Having a flute does not mean merely playing it. There are several aspects and tricks to be known to make the best use of it. Being a beginner, it is likely that you do not know some things that are still basic but do not worry; we will take care of giving you all the necessary information.
The best thing to do, even before thinking about which transverse flute to buy, would be to choose a good teacher, which is anything but simple, you want because there aren’t any nearby or more simply because you don’t know where to find one. The master also acts as a guide in choosing the instrument.
Right below we had listed out the best Selmer flute.
Buying Guide to Select the Best Selmer Flute
A Big Family
There are some things to know about the transverse flute; among these is the composition of the family. We will not go into detail also because not all of them are in common use.
The piccolo, the soprano flute, the tenor, the alto, the bass, the double bass, the sub-double bass and the hyper bass are part of the transverse flute family. In addition to the ordinary flute, the most commonly used are the alto, the piccolo and the bass, although the latter is less used than those above.
Why aren’t other family members spread? Because above all they are used only in large orchestras, moreover they are very expensive and intonation is always problematic. Finally, some are bulky, we think of the hyperbass flute whose length exceeds 8 meters.
The Characteristics of A Flute for Beginners
Previously, we underlined how we should avoid buying a transverse flute that is too cheap because it hides pitfalls, always on condition that we are in economic conditions to be able to face a greater expense. However, this does not mean that you have to buy a professional flute if you are not.
The expense would be disproportionate, and it is something that we do not recommend. To move to a higher level instrument, there is always time; first, you have to learn, study. So look for where to buy a flute designed for beginners.
But what characteristics must such an instrument have? Simple to play, resistant but at the same time light. Starting with a flute designed for beginners is not just a question of price: those for professionals are more difficult to play and heavier.
The Flute Does Not Devalue
A good brand transverse flute, although for beginners, does not tend to devalue itself. This is important to know because the beginner, once he has become good, may want to get rid of the old tool to finance at least in part the purchase of the new one.
The important thing is to take care of the flute and don’t be surprised if one day you managed to sell it at a higher price than you paid it years before; because it has already happened. This is due in particular to the increase in the cost of metal.
We also add that sometimes a small modification is enough to improve the tool. In the case of some flutes for beginners, it is sufficient to replace the head, perhaps with a handmade silver one, to improve the instrument.
How to Use the Selmer Flute?
Having a flute does not mean simply playing it. There are several aspects and tricks to be known to make the best use of it. Being a beginner, it is likely that you do not know some things that are still basic but do not worry; we will take care of giving you all the necessary information.
The Assembling
Leaving the instrument assembled is certainly convenient but know that you will have to assemble and disassemble it many times, even if only to put it in its case. This is not a complicated operation; let’s see how to proceed. Grasp the middle part with one hand from the top where the barrel is.
Don’t exert pressure. At this point, it is up to the foot (the shorter part of the instrument). This is joined to the central piece by slowly pushing and rotating, alternating the senses. The head is inserted into the central body from the side of the barrel.
Also, in this case, it must be pushed slowly taking care to rotate the piece in one direction and the other. Be careful not to exert pressure on the piece. At this point, check that the insufflation hole is well aligned with the keyboard.
Correct Posture
It is important to correctly set the posture from the beginning to play the flute, the body and the visa must be relaxed. In this phase, it is very important the support of the teacher who, in addition to his experience, being in the role of the observer can, better than the musician, observe an incorrect attitude.
How to Produce Sound?
Now let’s see how sound is produced. This occurs thanks to the emission of airflow through the insufflation hole. In this way, the air column inside the tube starts the sound vibrations. The notes are issued by closing the holes obtained by acting on the keys.
The effects
Techniques such as alloys and fences are obtained by blocking the airflow with the tongue. Alternating the consonant “T” with the “K” you get double and triple staccato. Then there is the so-called smoothie effect that to perform it you must blow by pronouncing “TR”, “DR” or “VR” at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
At What Age Can You Start Playing the Selmer Flute?
It is a question that many parents ask themselves. Keep in mind that a very small child may struggle to hold the tool and place his fingers. For this reason, the teachers believe that the right age to start is between eight and ten years.
Then it is clear; it also depends on the physical structure of the child. No limits are deriving from the shape of the mouth, but unfortunately, those who use fixed orthodontic appliances cannot play. In the case of mobile ones, however, just remove them.
How to Clean the Selmer Flute?
To follow the cleaning of the instrument, it is necessary to disassemble it but first get an ad hoc kit that will undoubtedly include both different cloths and a cue, both useful elements for acting inside the flute. To clean the exterior, use another cloth so as not to transfer the residues of dirt inside it to the surface. Clean one piece at a time and then always place the instrument in the case.
How to Blow in The Selmer Flute?
First of all, avoid the mistake of using your cheeks as an airbag; in fact, keep them relaxed. Breathe through the diaphragm. Depending on how you blow, different octaves are obtained while keeping the same fingering.
In the case of the first octave, the hole is more open, and the direction of the air is decidedly downward. For the second octave, the hole narrows and the air direction is raised. For the third octave, the hole is even less open, and the direction of the air rises further.
