If you decide to learn to play a wind instrument, the most affordable and easy solution for learning is the block flute. When you first see it in a store, you might think it’s just a flute. Maybe even a children’s flute. But after reading this article and learning how diverse this instrument can be, you will no longer consider it a child’s whistle.
A little history
The name “block flute” comes from the German “blockflöte” (flute with a block). A block is a wooden stopper in the mouthpiece of a flute that covers the air-blowing hole, leaving a small gap. It is one of the oldest musical instruments, its ancestors have been known to man since ancient times. It was especially popular in the Middle Ages, when famous composers wrote for the block flute: Bach, Handel, Vivaldi. Nowadays, the block flute is usually played in orchestras and various festivals of original songs, ethnic music, and others.
The flute is an easy place to start learning to play wind instruments, even for children. It has only eight holes, and all you need to do is learn how to blow properly and memorize two octaves of sounds. The melodies are usually quite simple, easy to play by ear and even pick out by ear. The hole on the back of the instrument serves as an octave valve – it can be used to produce sounds of the first octave (low) and the second (high).
Classification of block flutes
By material: plastic, wooden, and combined.
By fingering: German and baroque system.
By sound: sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
First, you need to decide where and how you plan to use the block flute. Then you need to decide what material to choose the instrument from.
Wooden block flutes
Wood is a traditional material for making block flutes. Maple, pear, olive, plum, sapele, oak, and other species are used. Each type of wood has its own shade of sound. The choice affects both the price and the sound. Masters most often prefer instruments made of fruit tree species.
You can always distinguish the sound of a wooden flute from a plastic flute. It produces a more delicate, smooth, beautiful and expressive, lively sound. Such an instrument is an ideal choice for a child who is just beginning to learn to play the flute, because from the very first days he or she should hear the perfect sound. You can learn, play at home, and perform at concerts with it.
It should be remembered that a wooden instrument requires special care, as the wood is very sensitive to moisture, dirt, sunlight, and mechanical damage. Therefore, it is better not to take such a flute with you on a hike or picnic. And in terms of durability, a wooden instrument is inferior to a plastic one.