Hello everyone,

I've been learning to play the flute for a couple of years (I first picked it up 14 years ago but soon gave it up because of lack of time). My playing has been a bit like a sick parrot until recently when things suddenly started to come together more. The notes on the page make much more sense and I can read them quicker, my fingers do the right thing more of the time, my breath support is more consistent and my embouchure is stronger and more flexible. I find if I don't think too much about what I am doing, it just happens - like magic. The flute sings and it's like someone else is playing it. I know I have a long way to go but my teacher has persuaded me to take music exams and she is putting me in for a grade 3 in the new year, although she says the pieces I've been playing have been grade 4 or 5. I've never thought of myself as musical before but it's starting to take up space in my life in the nicest possible way. Do you think I can call myself a flautist yet??? It's been great finding this forum and reading what you have all been talking about.

Magic

I'd say you have every right to call yourself a flutist/flautist/flute player/fluter/whatever your preferred term is. There's no dividing line separating us into flutists, and non flutists based on skill, or knowledge, or anything else. The day you chose to start learning flute you became a flutist. Welcome to 8notes. As you will find out, there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained here, and a pretty friendly atmosphere as well. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself. Don't be afraid to contribute, or ask questions as they arise (after all, that's what we're here for)! Good luck with your exams (be sure to let us know how they turn out), and once again, welcome!

if your getting paid your a flutist, if you're not you're a flautist

thats kool cuz im new too i just started 6th grade and am swithching to percussion i requested u as a friend please accept

Welcome Magic!

It's always nice to see a new face around here! I hope we can all help you with whatever you need to continue your learning experiences.

When you refer to a grading system, do you mean American or from another country? I am always interested in how different countried rate instrument achievements too, so perhaps you can teach us a few things as well!

Would you mind sharing some of the pieces you have played lately?

Welcome!
Of course you can call yourself a flutist! Now your one of us. lol!! There are some really knowledgeable and helpful people on this board, so I would say you came to the right place. Share away! Congrats on your progress.

Dear fellow flauuutists,

Thank you for welcoming me!

DottedEigthNote, the grading system I refer to is the English one - I'm not sure if it's the same throughout the UK, but I am based in Southern England. There are 8 grades, 8 being the most advanced. Apparently there's no need to start at 1 if you have got along further than that. So far I'm not aware of exactly what is expected at each grade other than that you have to learn a couple of accompanied (by piano) pieces, an unaccompanied study and some scales and arpeggios.

When you folk share music do you mean tell each other about it or actually make some kind of printable copy?

Lol, Patrick. What if people pay me to go away and play somewhere else?

I've got a list of questions as long as my flute but don't know where to start.

Magic