on my music there is a symbol '8va'
does it mean to play the music an octave higher?

also, can this symbol be used when writing music for flute??

If it's above the stave, play an octave higher. If it's below the stave, play an octave lower.

Car Expert

Yep Just make sure it is still playable when you write it for an 8ve higher.

Huh Surely it doesn't matter where 8va is written; that always means play an octave higher! 8vb means play an octave lower I think

Choddy is right of course, though it's quite a modern idea.

Have a look at:

http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/text1-9/8va.html

http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/text1-9/8vb.html

To help with your maths:

http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/text1-9/15ma.html

Oh yes, of course!

Car Expert

Not always.....8va is simply short for 'ottava' - meaning octave. It can appear below the stave as well.