I`m self-learning flute (borrowed from a friend) for half-an-hour a week, every week.

I know that i need much more practise.. but at age 16 with not much experience in woodwind instruments, will I be able to practise until my pinky finger as flexible as the more advanced flute players ??

Besides, the middle finger of my left hand hurts if i bend it too much (not backwards, but the same direction as clenching a fist).. and it`s not double jointed.. all my fingers are single joint. Anyone else with this problem?

yes i had that problem and it was from not holding the flute right. have someone who also plays watch you while you play a scale or a short song. they should be able to correct you on whatever your doing wrong. another reason could be that because youve never played a woodwind instrument before, your hands and fingers arent used to it. if this is the case, then in a while the pain will go away when you practice more. anyway, hope this helps

Yep I remember that problem...it`s from holding the flute at the wrong angle...like they said above.

i was told to get the angle of flute correct ,, put a lightwieght plastic bangle balanced on the end of the flute,,, that way ,, your posture and arm angles are correct while playing