What is a Student Flute - How is it Different?

A student flute is of course different from a normal flute. As the name suggests it is meant for students who want to learn how to play a flute. For an eager student whose reach is not sufficient, flutes with curved head joints are available. These are called student flutes. Many flute manufacturers offer a beginner model instrument featuring both a standard and a curved-style head joint. The curved head joint makes it possible and easy for the young student to hold the instrument without having to reach beyond his or her capabilities just at first. And once the student has advanced in his course he can simply change the head of the flute rather than buy a completely new one.

A student flute is the least expensive one. These types of flutes are made from nickel-silver (also called German silver). Nickel-silver actually has no silver in it at all-it is an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel. A flute of this type can last a very long time if well made and is properly cared for. Student flutes are covered, or plated, with a layer of either nickel or silver, to help resist corrosion. Silver plating is given as it lasts longer. The plating gives it a smoother, less metallic tone. The flute is less slippery to hold. The silver plating can be reapplied when the original plating wears through. The only advantage to nickel plating is that it stays shiny with very little maintenance. Since the extra cost of silver plating is very small, it is preferable to the nickel.

Yamaha Student flute models are sometimes made from ebonite, a hard-rubber compound resembling ebony. These types of flutes are moisture-proof, but never heat-proof. This type of ebonite made flute generally produces a tone that is more rich, solid, and powerful than that normally produced on the metal flute. Both ebonite and metal flutes can be fitted with head joints of the other material which is the carved portion of a student flute. Now the material's influence on the flute's characteristics occurs mainly at the head joint.

While buying a student model, you need to make sure it has been designed so that you can close all keys without hitting others. Student flutes are not the top-quality flutes available. A student doesn't need a flute that is of the best quality. Therefore, special flutes are designed and made especially for them. After a student learns the first thing about flute playing and after he or she has practiced a lot on a flute of inferior quality can he buy a more expensive and better flute.

Student flutes are mass produced with minimum or no hand finishing. However, the student flutes are mainly meant for students below the age of 10. The choice of such a flute with a curved head joint also depends on overall body size, length of arms, size of hands etc. The use of the curved head encourages the arms to be closer to the body and thereby cause minimal rotation of the spine.