I got a (v. v. cheap) flute on ebay and have had it repaired (which meant I got a Boosey & Hawkes for the grand total of £70!). I am going to get lessons soon but will have to wait until I have more money. In the meantime, I want to start with some exercises so that I can work on developing an embouchure and learn where the notes are. I need to double check how to change octaves - is it correct that the flute doesn't have a octave key like the clarinet/oboe? So you would have to change octaves by changing the shape of your embouchure, much like changing open notes on a brass instrument? If this is right, can anyone point me to a good website (preferably with pictures) that can show me how to do this?

Thanks!

you need to move the jaw slightly to play the octave properly, don't pinch the lips, you will just get a tight, airy tone...