Flute 101 - A Starter Course

For Beginner Flutists

What you'll learn

Learn about the history, anatomy, and the maintenance required as a beginner or returning flutist.

Understand the basic music concepts required to read and play flute music such as rhythm, dynamics, the treble clef, breathing, and tonguing.

Learn and practice the foundational notes that make up the Bb major scale and many beginner flute pieces.

Complete three songs of increasing difficulty.

Requirements

Students must rent, borrow, or own a flute with a cleaning rod or rag in order to learn and follow along with this course.

Students of a younger age, especially 12 years of age or younger, should consider having a parent or guardian around to support and help them navigate the course as needed.

Description

In Flute 101 - A Starter Course, beginner flutists can learn and understand all the necessary basics to become a capable flutist who is ready to join a beginner level concert band or small ensemble. Returning players will also benefit, refreshing their knowledge and skills with guided instruction while avoiding bad habits. Despite the intimidating reputation surrounding the difficulties of the flute, students will find this course helpful and encouraging, demystifying these challenges and providing clear methods of practice.Under the instruction of Catriona Ailts, a MN musician and UMN - Twin Cities graduate, students can expect to learn about a variety of topics necessary to learning a new woodwind instrument including the history, anatomy, care and maintenance, basic music theory, sound production, how to play basic notes and scales, tonguing, reading music off of the music staff, how to learn new songs, practice, and much more. Students will receive detailed instruction that not only covers the general music knowledge, but how these topics pertain to the flute and the necessary technique to achieve success as a beginner flute player.Flute 101 - A Starter Course is taught by Catriona Ailts, a private music teacher and composer from MN with over 7 years of teaching experience and more than 15 years of flute experience. Catriona designed this course to help prepare young musicians and returning adult musicians to join a concert band or small ensemble as she believes community and creating music for a purpose makes learning more meaningful and fun.After completing the course, students will feel confident and inspired to continue their flute journey with patience and resilience all while enjoying the process.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction, Basic Concepts, and Your First Song

Lecture 1 Introduction

Lecture 2 Flute History

Lecture 3 Anatomy, Assembly, and How to Hold the Flute

Lecture 4 Flute Maintenance

Lecture 5 Producing Your First Sound

Lecture 6 Producing Sound on the Full Flute

Lecture 7 Your First Notes

Lecture 8 Basic Rhythm Concepts

Lecture 9 Tonguing

Lecture 10 Your First Song

Section 2: The Staff and the Treble Clef, New Notes, and Song No. 2

Lecture 11 The Staff, the Treble Clef, and Reading Sheet Music

Lecture 12 The Staff Continued

Lecture 13 Notes Eb, F, and Exercises

Lecture 14 Bb Pentascale

Lecture 15 Song No. 2 - Ode to Joy

Section 3: New Notes, the Full Bb Major Scale, and the Final Song

Lecture 16 Notes G, A, and high Bb

Lecture 17 Full Bb Major Scale

Lecture 18 Intro to Dynamics

Lecture 19 The Final Song

Section 4: Additional Learning Materials

Lecture 20 Additional Lesson No. 1 - Breathing

Lecture 21 Additional Lesson No. 2 - Tuning

Lecture 22 Additional Lesson No. 3 - Using a Metronome

Lecture 23 Additional Lesson No. 4 - Flute 101 Exercises and Play Along

Lecture 24 Additional Lesson No. 5 - Extra Songs

Section 5: Course Reflection and Feedback

Lecture 25 Wrapping Up the Course - Reflection and Feedback

Beginner musicians and music lovers who would like to learn a new instrument.,Beginner flutists who want to join a beginner level concert band or other ensemble.,Returning flutists who have taken a hiatus but would like to refresh their skills and start playing again.,Beginner level flutists who are not sure if they would like to take private lessons yet, but want additional instruction.