A D major flute can only play in the key of D? I was reading some where that was useful for another key. I know very little about music theory and just bought a D bamboo flute. Am I limited to tunes in D?
Not at all. You can play in D major, D mixolydian, D minor with some half-holing, E minor, G major, G minor (half-holing again), A major (half-holing for G#), A mixolydian, A minor, B minor, and C major with half-holing, to name the most likey possibilities.
The easiest are D maj and mix, E min, G maj, A min and mix, and B min. F# is normally too weird if you’re playing ITM, but there are a couple of tunes that use it well.
I guess I should learn the mixolydian mode first. So much to learn. Im really just laying my hands on the six hole flute. I have been blowing a silver flute for some months but I see Im more interested in the simple flute and its sound. Right now I just want to get a good solid note on the notes with holes and the 2nd octave! Thanks for your input!
If by key you mean tonic then the Irish D flute can play in D, E, F#, G, A, B, C and C# keys. However some of the scale progressions you will get from some of these tonics comprehend modes rarely or never used in European music (except Eastern European and Gypsy traditions). I think Nano has done a fair job of stating the most oft modes for you.
If, on the other hand, by key you mean “key signature” as per staff notation, then the Irish flute can play staff notated music with G or D key signature.