Flute - where to start

[doowop]

Daughter is nearly 9 and has been learning piano for a couple of years. For as long as I can remember she has said that she wants to learn to play the flute and given that she has stuck in there with the piano and seems to get a lot of pleasure from it, I thought I should let her .
But- I know nothing about flutes at all! Can anybody give me an idea of what kind of flute I should be looking out for? I don't intend to spend too much money so would be looking out for a second hand one. Are they all the same size? Any tips or info great fully received.

FWIW I started flute at 9 and started with a standard model buffet flute that cost I think between £300-400 new. You can get much cheaper ones than that though, (different makes around £100-200 new) some of them very good but I have no experience with them. I'd say a student/beginner model buffet, Trevor James or yamaha with 'closed holes' to start with. If she has small arms she may find a 'bent head' more comfortable, but I didn't need one.

Then if she wants to progress to higher grades you can either upgrade with a solid silver head joint (not recommended for beginners as makes good players sound better but bad/beginner players sound worse if you know what I mean) or with a whole new flute. (my buffet lasted me to grade 4 then I got a yamaha with silver head up to grade 8 then a solid silver open hole miyasawa.)

If you like I can scour eBay and send you some suggestions on what looks good.

('qualifications' - owner of 4 flutes, (and tried many) grade 8 semi-pro)

Or a yamaha 211 - I have the silver head version of that (311) and get on with it well, many if my friends have the 211 and like it too. I have found some on eBay for around £100-200.

Hope that helps! X

Thanks so much for that. So I'm looking for a buffet with closed holes. Is that right? She is a slightly taller than average 8 yr old so am hoping arm length would be ok. Is there a name for the flutes that don't have a bent head or are they just standard?

Or a yamaha 211 - I have the silver head version of that (311) and get on with it well, many if my friends have the 211 and like it too. I have found some on eBay for around £100-200.

Hope that helps! X

Sorry, old post. Yes you are right. No special name for curved head flutes but will say so on description, doubt she'll need one for long if at all though as they are mostly for younger children.

Your county music service might let you hire for a term if you want to try the flute out first? Buying blind off eBay can be a bit dicey - do you have a music shop that sells and services instruments - you could probably get a 2nd hand one that's been properly serviced for around £250. You'll be able to sell on for a similar amount too!