The eager high school musician, accepted into music school, may want to come into university with a new instrument that is up to the standard they feel is necessary for this transition in their life/career. Here are some considerations for these students and their family to ponder before diving in blind.
New Teacher
Most students will not have the same primary instrument teacher from high school to college. There are A LOT of changes that takes place within the first year of being a music major: embouchure changes, posture changes, sound production, reviewing basics and establishing a strong foundation for the next 4+ years…
All that being said BEWARE buying a flute before consulting this new teacher. Equipment is important, but it is not everything, if you have an instrument that is reliable and consistent then hold off on the expense until university. If you need to upgrade, consult with this new teacher and maintain good communication. Trial instruments, get feedback, and ask questions (it’s okay to not know everything there is to know about flute manufacturing and your teacher will have had an array experience in this area).
Changes and control
Similar to the last point, change is inevitable – especially if you plan to improve. Most student flutes require less work to manipulate factors like tone, focus, and color; many flutes with higher specs require work to really master control of these elements (albeit the sound is often better balanced and blended) which is another factor to consider. As a music major the technical demand will increase, and the decision to get a new instrument at the same time there is more of a demand to be musical may be a road block.
The Importance Of Trials
If you have the opportunity to trial flutes rather than just do a quick test in a store take it. You can get more opinions on instruments and better weigh your options when you have more time to spend with the instruments and learn how they work over a several days.
Just Another Flutist, Joanna, is a partner with the Flute Center of NY and has a concise video on setting up trials and how to structure them to get the most out of the experience:
There are a lot of options and things to consider when making a flute upgrade:
- Budget
- New or Preowned
- Inline or offset G
- Open or close holed
- Brand
- Material
- Silver… what kind: coin, sterling?
- Gold, karats?
- Mixed – interior walls, plated, riser, etc.
- Platinum
- Combo?
- Specs/Additional features
- C or B foot
- Split E
- Foot joint roller keys
- C# trill
- Gizmo key
- Thickness of wall
- Having a repair tech in house or having a trusted one to go to after purchase
Do you have any advice for soon to be music majors? When did you upgrade and what do you think is important to know about the process?
What's On My Stand 