Flutes

Flutes are members of the woodwind family of instruments. Rather than being made from reeds, like many other types of woodwinds, flutes have an opening (typically on the side) into which air is blown. Because of this, flutists have greater control over the sound and timbre of the notes they play. But it is also much more difficult to create sound with a flute, as the air has to come in at the exact right angle and force. This makes the flute difficult for beginners to learn. However, when the technique is mastered, the flute has a sweet, melodic sound that is perfect for solos or adding to any combination of instruments.

The Instrument

Flutes come in many different varieties. In their loosest definition, flutes include recorders, piccolos, organs, and even whistles. The main requisite for a flute is that its sound be created by blowing air into a hole. Naturally, a more specific, definitive flute was necessary to standardize music -- the Western flute. This flute has a complicated series of keys and holes. Typically silver in color, the flute is made of metal (silver, gold, or silver-plated nickel) so that it achieves a more ringing sound quality than wood instruments. Additionally, the flute is characterized by the mouth-hole located on the side of the instrument. As a result of this design, the flute is held to the side of the body rather than straight forward.

Music