Best
FLUTE FOR
CHILDREN
need to get started
-
Overall: Durable ABS resin construction.
-
Best Feature: Proprietary Nuvo “Donut” head joint.
-
TedScore™: 7/10
Best
FLUTE FOR ADULT BEGINNERS
-
Overall: Equipped with a C foot joint and plateau keys.
-
Best Feature: Patented Waveline head joint.
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
FLUTE FOR
SMALL PLAYERS
Student Model Flute Best for beginners
-
Overall: Nickel silver body.
-
Best Feature:
CY head joint with poly-conical curve. -
TedScore™: 8/10
When I started learning the flute, I found a bunch of easy flute songs that made the whole experience enjoyable. It’s amazing how you can bring a piece of music to life by blowing into a shiny tube with your breath.
Back when I was starting, nailing simple tunes like ‘Hot Cross Buns’ felt like a huge achievement, and I bet you’re excited to conquer your musical challenges, too.
So, if you’re new to the flute, grab yours, and let’s explore a world of songs that are just right for your growing skills.
And who knows, before you know it, you might be playing Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ at sunrise or charming the evening with ‘Yankee Doodle.’
Stick around as I help you discover some delightful yet easy flute songs – your musical journey is just a breath away!
Easy Songs for Beginners
When I started learning flute, some tunes stood out for their simplicity and how quickly I could pick them up. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Classical Melodies to Start With
"Ode to Joy" by Ludwig van Beethoven
One of the first tunes I found delightful and easy to grasp was Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” It’s quite a triumph to play this piece, even with its straightforward notes and melody.
The song’s range and technical demands are generally within the capabilities of early flute players, making it an accessible and enjoyable piece to practice and perform.
Additionally, its familiarity and popularity make it a great choice for students to build confidence and musicality as they progress in their flute-playing journey.
Click here for the SHEET MUSIC.
"Minuet" by Johann Sebastian Bach
“Minuet” is another classical piece brimming with elegance suitable for beginners.
The song’s moderate tempo and precise phrasing make it accessible for early flute players to learn and perform, allowing them to focus on developing their tone and musical expression.
It’s straightforward to learn, and before you know it, you’re playing a tune that has been around for centuries.
"Swan Lake" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” may sound elaborate, but there are simplified versions that are absolutely within reach for newcomers.
The piece offers a good balance of technical challenges and musical expression, making it an engaging and rewarding choice for beginners to practice and develop their flute skills.
It’s a lovely way to infuse a bit of ballet magic into your practice sessions.
"Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert
Playing “Ave Maria,” originally written by Franz Schubert on the flute, gives me a sense of serenity; it offers a beautiful and expressive melody that can help beginners develop their tone and phrasing.
It’s a melody that’s both calming and easier than you’d expect for beginners.
The piece provides a good opportunity for beginners to practice breath control and musical expression while playing a well-known and beloved melody.
Popular Tunes for
New Flautists
Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns is an excellent choice for your first song on the flute.
The tune only uses three notes: E, D, and C, and once you master it in one key, you can try playing it in different keys since it only involves a few notes.
Click here for the SHEET MUSIC LINK!
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
My fingers danced joyfully the first time I played “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” It’s a classic melody that’s so friendly for learners and truly universal.
The piece provides an excellent introduction to basic flute techniques such as breath control, finger placement, and phrasing, making it an ideal choice for beginners to build a strong foundation in flute playing.
Jingle Bells
Jovial and festive, “Jingle Bells” was a song I couldn’t wait to master as it meant playing along during the holiday season. Its merry rhythm is perfect for bringing cheer to any beginner’s repertoire.
The song’s familiar tune and moderate tempo make it accessible for early flute players to learn and play. Its repetitive phrasing and limited range provide a good opportunity for beginners to practice fundamental flute techniques.
Happy Birthday
Celebrations became even more special when I learned to play “Happy Birthday.” This song is a must, as it brings smiles and jubilation, making it a delight to play at any party.
The song’s straightforward rhythm and limited range make it accessible for beginners to learn and play.
Additionally, its widespread popularity and celebratory nature make it an engaging and enjoyable piece for flute students to practice and perform as they develop their flute-playing skills.
James Bond Theme Song
The backing track of James Bond is a famous and recognizable tune that has been adapted for various instruments, including the flute.
Its simple yet captivating melody and iconic status in popular culture make it a popular choice for flute players, including beginners.
"Fur Elise" by Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” might seem daunting, but I was surprised to find beginner-friendly versions. The song’s moderate pace and restricted range make it approachable for novice players to master.
It’s one of those melodies that feels rewarding to learn and play, however simple the arrangement.
Getting Started
with the Flute
Before we start exploring the flute, let me tell you—it will be a fantastic adventure.
I’ll guide you through everything, from blowing into the flute to using your fingers to play the notes!
Fundamentals of Flute Playing
I always start with posture—the bedrock of good flute playing. Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed, and let your flute rest comfortably as a graceful extension of your hands.
Next, let’s talk about air support. Without a steady stream of air, your flute might as well nap!
Think of your breath as the fuel that powers the flute’s voice, controlled and purposeful.
Understanding Flute Fingerings
Flutes are all about patterns, and, honestly, that is brilliant. You’ve got keys corresponding to different notes, creating a map of sounds across the instrument.
Let me give you a glimpse into this map.
For instance, the note B-flat requires your thumb and index finger to press specific keys. These are building blocks for melodies, so memorizing them is like learning the alphabet before forming words.
Mastering Your Embouchure
Oh, embouchure, my favorite word!
It’s all about how your lips meet the flute’s blowhole. I picture my lips as a finely tuned gateway, adjusting to create the perfect pitch and timbre.
Remember, every flutist’s embouchure is unique. Finding the sweet spot where the air whirls into music is like discovering a personal and ever-so-magical secret garden.
Flute For Beginners
Nuvo jFlute 2.0
Nuvo jFlute 2.0 Outfit
FEATURES: Durable ABS resin construction
OTHER INFO: Waterproof design for easy maintenance
- Available in a range of bright colours
- Includes everything you need to get started
- Do not produce the best sound like from a metal flute
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha YFL212 Student Model Flute
Yamaha YFL212 Student Model Flute
FEATURES: Responsive sound with superb intonation
OTHER INFO: Nickel silver body for durability
Yamaha YFL212 Student Model Flute
- Offers comfortable playing with offset G and E-mechanism
- Ideal for students seeking to develop their skills
- Register for 5-year extended warranty and 3-months Tomplay Premium
- Higher price range compared to other beginner flutes
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Jupiter JFL700WE Waveline Flute
Jupiter JFL700WE Waveline Flute
FEATURES: Equipped with a C foot joint and plateau keys.
OTHER INFO: Patented Waveline head joint.
- Durable student flute with a full-bodied tone.
- Ergonomic offset G key system follows your hands’ natural contours.
- Relatively higher price point compared to other student models.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Playing Techniques and Articulation
When I embark on mastering a new piece on the flute, I pay special attention to rhythm and articulation. These elements are the building blocks that bring the melody to life.
Practicing Simple Rhythms
I always start with simple rhythms to get into the groove of a piece. It helps me understand the flow and adds precision to my playing. A firm grasp of these regular patterns lays the groundwork for more complex rhythms. Here’s how I break it down:
Quarter Notes: Steady and even; perfect for getting a feel of the basic tempo.
Eighth Notes: These require a gentle increase in speed, a stepping stone to faster passages.
Improving Articulation and Dynamics
Talking about articulation is fascinating—it’s like speaking to my flute’s tones. On the other hand, dynamics bring emotion, making the flute sing or whisper with me. For beginners
Staccato
Purpose: To punctuate notes sharply; think of them as musical dots.
How to Practice: Short bursts of air, keeping tongue light and quick.
Legato
Purpose: The notes should glide into one another for a smooth, flowing line.
How to Practice: Long, connected breaths; imagine drawing a seamless line in the air.
Remember, it’s about balance: mixing staccato and legato appropriately to reflect the piece’s character. I keep my dynamics in check, ensuring I know when to command attention with a forte or captivate with a delicate piano.
Reading Sheet Music
The first step in my musical journey was reading flute sheet music. Start by familiarizing yourself with the staff comprising five lines and four spaces.
Each corresponds to a different pitch. I picked up a simple mantra: Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit for the lines and FACE for the spaces.
Remember trusty mnemonics like this; you’ll be decoding notes in no time!
Expanding Your Repertoire
Like many beginners, when I began playing the flute, I stuck to the staples: simple melodies designed to build confidence and skill.
But as I progressed, the world of music cracked wide open with possibilities, beckoning me to learn more complex pieces and dabble in different genres.
Transitioning to Intermediate Songs
‘Canon in D’ was an excellent bridge between beginner tunes and more intricate compositions. The familiar harmonies provided a comfortable challenge while polishing my timing and breath control.
Moving to songs like ‘Wonderful World’ introduced me to nuanced phrasing and dynamics note range, essential skills for any intermediate flutist.
- Timing: 4/4
- Key Features: Harmonic sequences, longer breaths
- Dynamics: p (soft) to mf (moderately loud)
- Expressiveness: Requires emotive phrasing
With each new song, my confidence grew, and I was encouraged to try out other tracks like ‘Stay with Me’ and ‘Firework,’ which pushed my range and improved my versatility. These songs, though more demanding, were immensely satisfying to master.
Exploring Genres: Pop, Rock, and Jazz
Delving into pop, I found ‘Bad Guy’ by Billie Eilish to be a quirky yet rhythmic number ideally suited for the flute. The catchy beats made practice sessions more lively and fun.
‘Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey took me on a rock anthem adventure, teaching me strong articulation and powerful breath support.
- ‘Firework,’ Katy Perry: upbeat tempo, builds a range
- ‘Bad Guy,’ Billie Eilish: slower tempo, syncopated rhythms
Jazz, however, was a different beast altogether. It encouraged improvisation and a relaxed playing style, quite a departure from the structured melodies I was used to.
Pieces like ‘Hallelujah‘ gave room for personal interpretation and stylistic freedom, which was both challenging and stimulating.
- ‘We Will Rock You,’ Queen (Jazz-Rock fusion): staccato beats, strong rhythms
- ‘Hallelujah’: expressive, allows for creative interpretation
By embracing a diverse selection of music, my repertoire transformed from mere notes on a page to a vivid tapestry of sounds and emotions.
And isn’t that what music’s all about?
It’s a journey, an adventure, and each new song is a compelling destination waiting to be explored.
Easy Flute Songs:
Melodic Selections
Playing the flute is a fun journey, especially when you start with easy and enjoyable songs.
I’ve discovered that starting with simple songs, each with its challenges, fast-tracks my musical development. It’s immensely gratifying to master each piece and hear myself improve.
“Hot Cross Buns” is my first go-to song, with its mere three notes providing a gentle introduction.
After that, “Twinkle, Twinkle Litter Star” is a slow melody that helps me fine-tune my timing and note transitions.
These charming pieces are my very first songs that paved the way to more complex songs.
The graceful “Ave Maria” and the classic song “Canon D” improve my breath control.
It teaches me to play with emotion.
I appreciate how each easy song I tackle lays a foundation for the next, building my confidence as I explore the enchanting world of flute music.
Always remember that what seems elaborate now can become accessible with practice. Continue learning, knowing today’s simple songs are stepping stones to tomorrow’s legendary performances.
Before you go…
Discover the top flute brands in this informative article to guide your purchasing decision.
been thinking about starting to learn the flute since its sounds are so cool and different from the guitar which im kinda okay at playing wondering how hard it is to switch between the two and if learning songs like happy birthday and twinkle twinkle little star is gonna make it easier or just boring also does anyone know how long it takes to get good enough to play something like the james bond theme song been a fan of those movies forever
Thrilled to see ‘Fur Elise’ on the list of songs for new flautists. It’s a piece that transcends instrument boundaries and allows beginners to explore the depth of classical music early on. Encountering such masterpieces fosters a deeper appreciation for music.
wow, never thought I’d be playing beethoven so soon. this is kinda encouraging.
Absolutely agree, but ‘Swan Lake’ should not be underestimated either. It offers a complex emotional palette that can truly deepen a beginner’s emotional expression through their instrument.
any advice on choosing between the nuvo jflute 2.0 and the yamaha for a complete newbie? my kiddo’s just starting out and i wanna get it right. cheers
Just started picking up the flute a few months ago and I’m always on the lookout for new pieces to challenge myself with. The selection of easy tunes is fantastic for someone like me who’s just starting out. ‘Ode to Joy’ has been on my practice list and seeing it recommended here just reinforces that I’m on the right track. Thanks, Hannah, for putting this together! It’s great for picking up new songs that are manageable for beginners but still so enjoyable to play.