Hi,

I'm going to give flute lessons to a friend when term starts this year and I've been wondering what book to use with him. He is incredibly un-musical (we tried piano lessons last year), finds reading music really difficult and has problems keeping time. He's 22 and is learning flute to improve his lung capacity as a runner.

So, faced with these problems, which book would you use? Has anyone ever seen Graham Lyon's book (Take up the Flute) and if so, what did you think of it? I'm reluctant to use Learn as you Play becuase I think it goes too fast, and Abracadabra is a bit too young.

Thanks,
Cat

I don't like the Lyons at all. I don't like the layout! Other people might say differently though!

What about "a tune a day"?

I use Ian Denley's Flute Time. It's not perfect (no tutor book is), but I find it works very well with adults, and the CD is a bonus.

The team woodwind flute book? It has rhythms to clap and pieces which get progressively more difficult.

I had problems with timing/rhythm/pulse and got Flutetime by Ian Denley at andante's suggestion. I found it great for that! I had been using Abracadabra but I think flutetime is tons better for timing. I'd advise anyone to try it.

Used Abracadabra and Tune a Day- both fine

I'm 39 and have just finished Abracadabra (book 1). I didn't find it too young at all. Many of the pieces are well known and well paced. Try it, I'm sure he'll enjoy it!

I find that the Boosey Woodwind Method is the best - it appeals to children and adults. As it comes with a CD, even the first piece in the book which has only one note sounds good when you play it. There are repertoire books as well which are useful.

David

Anyone used the Trevor Wye beginners' books?

I use them for useful supplementary material (especially duets), but I find his fairly random introduction of new keys (up to four sharps) unhelpful. I have to pick and choose the material I use from there.

I use Abracadabra a lot, and it's almost better for adults because they are often more familiar with the material than the youngsters. However, it is not a tutor book - it has nowhere near enough technique/msuic theory for that. It is fine as a supplementary resource.

OK that's interesting and useful to know - thank you!


I have noticed that especially, it has some good tunes and tells you fingerings for notes but no technique at all. I used it to teach myself years ago and I think I was just lucky to have a good background in music and a few friends who played flute, so I wasn't just completely confused as to for example get into the 2nd octave when the fingerings are the same. It doesn't explain at ALL!

Tune a Day is great! Abracadabra is fun but I agree with Sarah and Andante about the lack of tuition/explanation.

True, with Abracadabra I guess it couldn't be used on its own - it needs a teacher.