THE INSTRUMENTS
Flute
Building musicians one note at a time
Overview
The flute is a beautiful instrument known for its high, clear, and bright tone.
As a member of the woodwind family, it is played by blowing across an opening in the mouthpiece (held horizontally) while pressing keys to change the pitch. It is often the primary melodic voice in bands and orchestras. It is a small and compact instrument.
How To Assemble
Headjoint, body, footjoint.
- Hold each section by the metal barrel, not the keys, to avoid bending anything.
- Gently twist the headjoint into the body — align the embouchure hole with the row of keys.
- Gently twist the footjoint onto the bottom of the body, lining up the footjoint rod with the last key on the body.
- Never push the joints straight together — always twist gently as you connect them.
Care Instructions
- Swab out the inside after every use with a cleaning rod and soft cloth to remove moisture — this prevents pad damage and tarnishing over time.
- Wipe down the outside with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints.
- Avoid touching the pads (the soft cushions under the keys) with your fingers.
- Store the flute in three pieces in its case when not in use, rather than left assembled.
- Keep away from extreme heat, cold or sudden temperature changes.
- Have it professionally serviced periodically to keep the pads and mechanism in good condition.
