Switching instruments

"I've been playing (fill in the blank) for x years.  I don't like it.  Will I like playing (fill in the blank) more?"

My response?  I don't know.  Depends.  Do you not like your current instrument because of the sound?  or because you are having a hard time reading the music? or because you can't get your mouth/fingers/feet to do what you want them to?  or is it because you don't want to be the only one playing said instrument? or is it too big/small for you? or is it the music you are playing?

If you don't like playing lets say the tuba because it is too big and heavy, another instrument (pretty much any) might be more enjoyable because it is more manageable.  If you don't like playing your instrument because you don't like the sound, then another instrument might make a difference.

However if you are having a hard time reading music, or you want to play a more popular instrument because it is "cool", or you can't seem to get your fingers/mouth/feet to do what you want to do, most likely another instrument is not going to change things.

If it is the music, as your teacher to find a different kind of music that you would be more interested in.  Dare I say it, but there is more than Classical music out there!  Try duets-they can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a friend who plays an instrument (doesn't even have to be the same instrument usually).

Think long and hard about why you don't like your instrument and why you want to switch.  Although you could always go back to your original instrument or even better learn a 2nd instrument for fun!  Good Luck.

Music Stand

My favorite music stand is

Manhasset M48 Symphony Music Stand for Students

which can be purchased for about $40.  Although not cheap, it is sturdy.  This is not a stand that you would travel with.  Most schools use these stands.

Supply suggestions

I thought I would share some of my favorite supplies and approximate cost.

I love my metronome by Korg.  I love it because I can change the volume from silent to REALLY loud.  Korg has updated the model since I purchased mine.  The new one is Korg KDM-2 Digital Metronome.  It retails for about $60 online.  I also love my tuner.  It is the Korg CA-1 Tuner that retails for $15 online.  I like it because it is small, accurate and you can add a contact microphone to tune yourself when surrounded by other noise (ie: band room).  The contact mic is Korg Cm-100L Contact Microphone for $10.

What do I really need to play flute?

For starters a good quality working flute is required:)  A music stand is essential.  You don't have to go wild and get a really expensive one, however you want it sturdy enough so that it can hold your music books.  A folding stand is a good starter, however you may want to upgrade to a more sturdy stand once you know that learning music is something you want to do.  You will also need a pencil with eraser.  NO PENS!  Marking music is quite common and sometimes you want to change what you notated.  You will also need music.  Beginners usually start with a method book that teaches how to read the treble clef, rhythm, fingerings, and terminology that you will encounter in repertoire. A good LOUD metronome is also essential (though using it is even more important).  So to sum up:
Flute
Stand
Pencil
Method book/music
Metronome

How much should I practice?

30 minutes a day is ideal, but sometimes not possible.  We all have a life.  You can't always be practicing!  Essentially you need to practice as long as it takes to get it right.  Sometimes that means 10 minutes, sometimes an hour.  I rather you practice 10 minutes every day rather than 60 minutes right before your lesson.  Remember slow and steady wins the race!  You can't "cram" your practice-you won't retain it and you end up making dumb mistakes because you are overtired.  Runners don't wake up the day of the marathon and expect to win.  They train for months.  Same concept.

Should I rent or buy?

If you are a beginner I recommend renting.  Once you have determined you like playing and are making progress you can purchase if you want.  Most music stores have a rent to own option.  Often the instruments music stores rent are high quality instruments.  Be wary of flutes that are very inexpensive.  Often these flutes are made by "no name" companies with non-uniform parts that are difficult if not impossible to replace or repair.

Will I be able to play the flute easily?

Maybe!  If you are able to blow across a bottle top and make it sing, you will most likely be able to make a sound on the flute quickly.  But don't worry if you can't.  With practice and patience  you will eventually be able to make a sound.  Now making different notes....that is different.  As long as you have 10 fingers you can play a "traditional" flute that has lots of keys. With practice, patience, and some coordination you will be able to play different notes.  For some, playing an instrument is as natural as breathing, for the rest of us it takes some focused practice.