15
Jun

What flute would be best for a music teacher and clarinet player?

Posted by admin

I am a middle school band director and would like to buy a flute. I know the main brands but I do not want to spend a lot of money. Should I bother with a student flute or look for a professional one?

I am a professional flutist and teacher and competition judge in NY - and taught middle school for 34 years. Gemeinhardt and Armstrong are AWFUL - maybe 25 years ago they were OK, but they are at the END of the list now. Look at a used Yamaha in the 300 or 400 series. A Pearl, a Jupiter, (a diMedici if you can find a 1000 series used!), or an Emerson will stand you in good stead. You should be able to find these USED for well under a grand. If your budget - and playing possibilities - are higher, then consider and Avanti (not out yet - soon . . ) or an Azumi. The big thing now is Big Names making step-up flutes, with a great headjoint, and a plated body. Deal; with a real FLUTE house - Jeff Weissman in NYC, or Carolyn Nussbaum, or even Flute World. J.L. Smith is a possibility, or Phil Unger in NYC. Do not get a flute from a big music warehouse place - you know what they are - because they sell things As they arrive from the factory - not in perfect adjustment. Your students rely on you to set a good example - you need to be well set up.

Technorati Tags: ,

Category : flute

2 Responses to “What flute would be best for a music teacher and clarinet player?”


sramnesia April 15, 2009

If you are planning to be a flute performer, then by all means buy a step up model. If you just want one to help you give lessons, then consider a student line model. Germeinhardt and armstrong are two good ones. You should be able to cut a deal with a music store–have them on the alert for a good used one for you.
References :
30 years of flute and clarinet teaching

mamianka April 15, 2009

I am a professional flutist and teacher and competition judge in NY - and taught middle school for 34 years. Gemeinhardt and Armstrong are AWFUL - maybe 25 years ago they were OK, but they are at the END of the list now. Look at a used Yamaha in the 300 or 400 series. A Pearl, a Jupiter, (a diMedici if you can find a 1000 series used!), or an Emerson will stand you in good stead. You should be able to find these USED for well under a grand. If your budget - and playing possibilities - are higher, then consider and Avanti (not out yet - soon . . ) or an Azumi. The big thing now is Big Names making step-up flutes, with a great headjoint, and a plated body. Deal; with a real FLUTE house - Jeff Weissman in NYC, or Carolyn Nussbaum, or even Flute World. J.L. Smith is a possibility, or Phil Unger in NYC. Do not get a flute from a big music warehouse place - you know what they are - because they sell things As they arrive from the factory - not in perfect adjustment. Your students rely on you to set a good example - you need to be well set up.
References :