Recommendations

Music for Beginners

  • Youth Beginners should purchase the Suzuki Flute School Vol. 1 & 2 Music CD and Abracadabra Flute by Malcolm Pollock and are encouraged to start with the Suzuki Method.
  • Band Class Beginners should purchase Abracadabra Flute by Malcolm Pollock and Flute 101: Mastering the Basics by Phyllis Avidan Louke and Patricia George (preview)
  • Adult Beginners should purchase Flute 101: Mastering the Basics and Flute 102: Mastering the Basics by Phyllis Avidan Louke and Patricia George

Music for Intermediate Flutists

  • The Flute Scale Book: A Path to Artistry by Phyllis Avidan Louke and Patricia George 
  • Flute 101: Mastering the Basics by Phyllis Avidan Louke and Patricia George
  • Flute 102: Mastering the Basics by Phyllis Avidan Louke and Patricia George

Music for Advanced Flutists

Scales & Technical Studies:
  • The Flute Scale Book: A Path to Artistry by P. George & P. Louke
  • 17 Daily Exercises by Taffanel and Gaubert 
  • Sequences by G. Gilbert (optional)
Etudes & Methods:
  • 24 Petites Etudes Melodiques [24 Little Melodic Studies] by M. Moyse
  • 24 Progressive Studies for the Flute, Op. 33 by Anderson; ed. DeLaney & Amsler (optional)
  • Jazz Flute Practice Method by Ali Ryerson (optional)
Solos/Collections:
  • Suite in A Minor by Telemann
  • Flute Music by French Composers (Various); collection ed. L. Moyse, published by G Schirmer (optional)
  • Die Soloflote Band I Barok [The Solo Flute Vol. I: Baroque], Various Collection of Unaccompanied Baroque Flute Solos; Edition Peters, ed. Nastasi (optional)

Instrument Recommendations:

  • Reputable flute dealers offer a one week trial period before you commit to the purchase. Avoid buying used instruments on eBay or from pawn shops, and be sure to schedule a quick consultation with me before committing to the instrument.
  • Recommended Dealers: Miles Ahead Music (with repair service in Louisville, KY with Miles Davis), Flutistry Boston (ships from Boston, MA), JL Smith & Co (ships from Charlotte, NC).

Modern Flutes

Price Range $500-$1900:
  • For children under the age of 8, buy or rent a curved headjoint flute.  Good brands include Di Zhao, Jupiter and Yamaha (Yamaha headjoints are available for separate purchase if you already own a flute).
  • For flutists over the age 8, try flutes with a standard headjoint by Di Zhao, Amadeus, Azumi, Pearl, and Yamaha.

Price Range $2000-$8000:

Price Range $8000 and up:
  • Great brands include Altus, Brannen, Burkart, Emanuel, Haynes, Nagahara, Powell
  • Generally speaking the best flutes on the market in the higher price ranges have been made since 2000.  Every year top flutemakers develop brilliant-sounding instruments with excellent intonation and the flutes keep getting better and better.
  • If upgrading to a top-of-the-line instrument isn't possible today, consider upgrading your flute headjoint.  One of the simplest ways to approach making that upgrade is to attend the National Flute Convention, a Regional Flute Convention, or a Flute Specialty Store (one that only sells flutes and piccolos) and try many brands at one time.  Contact me for more advice on how to try headjoints.  Good Luck!

Piccolos

Price Range $2000-$2700:
Price Range $3000-$7000:
  • Burkart 
  • Hammig
  • Generally speaking, piccolos that cost less than $2000 often have significant intonation problems or cracks.  The brands listed here are made of grenadilla wood and are perfect for the concert hall.  If you're looking for a piccolo to play outdoors in marching band, it's a great idea use your school's instrument if one is available or buy an inexpensive plastic or grenaditte model.

Baroque Flutes