I'm in 9th Grade, have been playing flute for 5 years and am on Grade 7.

First I got a very simple Vivace flute (a relatively unheard of make) which I taught myself on for 3 years until I started lessons. It cost about $300 and was ok at the time but wasn't much good once I was playing more advanced pieces.

Then I bought a second hand Trevor James Privilege. When I bought it it was 8 years old and it cost $150 which was pretty good. I am still playing it now and it is excellent.

My teacher thinks that I should start to play an open hole flute soon. My parents have said they will buy me a new flute for my birthday in June and would be willing to pay about $4000 max.

I'd like to get an open hole sterling silver flute, that will last longer than the other 2 if possible.

Does anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks, Claudia.

Doing a basic search in this forum will help you out a lot with this question. It is asked almost daily... "Which flute should I buy?" It will help save time for other members who do not wish to repeat themselves. Please ask your teacher why he/she thinks you should get an open hole flute. Open holes do not mean it is an upgrade from a closed hole flute. There are many (mostly out of the US) that are handmade professional flutes with closed holes. Prices for flute vary, so it would help if you gave us an idea of how much your parents are willing to spend.

Apologies. I missed that you did point out in the post that $4000 was the amount.
$4000 really? I would be afraid to take a flute that expensive to school. Maybe you plan on leaving it at home? Give Flute World a call and they can help direct you with professional advice. You have to be careful where the source of information is coming from especially on the internet. There are many children on this particular forum that mean well but don't yet have all the correct knowledge acquired.