Learning to play keyed flutes

[Steve Bliven]

Are there any tutorials/guides available for moving from unkeyed flutes to keyed ones? Fingerings, exercises to facilitate using the keys, etc. On modern keyed fluted do most of you use the D#/Eb key to vent other notes or do contemporary designs eliminate the need for that?

Thanks and best wishes.

Steve

[Just noticed that I recently passed my 10th anniversary on C&F. Still learning lots....]

[Peter Duggan]

Are there any tutorials/guides available for moving from unkeyed flutes to keyed ones? Fingerings, exercises to facilitate using the keys, etc.

IMHO... just do it!

On modern keyed fluted do most of you use the D#/Eb key to vent other notes or do contemporary designs eliminate the need for that?

On my Copley I'll sometimes vent simply because my pinkie tends to gravitate to the key. But I'll actively avoid it for E because it's clearly designed to be played with an unvented E, and sometimes even turn the foot away for sets where I know I'll not be wanting it.

[Jayhawk]

I don't vent on either my M and E or my antique Baack flute (despite being in just intonation).

Playing hard stuff that forces you to use the keys is what you need to do as Peter said.

[tin tin]

There are various ideas and approaches here: http://mcgee-flutes.com/Learning-the-keys.htm

[psychodonald]

I don't use the D#/Eb key to vent on my Burns 6 key, no need. However, on my 11 keyed antique German made flute, I do frequently vent on various notes.

With regard to learning how to use the keyed flute, I recall when I first purchased my Burns flute, I was a little (actually quite a bit) confused as to the proper use of the keys. I was very fortunate to find a flute teacher in my area who has taught me (the only one for hundreds of miles around), she has made all of the difference. So--I would suggest, if you can, to find a good instructor. What seemed to be such a great mystery a while ago, now seems very simple with the aid of a qualified, patient, wonderful human tutor.

In the absence of a good teacher, I've heard tell of good instruction from the OAIM (Online Acadamy of Irish Music) although I haven't tried it myself. It may be a good resource and worth checking out; the prices seem quite reasonable. At any rate, best of luck to you.

[plunk111]

Just to add to the poll, I don't vent my Gallagher Pratten on the low end. However, to get an on-pitch C# at the high end I have to vent the C-nat key. I only do that if the C# is going to be held - it's about 20 cents sharp unvented and right on when vented.

Pat

[psychodonald]

Pat, I do the same thing.

[Steph7]

Listen to Paul McGrattan, drills, scales. Do them several times.
It has helped to me, that I got a keyed flute a bit of weeks ago...
Cheers