Well as the title states I’m looking for recommendations on what’s available out there for us rank beginners in the fluting world. My search of this forum was unsuccessful, but that could just have been poor choice of key words. I specifically want recommendations for simple six hole keyless flutes, however that may not be possible, and I don’t know how much technique differs between those and the Bhoemn(spelling) style flute. It may be much of a muchness, in which case I will probably go for grey larsons book, since I already have his other one anyway.
Any and all recommendations appreciated with thanks in advance.
Mick
To list the obvious, Larsen (I haven’t actually perused a copy), Fintan Vallely’s “Timber”, June McCormack’s “Fliuit”. I think there’s an “Irish” flute tutor in the Mel Bay series too…
I don’t know that there are any books aimed specifically at keyless flutes - most will assume at least 4-key simple System, I’d have thought, though you can pretty much ignore the keys/glide over bits of the books that deal with their use. (Better still, get a proper keyed flute! 
)
Books aimed at Böhm beginners will provide useful exercises for embouchure etc., but won’t be any help on fingering, articulation… But of course, if you’re an accomplished whistler, most of the fingers and tunes aspects of playing will transfer pretty directly to flute. Posture, flute hold and embouchure and tone production will be what you most need guidance with, and you will find the loss of air economy compared to most whistles will require reassessing your phrasing!
oh dear…this one?
I have the Larsen and McCormack books. Both are good.
The Larsen book is more comprehensive, and is great for learning about all aspects of Irish flute and whistle playing. He’s VERY meticulous and thorough, to the point where his analysis will make your eyes cross. As far as actually learning technique and tunes, I rather prefer the McCormack book. It’s very clear and well laid-out (although I recall a couple of minor typos in it). The tunes are common and good for beginner/intermediate players.
There are also a number of free lessons available online. I found this one by Shannon Heaton recently, and like it a lot: http://tuneofthemonth.posterous.com/
Good luck!
Thanks for the replies Jem, Denny and CT. Larsons book is what I thought I might get anyway, and yes I know he is very meticulous (read bore you to tears in a very informative way), so I might look at the McCormack Book/s as well.
You’re right Jem, in what you said about…‘Posture, flute hold and embouchure and tone production will be what you most need guidance with, and you will find the loss of air economy compared to most whistles will require reassessing your phrasing!’…Air economy! What air?! I feel like I’ve got emphesema at times, but I’m improving. And, No, I don’t want a flute with keys. I would hate to be accused of being…Proper. That’s just a little too British for me !
Mick
Mick, just on the topic of tone, you’ll find a few things on my web page that might prove to be of value (the Irish flute books don’t seem to go there much). Start at http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/Getting_the_hard_dark_tone.htm
Such is life…
Ned Kelly just before the b#sta*rds hung him!
Also the title of “Tom Collins” famous book, with its inviting opening sentence: “Unemployed at last.” Described by its author as “temper, democratic; bias, offensively Australian”. And this in 1903.
Collins was in fact Joseph Furphy, born in Victoria of Northern Irish parents. His brother John might be the basis for the Australian expression, “proved to be a furphy” (= a misleading statement).
There’s also the story that Ned responded to the judge, Redmond Barry, “we will meet in a higher court than this”. Barry died 12 days after Kelly of a carbuncle on his neck.
Terry
Hammy’s book (see Denny’s link), Fintan’s book (see above).
Then: lips, lungs, love and long-term persistence. Welcome to the journey.
I myself have Just entered into the world of Irish flutes–FINALLY
-i would say go and tinwhitle it for a few months just to get the FEEL of grips , crans , taps and such- it will be your practice method anyway , especially if you use as ABC tune player- which helps fantastically, especially if you want to hear personal ornamentation fast when one is slower that one wants to be— 
----- it will give incentive and drive at least it has for me---------- also i use Amazing slow downer- to find OTHERS ornamentation---------my 2 cents 
Dear cavefish, do come out of your subterranean pools for a moment and check out the OP! I think he may already know his way around a whistle!
thanks for the cut down----- my mistake
Thanks Terry for directing me to your site. I’ve paid it a visit in the past but hadn’t read through that particular page…I’m still to check out the related links. I have been rying out your suggestions on turn the flute head etc and I am liking the whole experiment quite a bit. I will explore the linked pages after I play with the techniques from the first one.
As for the late Ned Kelly, my cousins are direct decendants of the Kellys. They know much of the history and are very proud of their Bushranger heritage. For me however, and like many others I would assume, Ned Kelly is a folk hero. A bit like King Arthur for the Welsh I would think. I did know about the ‘higher court’ line he delivered to the judge and the judges demise afterwards. My history is rusty though, and I don’t know if that was fact or fiction. I’m lead to believe it was fact though.
Lingpupa, Thank you for your encouragement. It’s very welcome.
Cavefish, you spent yer two cents on a swindle. I already know about the whistle, indeed it is my first real woodwind love 
…Flute is just the evil mistress at this point. 
Jem thank you for showing cavefish the light. 
Mick
I saw the LIGHT many years ago —but misread the post ----take care
Any idea where to get June McCormack’s book? Everyplace I’ve looked says “unavailable”.
Clark
You can always get one direct Fliuit
Nick
It would be nice to be able to purchase this in the UK, instead of shipping from the USA. Can’t understand why it isn’t on Amazon.
From what I can gather the Fliuit books are only priced in $, they are posted from Ireland.
When I got mine, if I remember correctly, they took about 3 to 4 days to the UK.
I bought Grey´s book on amazon.de,
and Mc Cormac´s on woodenflute.com
hope this helps.
By the way, only to comment that both are grate works, specially Grey Larsons Flutebook, where you a
can find many diffenrent ornamentation techniques and a bit of flutehistory.
Greetings from the sun
woodenflute.com doesn’t appear to operate a shop anymore. Thanks for the tip anyway.
June’s book is available on www.draiochtmusic.com
I have the Grey Larsen’s, June McCormack’s and Shannon Heaton’s. Out of them all I found Shannon’s to be the most useful, but all of them are good. I also have a “mad for trad” DVD which is good since you can see the tune being played.