Can I teach myself the flute?

[zen1]

Two of my DCs have recently begun to learn instruments (clarinet and euphonium) and I have gone and impulse-bought a flute on ebay with the intention of teaching myself. As a child / teenager I played the clarinet, recorder and piano, but gave up because I felt I wasn't learning for myself (made to do an hour of practise every day when I was quite young). I got to quite a good standard on the clarinet and recorder. Anyway, I now feel I want to play an instrument just for myself and settled on the flute. Will I get very far without having a teacher?

Anyone can be a private music teacher, it's not regulated although professional bodies such as ISM, MU and EPTA have minimum requirements. Working as a peri is different especially if employed by a music hub, or directly by a school as they will be looking for experience and qualifications. So, yes you could teach having gained grade 5 in an instrument 25 years ago, as someone local to me does...

Hi Zen -

I see you have had a good response and suggestions. As I said I would come back, I offer this flute site in case you need more ideas:

www.justflutes.com/category.php?cat_id=2553&comp_letter=&page=1&order=comp

For you, and the children, the ABRSM books on Theory, and the graded Theory in Practice books (which you fill in the answers to questions) are useful and good value.

Thank you Ferguson. I really appreciate the advice you and everyone else have given. It has given me lots to think about and research and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in (when the flute arrives!)

Shelling, that is scary thinking that anyone can set themselves up as a teacher. I'm going to see if my son's clarinet teacher can recommend anyone.

It's a good idea to have a couple of lessons to start you off as pp have said. I would also suggest that you get a flute teacher to check the flute that you have bought because they sometimes need a service or minor repair without a beginner being aware of it. Good luck with your flute adventure!