I think that it was unfair of Meme to call Priscilla condescending. She was simply stating her opinion, which may well (well, is) different from yours. There is also absolutely nothing she says to suggest that she is directing this comment at you. She is talking about people gennerally, I believe.
Beth x

Thank you Beth!Yes she is right,I was not directing it at any particular person,sorry!But I also think it really does make a good difference playing an open holed flute.Sir James Galway said it helps in tuning.

"I was not directing it at any particular person,sorry!"

"get over it" certainly sounds as if it is addressed to the particular person, and it is an expression that is normally used to be condescending, indicating, "My approach is superior to yours, so don`t question it - b#@!%*y well adopt it!" How can you argue that that is not condescending?

If this is a misunderstanding on account of different cultures in different countries, then it is unfortunate, and perhaps you could enlighten me as to what "Get over it!" actually DOES mean in YOUR culture.

Yes, there are some additional `tricks` available for tuning in fff or ppp situations, using open holes. I never denied that. I actually included it my list when was criticised for lack of balance.

The vast majority of flute players are not in the league of performance as Galway. Indeed probably the vast majority seldom perform even. The vast majority would not be using these additional tuning techniques. Even the vast majority of CAPABLE players succeed in pretty good tuning by using other techniques which can be done equally well on closed or open holes, so for the vast majority, this tuning issue is a red herring. BTW I did cover all this this too in my criticised list. I note that so far nobody here has produced a better balanced list that is rational.

I think that `get over it` was meant generally and as a joke (I didn`t write it so I wouldn`t know!!!)But that is certainly how it comes across to me. beth x

Goodness,all of the best players play on open holed.You need to let it go meme.Nuff said.

which is eaiser on the finger joints, open or closed hole?

Closed holes are `easier on the finger joints`, but as I have said NUMEROUS times, I don`t think that it`s always the easiest that`s best
beth x

I agree,but you get accustomed to an open holed.

Yeah - thats what I meant! At 1st, I think that closed holes are definitely the easiest option, but once you get used to an open-holed, the results are invaluable!
beth x

Priscilla, every racing driver uses gooey rubber tyres, has a multi speed gear box, wears a fire protection suit, has a VERY high reving engine, etc.

So what! Most of us use our vehicle to go shopping and on holidays, and to rehearsal.

Likewise with flutes, as I pointed out in simpler terms in my list.


So your point has little validity.

You say you`ve taught over 400 beginning students on closed hole flutes. Do you find
that most stay with the closed hold flutes as they progress to intermedicate/advanced level?

If you contact a university Department of Music about admission one of the first things they tell you about flute is to buy a good quality open hole flute due to the range of music you will be required to perform (jazz/contempory classical) and the techniques used.

We agree, and I never said otherwise.

But MOST people who play the flute do not enter a university Department of Music.

"You say you`ve taught over 400 beginning students on closed hole flutes. Do you find
that most stay with the closed hold flutes as they progress to intermediate/advanced level?"

That certainly was not the case a few decades ago. Open hole flutes were very rare in some countries, because the `fashion` had not caught on and been adopted by the marketers as it has in USA. Even today, I think more than half the sterling silver flutes I work on are closed hole. As I have said, there are `fashions` that are relatively specific to certain countries. And in case you want to argue about my use of the word `fashion`, I use the word to refer to a practice, very likely a somewhat passing phenomenon, that results not so much from rational considerations, but more from a copying syndrome - the feeling of security to be gained by being like what is perceived as the crowd.

A fashion for "Accubore" barrels came and went for clarinet, as have several for different ligatures. Spoilers on sedan vehicles has been a fashion. Large fins on the back of cars was once a fashion. Etc.

A fashion for high wave lip plates on flutes also came and went. There have been different fashions for flute players in different countries regarding split E and off-set G also, even though there are few cons and definite cons for these items, and a lot of nonsense talked besides. Even top players can follow fashion trends.

I have a daughter who is in her second year of flute. She plays the most basic model of Gemeinhardt - closed hole, nickel head and body, C-foot. She`s ready for a better quality flute and the nickel agitates her. I don`t expect that she will follow music through a university or music conservatory but will likely continue through high school and just play because she likes to. My question is would a closed hole flute with C-foot, silver head and perhaps even silver body,likely be adequate for her needs.? I`ve enjoyed reading your posts and appreciate the advice you`ve given here.

Certainly.

However in USA some snobby types may look down their noses at the closed holes (which do NOT make a poorer player!)

Of course there are different qualities of flute in this range.

Yamaha YFL-311 has a silver head, is very well made, split E, Low C, off-set G. Excellent flute, and you would have to be quite an advanced player for it to be a limiting factor. I reckon this flute plays better that many top professional, all-silver, `hand-made` flutes played by professionals fifty years ago, such has been the improvement in flute design.

However you could go for a classier flute such as Muramatsu EX or GX. In 2004 at least, James Galway used one for his practice flute. They are awesome to play, and superbly made. You would get little more flute by paying megabucks more - just a lot of snob value.

These are available with closed hole and low C options. See http://www.muramatsu-america.com/instr.htm