I know you are probably wondering why I'm leaving so soon. After a very long and hard decision, I decided that flute just isn't who I am. It's more of a hobby. I must admit, yes it's fun, but I don't think I was put here to play the flute.
You see, I'm a dancer. It's my true passion. I was born to dance. I do all kinds of dance, but my calling is tap. My mom has been tapping for over 13 years so I get my talents from her. I'm nearly an advance tapper and I can't wait until I'm a professional!
I have these two professional flutist (or is it flautist?) on YouTube, FluteMark and JazzFlutist. I'm sure some of you know them and they are really good. I always think it's impossible to be able to play that stuff. But when I look at professional tappers, I know I can do that stuff.
So I guess this is goodbye. This site is so wonderful and helpful! I never really knew any of you guys, unfortunately, but I hope you all do well. Farewell!

~FG68~

I'm sad you're leaving, but happy you've found what your true calling is. Just be sure that you're not going to overwork yourself and have nothing to relax with! Flute isn't my life, either, but it's a nice, calming part to it. You can still dance and play. It's always such a great feeling to know what your calling is, though.

Best of luck on your dancing!

Sorry you have decided to leave. I also believe one must follow one's own intuitions concerning the future.

But as said above, there is no reason why one talent should prevent developing a hobby, except in the case they could be contradictory in technique or because of lack of time to develop both.

As for flute playing as a hobby, some of us (or could it be many of us?), me including, do study and play the instrument for that main reason. In my case, I have no possibility of becoming a pro or even a well advanced performer; I am too old for that. But I still enjoy it quite a lot.
Good luck in any case

Hi FluteGirl68,
It can be very easy to get discouraged about your playing at times. Enthusiasm can came and go (And come back again). But with only a few years of playing a person can't expect to be on the level of a professional or even a long time serious amateur.

Just to clarify something:
"Flutemark" (Mark Richter)from Frisco, Texas USA considers himself to be an amateur musician and not a pro., playing to glorify God but he plays on pro equipment and has studied extensively. He is "a full-time technology professional in a major US financial institution." he also has a bachelor degree in theology with a major in New Testament Greek. He's not an educational slouch by any means.

"JazzFlutist" Bruce Conway is an Independant flutist taught by Carol Gurofsky in Ottawa, Canada.
His words: "I've been playing for about 30 years! I had special training on tone, using Marcel Moyse as the main example. A good flute headjoint also helps. Mine is a solid gold Goosman custom made. Otherwise, try to emulate opera singers, not flute players. In other words, visualization is important. When you play, pretend you're Pavarotti with the same level of drama in your playing. Also, try to make the flute sing."

For us still intent on learning all that we can, these guys ARE excellent examples of good role models of attitude and expertice.

~Bilbo
N.E. Ohio

Bruce Conway recommendations are very interesting and motivating. Thanks for bringing it here, Bilbo.
I notice I am reaching a level where my teacher is more concerned with things like the "singing" of the flute at certain parts more than in other things, even if I make mistakes. This is very rewarding for me.

The nature of this expressive singing comes from the J.P. Rampal and Marcel Moyse study of the flute as a Bel Canto instrument. A singing term.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel_canto

"Bel canto singing is characterized by a focus on perfect evenness throughout the voice, skillful legato, a light upper register, tremendous agility and flexibility, and a certain lyric, "sweet" timbre."

I believe that this relation to singing came from the Paris Opera where the flutists would try to match the voice of the singers on stage.

~Bilbo
N.E. Ohio

well it is sad that you are leaving but you got to do what your heart tells you to do right. good luck in danceing hope you injoy it

once a flute player always a flute player...

PATRICKnce a flute player always a flute player...

I'm gonna have to agree with patrick on thyat one.....
I gave up fliyte for a month(regretably)and I couldnt handle it.I loved and missed it too much!!!!

I'm sure you'll come crwiling back to the flute...er I mean,come to your senses soon enough.LoL

<Added>

I meant to say PATRICK: Once....

Good luck in dnace...

But y can't you do tap AND dlute at the same time?


That would be quite interesting LoL

jUST DO BOTH.sET ASIDE 15 MINS A WEEK A TO PRACTICE THAT IS NOT ALOT.

aND WE ALL KNOW YOU HAVE MORE THAN 15 MINS OF FREE TIME.Just do that

I just noticed that I was typing in caps...sry!!!

hey, you don't have to leave. just because you don't play the flute anymore doesn't mean u have to leave. i mean you can still talk to us and i'm a dancer too. don't give up on flute i mean when you have some free time, pick up the flute and play. i'm not exactly a dancer anymore and band is my thing, but it makes sense to keep doing what you like. you said that the flute is a hobby, why not keep going with it. i'm not discouraging you brittany, because i know you'll be an awesome dancer, probably be famous one day. but i'm just sayin' when you get the chance, you can still pick up a flute and continue playing.

i hope i helped,
SBG1

Hey guys! I know this is old and everything, but I was really bored. I just wanted to say Schoolbadgeek1, I haven't quited flute at all. And I have no intentions of doing so in the near future. It's just that this forum seems to be full of people who live for flute. I felt out of place. But no worries, I have found a new internet home. Thanks all for the goodbyes. You all made my day!

<Added>

Hey guys! I know this is old and everything, but I was really bored. I just wanted to say Schoolbadgeek1, I haven't quit flute at all. And I have no intentions of doing so in the near future. It's just that this forum seems to be full of people who live for flute. I felt out of place. But no worries, I have found a new internet home. Thanks all for the goodbyes. You all made my day ;)

hey glad ur back. i don't just live with the flute. i'm into other musical instruments, i love running, i love soccer, i play w/ my 8 year old sister, i love amusement parks, i'm in to almost anything. i have a very busy schedule and will have an even bigger schedule next year when i enter high school. at least school will let out earlier. also i have to try to get my permit (which i don't know if i can because i'm legally blind through my right eye) but i still find time to practice my flute and thats what matters

same here! i love to run, i'm in crosscountry at school! whoowhoo! i was about to quit flute 3 times in my life, and i was soooo close to quiting! but my amazing friends didn't let me and i'm so glad i ididn't. i never realized how much potential i had!! i am SURPRISED by the things i can do now. it's TRUE. u can do anything u set ur mind too. OH Yeah =D
hey, i couldn't blow into the flute for 2 years!! but now. i've accomplished a lot.

OH! and i'm blind in my left eye like u! hehe
funny

haha i just got glasses thursday night so now i know i will be able to drive.