Getting the Most Out of Your At-Home Flute Trial

By Lance Suzuki

If you are thinking about getting a new flute, the trial is a crucial part of your decision-making process. If you don’t live close to a Flute World showroom or can’t attend a flute convention, then an at-home trial is your best option.

Trialing new flutes at home requires a little more research and preparation than in-person flute shopping. However, it can sometimes lead to even better results. If it makes you uncomfortable to play an unfamiliar flute in a noisy convention hall (and in front of strangers), then you are not alone. An at-home trial can help to alleviate some of these uncomfortable situations so you can focus on what really matters…the flutes! It also allows you to experience how the new flutes fit into your normal, everyday life.

Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your at-home flute trial experience.

Before Your Trial

Do Your Research On…

• Flutes and Flute Makers
  Find out what types of flutes are available in your price range. Familiarize yourself with the different flute makers and models available. Many high-end legacy flute makers have intermediate and entry-level offerings (Sonaré by Powell, Amadeus by Haynes, Resona by Burkart, Azumi by Altus, just to name a few).
• Precious Metal Content
  Pay attention to precious metal content. For example, if you are looking at silver flutes, how much of the flute is solid silver vs. silver-plated? The metal content can vary in these key places:
  • Headjoint Tubing
  • Riser
  • Lip Plate
  • Body Tubing
  • Keys and Mechanism
• Upgrade Options
  Are there any upgrades that you need to have, or would like to have? These could include:
  • C# Trill Key
  • Split-E Mechanism
  • D# Roller
• Resale Value
  If resale value is important to you, look for flutes of same (or similar) models that are being sold online. Keep in mind that most major flute retailers will take a 20-25% commission from the sale price.
• Online Demos & Comparisons
  Flutes will never sound exactly the same in your hands as the person in the online demo. However, online flute demos and comparisons can still be useful tools. Use them to get a general idea of the characteristics of the flute(s) you are considering.

Ask for Advice From…

• Your Private Teacher
  Your private teacher (if you are taking lessons) should always be consulted when flute shopping. Teachers often have much experience guiding others through this process as well as opinions on which flutes to consider.

• Flute World Staff
  The sales team at Flute World has a wide knowledge of the flutes available at your price point and experience in matching flutes to flutists of all levels.

• Flute Colleagues
  Do you know anyone else who has recently shopped for a new flute? Do you know anyone who plays on the same (or similar) model to a flute you are considering? Ask them about their experiences to help inform your choices.

Plan the Timing of your Trial to…

• Play in Multiple Environments
  With advance notice, can you get access to an empty school auditorium, church or large rehearsal room?

• Play in a Flute Lesson
  If you are taking lessons, you will definitely want to play the top candidate(s) for your private teacher.

• Play in a Rehearsal
  Do you have a band or orchestra rehearsal you could bring your top candidate(s) to? If not, can you invite a friend over to play duets? It is important to hear how the flute plays and blends with others. However, be sure to NEVER LEAVE YOUR TRIAL FLUTE OUT ON A CHAIR OR PEG DURING REHEARSAL BREAK.

Practice!

• Prepare Trial Music in Advance

• • This allows you to focus more on the flutes and less on the technical challenges
  • Preparing on your current flute also gives you a good point of comparison
  • Choose music:
    • That is not too long (some scales and short excerpts of pieces will do)
    • That utilizes your whole range
    • That is varied in register (low/middle/high) and articulation (legato/articulated)

During Your Trial

Tips for Play-Testing

• To start, give yourself a little bit of time to acclimate to each flute individually. Start to build your initial impressions.
• Next, go one scale or excerpt at a time, switching between the flutes. Be sure to choose music with a variety of ranges and articulations and don’t forget to include your current flute in the rotation.
• As you play, try to keep the most neutral and natural approach to each flute. The more consistent you are, the more you will be able to discern differences between the flutes. Listen and feel for how the flutes react to your air and fingers.
• Repeat your play test in multiple environments. One of these should be your regular practice room and another should be the largest space you have access to (living room, local church, large rehearsal space).
• Record yourself at a distance on all flutes to see if you can notice any differences in projection.
• If possible, play for your private teacher (if you are taking lessons) and/or another musician whom you trust.
• If possible, play with others (in a large ensemble rehearsal or duets with a teacher or friend).

Trying new flutes at home can be a fun and musically-invigorating experience. Most of all, be sure to relax and enjoy the process. When you do this, the right flute will reveal itself to you. It will be the one that feels natural in your hands and responds well to your air. It will also, hopefully, inspire you to create new and more beautiful sounds for years to come.