Not flute-related, precisely, but a bunch of y'all here seem to know about this new-fangled stuff.

Are there any reputable sites where you can download background accompaniments for vocal numbers, i.e. karaoke-type or decent orchestral accompaniments? I am not looking for free here--I'm willing to pay--I just don't know where to start looking. I would prefer to be able to download by the song, though, as opposed to buying a whole CD for one piece. Plus, the child didn't give me a lot of notice--I'd do the tape myself, but my piano is abyssmal (it didn't take the transition to autumn well at all), and I just got the name of a piano tuner a few days ago and haven't set it up yet. I didn't think there was a rush. Anyway, the last time I looked for something to do with lyrics/music downloads, my computer became a mass of spyware, so I'd like some guidance rather than going into the unknown.

I had this problem recently. Try Amazon.com, there are plenty of Karaoke-tipe CDs. They sell under 20$, usually.

Another question is whether they have what you are looking for. If it's classical or not popular, it can be more difficult.

Another important source is music minus one. This company sells very good, professionally made recordings of classical pieces, with one instrument missing. The problem again is whether they have what you need.

Other possible source (provided you could accept midi-quality orchestration) is the site of Vivaldi studio: www.vivaldistudio.com.

Almost last, if you could work with midi-generated files, you can have the score scanned (sp) by software like Finale or Sybelius. Finale will generate a midi file and a mp3 playable recording of the score and allows you to orchestrate the score as you wish, change the Tempo, etc. One detail is that it costs about 600$, so better find a friend that has it and have it made for you.

Last: You can post in Forums like this and others, until you find someone kind enough to make this for you. I have been looking this way for a Basso Continuo on Cello for months, but no way.

But recently a very helpful soul appeared and made the mp3 from my score. It does not sound like Rstropovich, but is good enough to study a piece with due accompaniment.

Hope it helps!

Thanks, Jose-Luis! Lots of good ideas. -Judy