i hope some one can give me some tips, im learning to play the flute, and how to read music, my problem is how do i know what notes are to be plyed as flats, i know when the flat symbol is is the key signature this means to play flats notes but which ones?

the flat symbol has the line of the flatted note through it.

Are you using a beginning flute book. that stuff should be spelled out in it. If it isn't you should look into another book.

I googled "basic music theory" and got a lot of resources. Here is 1, I never used it, so hope it helps.
http://library.thinkquest.org/15413/theory/theory.htm

Alfred publishing has a lot of different theory books aimed at kids, adults, and what not.

All flats (i.e any sharps) in the key signature mean you must play every note corresponding to the notes defined by the lines or space in the staff, where the flat (or sharp) is written, when you find the same notes (but in any octave) of the instrument.

Example: you have one flat in the third line (counting from below --> up), it means that every B you find in the piece (in any octave) is to be played flat, unless it is notated differently in any measure.

If you find that a B is notated as not flat in one particular measure, then all Bs in that particular measure is no longer flat. But it comes back to flat in the next measure, unless it is again notated again as not flat.

Simple said, not so easily done when you have several flats (or sharps) in the key signature.

For that reason, all beginner pieces are written in C Major and the the student is gradually introduced to pieces that have 1 flat, later others that have two, and so on.

Playing with four or more flats/sharps is reserved (in my school) for students in their fourth year or later.

I suggest not to play songs that have more than one (or better, none), if you are a beginner and cannot read music proficiently.

Everything will come in due time.

<Added>

OOPS!
unless it is again notated again = unless it is notated again as

All of the beginner flute books I've seen(including: Standard of Excellence and Essential Elements), started the flute out in the key of Bb and then intraduced Eb, F, and C. I didn't start playing in the key of C intil the end of my 2nd year of flute.

<Added>

until****

I studied with Trevor Wye's books and I do not remember having any flats or sharps in the key signature in my first months, maybe my whole first year, buy I would have to check as it was 4 years ago.

But there are different methods and teachers; it is just my experience as student.

hey i found that getting hold of a table that shows you the flats helps

Yes indeed, Micron. Thank you for the correction.

Try using the Essential Elements books. I have only played for four years. When I started my band teacher gave me that. You should see about getting private lessons once a week. It really improves your playing.



those notes are flats and you use them often.

hi thanks to everyone who has replied to my message you have all been of help an now understand, going to have lessons from this saturday

xxx