Begin972

What Do We Do When We Start to Bog Down?	In Beginning Music Study, Part One, we posed the question, "How serious am I?" How far, in other words, do I want to go with this? After all, we're talking about pleasure, fun, a hobby or an avocation--not a profession or career. Yet at the same time we know that there is no greater satisfaction than that of acquiring and improving a desired skill, and few skills are as rewarding as making music. So anyone who embarks on the quest to master a musical instrument will inevitably face a let-down period that occurs when early euphoria fades and discouragement, and perhaps impatience, sets in. In Part One we suggested that it might help to get the jump on this problem by anticipating it at the outset: "...it is important that we reconcile ourselves in advance to facing a certain amount of tedium and frustration." Sticking with a new project and seeing it through is always easier if we face realistically the inevitable downside before we start. Ever try to diet? If you have, you've certainly found out that hunger and craving for certain foods (mine is chocolate!) are bad enough, but are compounded by lack of time and energy to plan wholesome meals, and the sheer impracticality of avoiding harmful food groups in a society where tasty delights are constantly dangled in front of us by every other storefront, TV commercial, social gathering and next-door neighbor. The same kind of complications arise with an exercise program, a determination to read more, enrollment in some formal course of study, or any other project that takes regularity and discipline; something else is always there to demand priority or entice you to break your routine "just this once."
Be realistic!	All this is an old story to most of us. So anticipating and planning for the let-down periods and distractions before beginning a project can go a long way towards helping us stay focussed. Now here's a second suggestion: be realistic about the goals you set. Suppose you have become inspired to learn how to play the piano, having never done so. It would be nice if you could take six or eight weeks of lessons and come out equipped to play the Liszt Second Hungarian Rhapsody, and there are plenty of hucksters around who will promise you that, but it's just not going to happen. Set your mind on a simplified arrangement of a favorite Christmas Carol or pop tune first, and be willing to spend some regular time on basic things like learning to keep a steady rhythm or holding your hands properly.
Set a Time Frame:	Third: it's a good idea to set a time frame. Promise yourself you will stick with it for a length of time that is realistic but nevertheless extends beyond the point when you are likely to feel the first period of letdown or discouragement. And stay with it. Enlist a supportive friend or family member in advance to act as a cheerleader when you need it, and make the attaining of a specific date one of your goals.
Be Social!	A fourth suggestion: join with a friend or group. This can get complicated, since music lessons are still most effective when taught on a one-to-one basis. But you can still begin together, perhaps with the same teacher, with a friend, a spouse, or even several like-minded individuals who can all continually reinforce each other along the way. [Check out this issue's Profile for an upbeat story about a mother and daughter who began music lessons together!]

	This second installment of Beginning Music Study continues with the "soprano" of the woodwind family:
The Flute by Lisa Van Winkle, M.M.
History and Development:	Of all the wind instruments--woodwind or brass--the flute has the longest history. Still in existence and even playing condition are two flutes taken from Egyptian tombs, believed by scholars to date from about 2200 B.C. Primitive clay flutes have been found in Mexico and South America, and panpipes were used in ancient Greece, China, Rumania and Peru. The earliest flutes were held vertically, and this type, which took on the name recorder, was popular throughout Bach's time and enjoys a strong revival today; but pictures of transverse flutes--held horizontally--are found on Japanese monuments dating from as long ago as 50 B.C., and depict an early stage of the familiar instrument of the modern symphony orchestra and chamber ensemble. Early flutes were made of wood, cane and many other materials. The flute took on its present form in the mid-19th Century with the innovations of Theobald Böhm, who over the course of two decades perfected a model based on fundamental acoustical principles, with a key system that remains the basis for the modern instrument. Although it is still classified as a woodwind, the contemporary flute is made of metal, including silver, gold, and even platinum. Flutes come in a variety of sizes: the smallest (and highest) is the piccolo, pitched one octave above the regular flute; below the regular flute come the alto flute, sounding a fourth lower, and the less common bass flute, pitched a whole octave below.
Studying the Flute:	The playing of any wind instrument is largely dependent on the player's ability to develop good breath control and a proper embouchure--the correct positioning of the mouth, tongue and lips. In the case of the flute, the tone is not produced by blowing directly into the mouthpiece, but across it, in such a way that the column of air is split by the edge of the hole and thereby set in vibration (the same principle produces the sound in an organ pipe). Both the embouchure and the breathing can vary in many subtle ways with changes in pitch, intensity, tempo and phrasing, so obviously a good teacher is an absolute must at the outset.
Finding a teacher:	As with the study of any instrument, a nearby college or university is a good place to start. Music professors usually take private students, and even if they themselves are booked up, or don't take beginners, they often have advanced students who teach. A municipal orchestra is another place where you are likely to find the leading flutists in the area, and if there is no university or symphony where you are, try the band directors in your middle and high schools. Music stores are also likely to have names of local instrumental teachers, some of whom may even rent studios there. Another good source of information is The National Flute Association, which can supply a listing of certified flute teachers anywhere in the country. Their phone number is (805) 297-5287; Fax: (805) 297-0753: e-mail address: 75322.324@compuserv.com.
Beginning Study Materials:	One of the very best sources for all types of flute music is Flute World, of Farmington, MI. Their web site (click on the title) includes a comprehensive and easily navigated catalog of repertoire and graded methods for solo flute, flute and piano, flute duets and ensembles, flute with other instruments, and even flute in combination with electronics. They also offer new and used instruments for sale and many other services. Here is a suggested list of music for beginning adult flute students: Anzalone: Breeze Easy Method Arnold: Very First Method Gornston: Very First Flute Method Hunt: Flute Lessons Hunt: Flute Starter, Book I (Rhythm) Kujala: The Flutist's Progress Lee/Progris: Beginning: How to Play Flute Lee/Progris: I Want to Play Flute Lyons: Take Up the Flute Paubon: The Flute (Beginners) Rubank: Methods, Vols. I--IV Scott: The First Flute Book Takahashi: Suzuki Ensembles for Flute, Book I Wagner: Foundation of Flute Playing, Book I Wye: Beginners' Practice Book The flute is a popular instrument, and your local music dealer will usually have a good supply of music for it. Check with him first--you'll not only save shipping costs, but help keep him in business!
Other Sources:	And finally: get together with other would-be virtuosos and music-lovers! Below are a few more web sites of interest that can help point the way: Flute Index: a privately run site with interesting facts and links Classical Net: Flute: part of the mammoth Classical Net site; has more than you'll ever be able to use Other Flute Links of Interest: it really is called that! Good luck--and have fun!