Tipbook Flute and Piccolo Book

Introduction x

See and Hear what you Read with Tipcodes xii

The Tipcodes in this book give you access to short videos, soundfiles, and other additional information at tipbook.com.

Chapter 1 Flutists 1

Most flutists play classical music, but you can also play your instrument in jazz, salsa, rock, children's songs, or folk music. You can join a wind band, a flute ensemble, or a chamber orchestra, or play with another flutist.

Chapter 2 A Quick Tour 7

A quick tour of the flute and the piccolo, and an introduction to two larger flutes: the alto and the bass flute.

Chapter 3 Learning to Play 27

How hard is it to learn to play the flute, where to find a teacher, and what about practicing, children's flutes, and playing with braces?

Chapter 4 Buying a Flute 37

What flutes and piccolos cost, buying new or secondhand, and other tips before you go out shopping.

Chapter 5 A Good Instrument 45

Everything you need to know to audition, test, and select flutes and piccolos, so you can make an informed purchase.

Chapter 6 Tuning and Accessories 101

Assembly, tuning, cleaning, and everything else you need to do before and after playing, including tips on accessories, cases and bags, and amplification.

Chapter 7 Cleaning and Maintenance 123

From time to time, a flute needs professional care, but there are plenty of things you can do yourself to keep your instrument clean and in good working order. Includes tips on fixing and preventing sticking pads, and much more.

Chapter 8 History 135

Thousands of years separate the first flutes from today's instruments. A lot of history in very few words.

Chapter 9 The Flute Family 141

Though usually made of metal, the fluteis a woodwind instrument. Meet the members of the flute family, and some of the other woodwinds.

Chapter 10 How They're Made 149

A quick look at flute making.

Chapter 11 Brands 153

An introduction to the main flute brands.

Chapter 12 Tips on Practicing 157

Helpful hints on how to make your practice sessions effective and entertaining, both for flutists and other musicians.

Chapter 13 Being Prepared 179

Helpful hints to reduce audition anxiety and stage fright.

Glossary 189

What is a gizmo, an overcut embouchure hole, or a split E? All the main terms are explained in this glossary.

Tipcode List 196

All flute and piccolo Tipcodes listed.

Want To Know More? 197

Flute and piccolo books, magazines, and other resources.

Flute Fingering Charts 201

All basic flute fingerings and a special selection of alternate fingerings.

Essential Data 230

Two pages for essential notes on your equipment.

Index 232

A complete index of terms.

The Tipbook Series 235

Brief descriptions of the other volumes in the Tipbook Series