Hi! I'm upgrading my flute and it appears the best way is to "try" first. I realize you can do it online via Flute World, but would like to jump start it by visiting stores (don't think I can make NFA Convention in August--ergh!). Other than Flute Center of New York, can anyone tell me names of places I could visit in the NYC area that would have a good variety of upper level flute brands/models....from Yamaha to Muramatsu?

I'm very curious about this. Several years ago I was in NYC looking online before hand for various stores to try out flutes thinking it's a big city. And surprisingly it was all HS and under related stuff. Just low modle student flutes and sheet music. I was so disappointed but maybe I was not looking in the right spots so if anyone knows! I'd love to go to pitsburg for the NFC b/c that's the perfect place to try flutes but far away. Does it ever go to NYC the flute convention or plan to?

The Flute Center of New York has a great selection of professional fltues and piccolos, both new and used, so that is probably where you should have looked, mysticalwaters1. As for the NFA convention, it will be in NY in 2009, though that's a bit long for anyone contemplating a new instrument to wait.

Thanks! I'll give them a try. I never came across that what a dope! And I'm running all around with all my addresses with my dad taggin along!

I checked their website and they've got various flutist playing clips which is neat. I mean you still have to try the flute but nice hearing all different flutists. I wish there were more mainstreamed flute players like James Gallway with albums! I like to get inspired and an idea of what sounds I may like to try. Sometimes I stagnate if I don't. Then I hear another and I'm like wow! Then I practice and try to adjust to that not copying b/c I sound nowhere NEAR the peices I hear people play but helps me try to play different sounds and find what works best. I've learned to add more dynamics and more expression based on how others I've heard or seen played. Also maybe the most important thin I learned was on how to add more detail. Be more careful with each note. I used to just blunder through passages not thinking to be delicate or forceful according. I've allways tried to improve breathing and phrasing but sat next to an amazing flute player and wondered what was so great about the playing. Her sound was awesome but it was the detail and thought she put into it. Great phrasing, dynamics but what I got most was her attention to all the notes. Making them all speak or delicate without distorting the note. I actually found my self choking off my own sound during fast passages and not all the notes comming out. Sounded fine but missing notes here and there. I also realized if I played short notes it just didn't sound nice. So now I practice with all that in mind and it really helps.

I'm going to try and get cds by Rhonda Larson with her song "Be Still" which was gorgeous and I saw a Romantic Flute album on amazon that was great.

Those NFA conventions don't come back to an area for many many years. California won't see another till 2010.

In the meantime there are local flute fairs that are hosted by various flute clubs in major cities in smaller locations like schools or churches.

It looks like New York's flute fair is around March. Don't see a 2007 schedule though.

New York Flute fair:
http://www.k-c-p.com/nyfluteclub/html/flute_fair.html
http://www.rfaonline.org/index.php?module=photoalbum&PHPWS_Album_op=view&PHPWS_Album_id=2

On the National Flute Association page you can drill down to local clubs and from there find out what is going on in your particular area.
http://www.nfaonline.org/cluClubs.asp

You can also try Wiessmann's

http://www.jbwflutes.com/flutes.asp

Joe B

Thanks Joe and Stephen for your great suggestions. Weissmans, NYFlute Club and Rochester Club is a great idea. Thanks!

Joe, I was going to suggest they make the trip to you

also try Anne Pollock at www.yourfluteworks.com