How to start playing without plugs? How long does it take to feel confidance
playing with open holes flute?
Thanks

it really just depends on you. I have had my open-holed flute for like 3 years, and I still have a plug in, and I need to replace another plug. It just takes a lot of practicing, and knowing yourself and what you are ready for.

What I would do is just take off the plugs one at a time. Let each finger get used to the key one at time. If you`ve been playing a closed hole flute for a long time, some finger may never be fully used to the open hole, in that case just leave those plugs in. Good Luck!!

If you have any opinion on Pearl flutes please give it at the topic "Are Pearl professional flutes good?" on this forum. Search flutes and you should find it I posted it a couple days ago and would like to get everyones opinion. Thanks!!!

It didn`t take me long to get used to it.It took me about 2 weeks, well anyway I practice EVERYDAY for more than 30 minutes. I never did consider getting plugs.Never did and never will.I don`t know, it feels like their slowing you down.If you still have the plugs what`s the point of having a open hole/french style flute?

You`ve already been given pretty good advice. My daughter`s teacher removed one plug at a time (one per week) which forced the issue. You know how to play, so removing the plug will naturally cause you to adjust your finger position to properly make the adjustment.

On the other hand, if open-hole flute isn`t for you...keep in mind that some professionals are coming back to closed hole flute playing. With that in mind, flute makers are creating closed hole flutes that maker up for the earlier perception that open-hole flute gives the best sound.

Whatever you choose should feel right for you.

Best Wishes.

It didn`t take me too long. Even before I got an open-holed flute, I practiced keeping my fingers on the center of the keys instead of the edges, which helped.

it really depends on the person... when I was in seventh grade, playing in the eighth grade band, my flute broke and took about one month to get it fixed... so while my flute was in the shop I borrowed my band director`s open holed flute and I was able to play it within one day... but that may just be me... I agree with what someone else said about taking one out at a time... and go from there...