It is much better to let the student have some input into which piece they will play in the concert as they will feel more comfortable during the performance.

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3. Practice playing for others. Relatives are excellent "practice audiences". The more the student plays for others the more comfortable they will feel in a more formal performance setting.

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4. Set your child up for a positive experience. Making sure they are well rested helps with the ability to focus. For example, going to a sleepover the night before the concert is probably not a good idea.

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5. Treat your child's music study seriously. Encourage them when things are hard, and rejoice with them when they accomplish something that has been difficult for them.

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6. Treat solo performances as just one aspect of the child's music education. After all, a single math test does not determine anyone's future. A musical performance should be treated with the same perspective.

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7. Performance anxiety never completely goes away and even professional musicians have to deal with it. Playing an instrument in a concert is excellent preparation for adulthood when presentations at work or social events are often expected of us. 

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