Congratulations on choosing the flute! Flutes and variations of flutes have been played not only all over the world, but all throughout history. Archeologists have even found flutes made from bone and played by cavemen! As a music student, or a parent of a music student, you will want to know these basics soon after purchasing or renting your flute from West Music.
Parts of the Flute
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Assembling Your Flute
- Place your case on a steady surface, right side up.
- Check to be sure the tenons are clean. These are the parts that slide together. Wipe gently with a soft, clean cloth if necessary.
- Gently twist the head joint on to the main body being careful not to grip the keys to avoid bending them.
- Gently twist the foot joint on to the main body.
- Align the embouchure hole with the keys on the main body.
- Align the rod of the foot joint with the keys on the main body.
- Align the foot joint key rod so that it lines up with the center of the keys on the main body of the flute.
- Gently twist the head joint onto the main body.
- Align the embouchure hole with the keys of the main body.
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Putting It All Away
- Disassemble in reverse order of assembly.
- Use the cleaning rod covered with a soft cleaning cloth to dry the inside of the instrument.
- Wipe the outside of the instrument with the cleaning cloth.
- Carefully place the instrument in the case and close all the latches.
- Store only your instrument and its accessories in the case. Music, folders and other objects may bend keys and damage your flute.
Related Articles
- How to Hold Your Instrument: Woodwind – Tips & Reminders
- 10 Care Tips for Woodwind Instruments
- 7 Tips for Practicing
- Practice Tips for Young Musicians
Have questions? Need advice? West Music is here for you! Give our school band experts a call at 800-373-2000.
Adapted from Alfred Music’s Sound Innovations for Band Book 1: Flute.
Special thanks to our partners at Alfred Music for providing us smartmusic® videos and additional materials.
Aaron Hansen is an experienced K-6 General Music educator, passionate about bringing music to life through the Orff Approach. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Aaron has completed comprehensive Orff Teacher Training, including three levels at the University of St. Thomas and an Orff Master Class. His dedication to the Orff method took him to the Summer International Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Aaron also shares his expertise by teaching movement at various Orff Teacher Training Courses and conducting workshops for local Orff Chapters.
