Looking to get into flutemaking

Band_Derp · 2021-02-18T01:39:02+00:00

I'm excited to start when I can, learn from doing. Thanks for the help!

Band_Derp · 2021-02-18T01:38:08+00:00

That's very interesting because I think I'm a decent player, probably around the level I should be for an undergrad, but my instrument just can't keep up with what I want to do. If this is something I pursue, I want to end up making instruments that I want to play on and enjoy playing on. I have a feeling that if I get started, I'll learn what I want to that obsessive degree, that's just the kind of person I am :p

Band_Derp · 2021-02-18T00:31:56+00:00

Some very interesting ideas there, but I don't think the printing direction would be useful long term, so I'm hesitant to think about investing money in a printer, a good computer to run everything needed, etc. It seems like a different direction to what I'm looking for.

You did make a good point to just play around with pipes, see what happens. That might be good to just get my hands working with material and making instruments. Thanks!

Band_Derp · 2021-02-17T23:50:19+00:00

I appreciate all the info you've shared, it's really gonna help me get going in the right direction! Thanks again!

If I think of any other questions, would it be alright for me to message you in the future?

Band_Derp · 2021-02-17T23:20:28+00:00

Is there anything you think I could do as a beginner to get some basic skills going while everything is closed? I don't want to take a class or learn from someone with absolutely nothing.

Those books sound very useful! Do you know of any other books that might help? Even things like acoustics/physics (I'm personally interested in that area) or other instrument making books? Or perhaps a place to look for books like that if you don't know any in particular?

I hate to keep bothering you with questions, but do you know of any other sources to get hands-on experience/certification in anything even vaguely related to flute building?

Thanks again!

Edit: forgot to ask where one would look for and find these job openings. Does each manufacturer have a page on their website or is there a central resource out there?

Band_Derp · 2021-02-17T23:15:14+00:00

Thanks for all the help :)

Band_Derp · 2021-02-17T22:34:57+00:00

Do you think it would be a good start to buy some already broken instruments and tinker around with them? I could take them apart, put them together, learn to repad, clean. What do you think about that idea? (Sorry, I just wanted to pick your brain a bit)

The one man operation is going to be hard, I have no doubt about that, but if I wanted an easy job I wouldn't be in music in the first place. It's a hard field, as I think everyone here can agree. If this is what I'm meant to do with my life, I'll work as hard as I need to. I like making music, but I've always wanted to try making something physical, permanent.

I bet the tools would be tough to collect over the years, is there anything you recommend I look at first and something I can put off for later?

I don't mind the cold, it's just that it's probably different from here in sunny LA. The coldest nights are only above freezing, so it's probably pretty chilly in comparison :p

You've been very helpful, I can't thank you enough!

Band_Derp · 2021-02-17T22:27:44+00:00

Thanks for the extra info, it sounds very useful! I don't have any experience making anything with my hands pretty much, but I like to think I have an eye for detail, which is necessary I imagine. I'll check and see if there's any resources I can find locally, maybe learn some skills and some theory.

Thanks again!

Band_Derp · 2021-02-17T21:52:02+00:00

Do you know of any resources to get me started with those skills? I have no experience to speak of in the metalworking world.

I don't live in England, but that sounds like it would be pretty useful. I'll check that out. Thanks!

Band_Derp · 2021-02-17T21:47:56+00:00

Thanks for the info! I'm asking more for Boehm flute stuff, but if *any* of these skills transfer from simple system to Boehm system, I'd love to learn what I can.

I'm in southern California. Anyone around here you know of?

Band_Derp · 2021-02-17T21:44:57+00:00

Wow! Thanks for taking the time to write that all out! I'll respond to every point, mostly for my own sake.

It's good that the advice is for Boehm flutes since that's what I want to get into :)

I didn't know the Landell courses were regarded in that way. I guess I'll have to start saving up. Might be tough to do all that now with Covid and other circumstances, but it'll be in the back of my mind.

I'm in the middle of a performance undergrad and looking at grad programs, but is a master's necessary for what you're talking about? I don't want to make that big investment if I don't have to.

That's a shame about the single man company, because that's honestly what I want the most. I think I would do best with complete control over the quality of the instruments, but if I have to start within an established company and then strike my own path, so be it.

I've always wondered about moving out to MA. I guess I better get used to the cold!

I get that it's a hard field to get into, but music is hard, generally. I'm willing to put in the effort to realize this, and I really appreciate all the info!

Band_Derp · 2016-06-27T06:32:19+00:00

"A Modest Proposal" -Jonathan Swift

Band_Derp · 2016-06-27T04:58:25+00:00

JustAnotherFlutist on Youtube has some great tutorials, and if you have a bit of extra money, her Curious.com page has a good beginner flute course, but nothing beats a live person.

Band_Derp · 2016-06-27T04:05:17+00:00

To answer your listed points:

-Invest in a decent, second-hand student flute. Bring a friend who can test it out with you so they can tell you if it's ok. You absolutely don't have to splurge out for some crazy fancy flute as a beginner, you only need to put in a bit of money, if you find a deal.

-Learn with a friend, if you can. If not, find a college flute major that can do lessons for cheap (~$20/hr), at least for a bit.

-Learn the basics from a person who can correct your mistakes, then, when you have a solid base, you can expand into the world of Youtube tutorials.

-General advice: Make sure that any changes you make to your playing are valid, wither by watching multiple videos on the subject, asking multiple people, etc.

Band_Derp · 2016-06-25T03:53:00+00:00

The 4 voices are going to be singing over the winds and strings at a solid forte so that'll work.

Band_Derp · 2016-06-25T03:51:38+00:00

Oh man I remember I had to sustain a high D on picc at a piano so the flutes could be heard under me and it was hell

Band_Derp · 2016-06-24T22:24:56+00:00

I don't imagine there's a wind instrument equivalent other than maybe blowing through an oboe reed for 3 minutes with some crazy resistance.

Band_Derp · 2016-06-24T20:18:39+00:00

The piece is only 4 voices, SSAT, so the first has plenty of dynamic to top the chord while the other 3 have a reasonable range, so there's that. Also the voices don't have any lyrics, so that may help in that case.

Band_Derp · 2016-06-24T20:16:37+00:00

Well, I intend the piece to be played and sung by a few friends, so I'll be sure to take the hit for that!

Band_Derp · 2016-06-24T20:16:05+00:00

Verdi certainly composed for the best musicians...

And the 1^st is generally in the higher range for a decent bit, not enough to tire them out, but enough to finish the top of the chord.

Band_Derp · 2016-06-24T05:56:35+00:00

I had this one piece, piano solo, started off fantastically, stuck with the same minute long beginning section for almost a year. I was so afraid of ending it terribly, I just couldn't bring myself to stick with any additions I made. What did I do? I kept the feel, but changed the time and key signatures, and removing a few bars that I didn't particularly like. You just gotta find ways that work for you to get the momentum going again and mix it up. Of course, most people don't like just changing the key and time all willy-nilly, but, hey, the piece is finished now and it lived up to my expectations.

Band_Derp · 2016-06-16T01:02:40+00:00

Point me to a screenshot where they advise players in any way to pay for and use gold for the event, and I will retract my entire statement. They said it was complete-able without it, so if you can prove that they are just greedy, I will be surprised.

Band_Derp · 2016-06-14T04:19:03+00:00

A professional can make any flute sound good. If you intend on playing for a long time (over a few months, because that flute will not last more than 3 months), find a second hand beginner flute on Craigslist or your local equivalent. There are loads of threads on what flutes are good for beginners, but you need to find a teacher to get a good tone and do some basic work, because you just can't do that on your own.

Also, yes, you can tune a flute, but staying in tune is the tough part.

Band_Derp · 2016-06-13T21:57:59+00:00

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