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Flute

Discover the Flute

Topics we’ll explore include:

  • What is a Flute?
    An introduction to the instrument and how it works

  • Parts of the Flute
    What are the main sections of a flute?

  • Flute Materials
    What materials are flutes typically made from?

  • Flute Features & Options
    What features or upgrades should I look for in a flute?

  • Flute Family Instruments
    Which other instruments belong to the flute family?

  • Beginner vs. Advanced Flutes
    How do beginner flutes differ from advanced models?

  • Flute Brands
    Which flute brands are trusted by teachers and professionals?

  • Flute Rentals
    How does renting a flute work, and why is it a smart choice?

  • Flute Fingering Chart
    Free Download!

What is a Flute?

The flute is a captivating member of the woodwind family, known for its enchanting sound and elegant design. As an aerophone, the flute is a reedless wind instrument, meaning it produces sound through the vibration of air rather than by the use of reeds. 

To create its beautiful tone, a flutist blows air onto the splitting edge of the lip plate, causing the air to split and vibrate within the flute's head joint. This unique mechanism allows the flute to produce a wide range of pitches and tones, making it a versatile instrument in various musical genres.

The flute has a rich history and is used in a variety of musical styles, from classical to jazz to folk music. Its light and airy sound adds a unique texture to any ensemble, making it a beloved choice for musicians around the world. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the flute offers endless possibilities for musical expression and creativity. 

The flute is a remarkable instrument that showcases the beauty of sound through its innovative design and playing technique. Whether you're listening to a solo performance or playing in a group, the flute's enchanting sound is sure to captivate and inspire.

Flute Maintenance

Before You Play

Proper care and assembly of your flute are essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the instrument. Follow these steps to prepare your flute before playing:

  1. Pick Up the Body: Start by picking up the middle joint, known as the "body," of your flute. Grasp it with your left hand at the point where the brand is engraved. This ensures you’re not putting pressure on the keys, which can cause damage.

  2. Attach the Head Joint: With your right hand, pick up the head joint and gently slide it into the body. Use a gentle twisting motion to ensure a secure fit.

  3. Align the Embouchure Hole: Turn the head joint until the center of the embouchure hole lines up perfectly with the center of the main row of keys. This alignment is crucial for producing a clear and beautiful tone.

  4. Attach the Foot Joint: While still holding the middle joint at the engraved name, slide the foot joint onto the body in the same manner, ensuring you do not apply pressure on the keys.

  5. Align the Foot Joint: Finally, line up the foot joint so that the rod connected to the Eb key aligns with the keys on the middle joint. This alignment is important for proper function and ease of playing.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your flute is properly assembled and ready for practice or performance. Taking care of your instrument before you play will help maintain its quality and enhance your musical experience.

After You Play

Proper care after playing is essential to maintain your flute's performance and longevity. Follow these steps to ensure your instrument stays in top condition:

  1. Disassemble Your Flute: Begin by carefully disassembling your flute in the reverse order of assembly. This ensures you handle each joint properly and avoid any unnecessary pressure on the keys.

  2. Remove Moisture: Use your swab to gently remove moisture from inside the head, body, and foot joints of your flute. Moisture can cause the pads under each key to become stiff and leak, making your flute harder to play. Regularly swabbing will help keep your pads in good condition.

  3. Wipe Away Fingerprints: Take your polish cloth and wipe away any fingerprints from the surface of your flute. Fingerprints contain acid that can eat into the finish of your instrument, so regular cleaning is important to maintain its appearance.

  4. Store Your Flute Safely: Place your flute in its case and fasten both latches securely. Most flute damage occurs when the instrument is left out on a music stand, table, chair, bed, or floor. If you prefer to leave your flute out, consider using a flute stand for added protection.

  5. Avoid Storing Items on Top: Do not store anything (music, paper, cloth, etc.) on top of your flute in its case. Doing so can push down on the keys and bend them out of adjustment, making your flute harder to play.

By following these care instructions after playing, you can help ensure your flute remains in excellent condition, allowing you to enjoy making music for years to come.

Periodic Care


To keep your flute in peak condition, it’s essential to perform periodic maintenance. Follow these steps to ensure your instrument remains a joy to play:

  1. Clean the Finish: Use a flute polish cloth to thoroughly clean the finish of your flute. The cloth contains a small amount of polish, so there's no need for liquid polish, which can damage the pads. Regular polishing helps maintain the instrument's appearance and protects its finish.

  2. Clean Between the Keys: Utilize a small key brush to clean between the keys. This helps remove dust and debris that can accumulate and affect performance.

  3. Apply Key Oil: Apply a very small amount of key oil to the pivot points of your keys. To do this, put a drop of oil on a saucer, dip a toothpick into it, and then touch the toothpick to the pivot points on your flute. This lubrication helps keep the keys functioning smoothly.

  4. Wash or Replace Your Swab: Regularly wash out your swab or replace it with a new one. This ensures that you're not introducing dirt or moisture back into the flute when you clean it.

  5. Do Not Tighten Adjustment Screws: Avoid tightening the tiny adjustment screws on the keys. These screws are not meant to be fully tightened; instead, they are used by technicians to adjust the keys so they work together properly.

  6. Annual Inspection: Bring your flute to the Amro repair shop at least once a year or whenever you feel it’s not playing its best. They’ll inspect and test it free of charge, usually while you wait, ensuring your flute is in optimal condition.

  7. Maintenance & Replacement Plan: If you have Tarpley’s maintenance and replacement plan, any repairs or adjustments needed are free, providing peace of mind and ensuring your flute is always ready to play.

By following these periodic care tips, you can help ensure your flute remains a reliable and beautiful instrument for years to come. Regular maintenance not only enhances performance but also prolongs the life of your flute, allowing you to focus on making music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beginners & Students

Should I rent or buy a flute for a beginner student?

Renting is the preferred choice for beginners because it provides a low-risk, flexible way to get started. It allows students to try the instrument without a long-term commitment and includes maintenance coverage. If a student later decides to continue, our rental program offers rent-to-own with upgrade options that apply rental credit towards a purchase.

Can I exchange or upgrade the flute if my student advances or needs a different size?

Yes! Our rental program allows you to upgrade to a step-up flute or transfer equity to a better model as the student progresses. While size isn’t typically an issue with flutes (unlike strings), upgraded features like open-hole keys or a solid silver headjoint become relevant as students advance.

Is the rental flute new or used? Does it matter?

Whether new or used, Tarpley Music ensures they meet performance standards. Used instruments may show cosmetic wear, but what truly matters is pad sealing, key regulation, and playability, things that are maintained by in-house repair techs.

What happens if my student stops playing and I want to return the instrument?

Our rental program is month-to-month with no long-term commitment. You can return the instrument at any time with no penalty (unless you’re behind on payments or damage goes beyond coverage). This flexibility is why so many parents choose renting in the first place.

Players & Professionals

How do headjoint cuts (traditional vs. modern) impact tone and response?

A traditional cut tends to offer a warm, round sound with more resistance, favored by orchestral players. Modern cuts (sometimes called “reform” or “free-blowing” cuts) offer quicker response and more projection, making them ideal for solo or contemporary playing. The choice is personal and depends on your preferred tonal color and playing style.

What flute setup works best for doublers who switch between genres (jazz, classical, pit orchestra)?

Doublers typically benefit from a versatile intermediate or professional open-hole flute with a silver headjoint and plugs. This allows extended techniques in jazz (like flutter tonguing or pitch bending), comfortable hand positioning, and the tone flexibility needed in pit work. A lightweight flute with a responsive headjoint and good projection in low and high registers is ideal.

What wall thickness and tubing material should I choose for my desired tone and projection?

Thicker wall tubing (0.018"–0.019") offers more resistance and a darker, richer tone, which suits powerful orchestral players. Thinner walls (0.014"–0.016") provide quicker response and a brighter, lighter tone, favored by chamber musicians and soloists. Materials like sterling silver enrich the tone, while gold adds warmth and complexity. Nickel silver or silver-plated models are brighter and more economical.

How does scale design affect tuning across the flute’s range?

Flutes made with a "modern scale" (e.g., Cooper or Bennett scale) offer more accurate intonation than older models, particularly in the third octave. These scales adjust tone hole placement to better match modern pitch standards (A=440 or A=442) and allow more consistent tuning across dynamic ranges. This is essential for blending in ensembles or recording environments.

How do I balance resistance and response when selecting a flute or headjoint?

Resistance provides tone control and depth, while low resistance offers ease of play and agility. A well-balanced flute allows for expressive phrasing without sacrificing stability. Try several headjoint styles—some are designed for quicker articulation, others for resonance. The "right" balance depends on your breath support, repertoire, and physical comfort.

Should I invest in a handmade professional flute, or will a top-tier intermediate model suffice?

If you’re pursuing music seriously (college, teaching, performing), a handmade professional flute is a worthwhile investment due to its superior tone, mechanism, and customization. However, advanced intermediate models from reputable brands (with solid silver headjoints and hand-finished features) often meet the needs of serious amateurs or doublers at a more affordable price.

How does the mechanism design (pinless vs. pinned, adjustment screws, materials) impact maintenance and longevity?

Pinless mechanisms (common on flutes like Miyazawa or Sankyo) reduce corrosion risk and make repair easier. Pinned mechanisms (like those on Yamaha or Muramatsu) are traditional but require more precise servicing. Flutes with adjustment screws are easier to fine-tune but may loosen over time. Overall, high-quality keywork in any system should feel smooth and durable with proper care.

Is a C# trill key or D# roller worth it, or are they more of a luxury feature?

The C# trill key is increasingly common on pro-level flutes and makes trills between C and C# or B to C# much easier—especially in modern repertoire. A D# roller can assist pinky transitions and is helpful for players with smaller hands. These are not essential for beginners but can be useful tools for advanced technique and comfort.

How do temperature and humidity affect flute response and tuning, and how can I adjust for it?

In cold environments, the flute contracts and lowers in pitch; in heat, it expands and sharpens. Humidity can impact pads and response. You can adjust by pulling out the headjoint, warming the instrument before playing, and adapting your embouchure. Professionals often carry a tuning fork or tuner and check pitch frequently when conditions change.

What’s the best way to develop a relationship with a flute technician or repair specialist?

Find a certified tech who specializes in woodwinds and understands your brand / model. Schedule regular checkups (at least once a year), and communicate openly about any changes in feel, tone, or response. Long-term relationships with techs mean faster turnarounds, better adjustments, and a flute that performs at its best, especially during busy performance seasons.