Now that your flute is assembled, you have to hold it in an effective playing position.

Since your fingers will be resting on keys, we need to discuss the two different kinds found on flutes. Professional flutes are sometimes referred to French models, also called "open hole." This means many keys have a hole in the middle which the pad of your finger covers when closing the key. Frequently flutes manufactured for students or beginners have closed, covered keys. This style is referred to as "plateau." An open hole flute can be temporarily modified into a plateau by purchasing a set of plugs which fill the holes. The reverse is not possible for a plateau flute.