Just how tough is flute to play? Say, compared to whistle? The fingering is the same, no? Same octaves and what-not? I am thinking of picking up something to compliment my whistle and piping.
Thanks all…
I’ve recently got a wood flute after piping for years - the hardest bit is getting used to blowing across the mouthpiece and getting a good tone - you just have to work at it. Also getting the right flute is crucial - there’s alot of flutes out there that are just hard work, and when you get your hands on a decent one you really notice the difference. I play mine more than the pipes now, especially as you can just pick it up and play without all that messing about with reeds! good luck!
Aside from the obvious similarity of fingering and (some) finger and breath ornamentation/articulation techniques, flute and whistle are two entirely different instruments, and each offers its own unique set of challenges. Playing the flute is a very physical activity, and indeed I would argue that the flute requires more from the player physically than any other instrument, save perhaps the pipes. To play the flute, one needs to learn diaphragmatic breath support technique. One also needs to learn embouchure technique, the nuances of which are unique not just to the flute but also to the specific type of flute that one chooses to play (e.g. Rudall style flute vs Pratten style flute). Even the best players are subject to “losing their blow” for reasons accountable (cold, sickness, too many spicy dishes eaten for dinner that night, etc) or totally mysterious. And beyond the physical challenges to the player, there’s the challenge of dealing with the instrument itself - the wooden flute is inherently a high-maintenance instrument. Flutes are like spouses - attention must be paid, or be prepared for a rough relationship!
Unlike a lot of flute players, I did not start on whistle before taking up the flute. Thus although I can play tunes on a whistle, I would in no way call myself a whistle player. However, I think I know enough to say that none of the challenges I mentioned above in relation to the flute will confront the prospective whistle player. Instead, there will be a different set of challenges to be overcome, and although I couldn’t say with certainty one way or the other whether or not they are harder or easier than the challenges of flute playing, I can say this for sure: they are nowhere near as physical. So if physicality and stamina are issues for you, you might want to steer away from flute and stick with whistle. Otherwise, I’d say go for it, but be prepared for a lot of practice and work, which will have its ultimate reward if you pay your dues.
[ This Message was edited by: johnkerr on 2002-12-12 15:20 ]
Couldn’t have said it better, John. A flute player can pull off a fairly good whistle impersonation (I also started on flute, not the other way 'round), but a whistle player has to learn to play the flute.
Certainly, I’d encourage Jack to play the flute – it’s a great instrument. But it isn’t an instrument to be added to a whistle arsenal, but rather the other way around.
Mmm, I’d say it’s about 10 times more difficult to play the flute well…or roughly there abouts…
Loren
I agree with johnkerr and Loren! Learning to play the whistle was a piece of cake compared to this flute of mine.
With no teacher, lurking on flute forums, constantly listening to recordings, weeks and months of “I’m not going to pick that flute up — I don’t care how much it cost me” attitude, it is finally starting to come together. I even thought how to make rings out of the wood.
It is by far the hardest thing that I have ever struggled with to learn. Holding, balancing, embochure (pucker this!), then having to breathe at same time you have to move your fingers while holding it still.
No sir/mame would I ever do it again. But Hey!It is starting to feel worth while. I have ten tunes (veeeery slow airs) that I can now play with some confidence, while juggling all the above.
It isn’t an easy instrument to learn, but when it works — it can make you awe in wonder!
MarkB
PS: I would like to give every one on this forum a very warm THANK YOU! For all your questions and very considerate responses and encouragement. I have learned enough to keep going with this instrument.
M
Ditto all that’s been said, but Jack, you also play pipes? I’d say that gives you a tremendous advantage in learning the flute – I know several truly excellent flute players who are also pipers. The pipes force you to be very precise with your ornaments, and that carries over to the flute very nicely.
Hi all:
Yep, the flute’s harder. The embouchure is proving to be the most difficult part for me. I’ve been playing steadily (about an hour a day) for 17 months and it’s not there yet. But noticeably improved.
I do think, however, that the flute is more forgiving than the whistle with respect to fingering. I don’t know if the size of the instruments or what, but imprecise fingering seems to be more blatant on the whistle than the flute. Or maybe it’s just me because I have long fingers.
My advice: make sure you play every day, and be patient. As much as I enjoy playing the whistle, the flute has a lot more flexibility. I would still say that the whistle is a real instrument and not a toy, but the flute is a really real instrument!
Tim
On 2002-12-12 10:58, Ro3b wrote:
but Jack, you also play pipes?
Irish pipes AND Highland pipes…glutton for punishment obviously…
I do think there is something to be
said for playing a low D whistle
as one is learning the D flute. But
the flute is harder–for reasons
covered by my compadres, above.
Also the left hand position on
the flute makes fingering much
harder, at least for me, especially
the C natural. But the flute
sounds better, with the possible
exception of the Copeland low D,
for now.
Anyhow if you’re looking to move
in that direction, a low D whistle
may be an option, along with the
flute.