Hi to all flute players. There`s something i`ve been wondering about : it feels as if flute players are being discriminated... if you go to the music shop or search the internet for sheet music, the majority of it is for the piano or the guitar. it`s like the world only wants to hear them play. (it`s probably just my idea, but it still isn`t fair though)

and something else : some of my friends also play an instrument (e.g. piano and violin) and they are always talking about their music schools. what there exams will be like or how irritating their teacher was. i`m a self-educated flute player and they seem to look down on me. i don`t think they have the right to look down on self-educated people, because they work really hard too.

Is there anyone who shares my opinion?

Yes I do. My main instrument is clarinet and I tought myself flute. Everytime that I talk to a flute player about music they act like I do not know anything about it because I tought myself. I really hate when they do that because some people can learn instruments them selves. Plus there is not alot of music for flutes. It is really annoying. I also find that people who go to music schools act like they know everything about music when they don`t. They always seem to act like they are better then you. I can say that the girl that I know that went to a school like that does not know as much about music as I do. She tried to tell me that you do not tounge a note that is tied in the same measure when my band director said that you do. Not only that I play perfessionally and I do not act like I know everything. If anything I try to help peolpe who need help.

haa what?

Why worry about what other people say? Instead of giving yourself a potential migraine, just ignore it. Practicing helps people to forget certain things

People will "discriminate" against us just because of their own insecurities. Like someone else said, just ignore it, because it`s a waste of time. Yeah, I don`t like it when someone looks down on me, (which only happens as a joke)but you should be proud of being a flute or clarinet player, and don`t let people tell you diffrently.

err... sorry lacy but I have to contradict you; people "discriminate" against flutes (well anything) because it`s funny. use the force... then they will realize your skill, and you will be on the path to the dark side like they.

it`s like when us guys say,"yea touch my rock hard abs ... don`t be insecure about your manlyness..." (to another guy)

ha WHAT?? flute players are so insane.

Dear Flutie - I agree with you that no one should "discriminate" against you or look down on you because you are self-taught. HOWEVER, nothing compares to the growth that one attains while studying music academically (understanding of different styles of playing, i.e., Mozart is VERY different from Beethoven, which is VERY different from Stravinsky...) and studying it from "flutistic" and musical viewpoint of a great teacher. I have been playing for 22 years, playing professionally with orchestra, and I STILL am learning and STILL have lessons with the "great" teachers. I just believe that there are some great talents and musicians out there who can learn by themselves, but I also believe that a lot of "bad" habits can be formed. A lot of my students, some of whom HAVE had lessons in the past, still use wrong fingerings, have no idea of how to tongue properly, have no concept of improving their sound, etc. I think that everyone can benefit from an education that comes from the work we do alone, the work we do with a teacher, and listening to recordings of other great flutists.

and whos fault is that? use the force. dave we all be rocking with the force u wanta join?

actualy dog that was a random post. But ya, flutes like working out. Work, and you get big muscles and abs like me. It`s all in the proper form for working out. If oyu do it wrong on the bench you can crush yourself. Learn how. The best way is to simply learn the chromatic scale. thats the equivalent to all us manly men working the abs, bicep, tricep, deltoids , pectels, ect. ya. Its funny to make fun of flutes though.

one time at band camp....

i totally feel the force in this one.
i mean, are there a ton of flute songs out there worth listening to?
perhaps anyone who plays, can convince me why fluters are worth having around.
locked on target.

I have noticed the majority of piano music to flute music, too. Gracie put everything down really well. Rahhh to you, Gracie! But, flute music also has majority over other instrument, too. Finding Trombone music is an interesting search....

Don`t worry, flutists, you`re not the only ones. It can be rather difficult to find solo saxophone pieces at music stores as well. I think the reason that there is more sheet music for piano and guitar is because more young musicians are choosing them over wind instruments, which is a shame, really. The piano is pretty much a staple instrument, and about 50% of the music you see at music stores is for piano. And the guitar, well, it is just a more popular instrument, simply put. Many teenagers and younger adults listen to popular music, and don`t really recognize the other types of music involving flutes, saxophones, trombones, etc. It`s a sad situation, but there`s nothing we can really do about it.

Thomas

i dont belive that being self-taught means that others should look down on you. though i did not teach myself, i know how it feels to be looked down on. there is a huge rift in our band between the different instruments. i wish it wasnt that way but people will do it no matter where you go. they will always think they are better. just practice and be your best. dont listen to people who try to bring you down and crsh your dreams. when it comings to dissing flutes though, trumpest are the masters so watch out.