Are you considering playing the flute or the piccolo? Both beautiful woodwind instruments can produce enchanting melodies, but which one should you choose?
The flute and piccolo are two popular musical instruments that belong to the woodwind family. While they may look similar and produce similar sounds, there are some notable differences between them.
Whether you are a beginner musician or an experienced player, understanding the differences between the flute and piccolo can help you make an informed decision when choosing your perfect match. This article will explore the differences between the two instruments, including their history, size, materials, and playing techniques.
So, let’s dive into the world of flute and piccolo and explore the nuances of each instrument!
The Flute and Its History
The flute is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world, dating back to prehistoric times. The earliest flutes were made from bones, such as the femur of a large animal, and were used for hunting and religious rituals.
The modern flute, as we know it today, was developed in the 19th century. It’s a member of the woodwind family and is made of metal or wood. The flute is played by blowing air across a small opening at the top of the instrument, causing the air to vibrate and produce sound.
The flute has been used in many musical genres, from classical to jazz to folk music. It’s known for its clear, sweet sound and ability to play low and high notes. Famous flautists include James Galway, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and Ian Anderson of the band Jethro Tull.
Overall, the flute has a rich history and continues to be an important instrument in the world of music.
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FEATURES: Closed-hole flute - easier for beginner
Stagg FL111 Flute
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- Offset G for extra ergonomic design
- Split E for easier production of higher notes
- Best for practicing only
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™.
The Piccolo and Its History
The piccolo is a member of the woodwind family and is essentially a smaller version of the flute. It’s pitched a higher octave than the flute and is known for its bright and piercing sound.
The Piccolo was first developed in the early 18th century and was made of wood. Over time, metal became the preferred material for piccolos, and today, most piccolos are made of silver or a silver alloy. Most piccolos have a conical body with a cylindrical head, like the Baroque flute.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was one of the most famous composers to write for the piccolo. He featured the instrument prominently in his ballets, including “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake”, as you can see in this video:
Today, the piccolo is a popular instrument in orchestras, concerts and marching bands and is often featured in solos and as part of ensembles.
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FEATURES: A split-E mechanism to make your high E notes clearer
Yamaha YPC32 Piccolo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Silver plated headjoint
- ABS resin body
- A great value Pirc
- Easy to play
- Pretty much indestructible!
- Great for flautists looking to explore the world of piccolo and develop a solid technique.
- Can sound a little ‘plasticy’
- Low register is not as resonant as a wooden model.
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™.
The Difference Between Flute and Piccolos
When it comes to other woodwind instruments though, the flute and piccolo are often compared and contrasted. While they may look similar, some distinct differences set them apart.
Let’s learn more about them.
Materials Used
The materials used in the instrument’s construction can affect the instrument’s sound quality and durability.
The flute is typically made of metal or wood, silver-plated brass, nickel silver, silver, or gold. Professional flutes are often made of solid silver, which produces a warm, rich tone. On the other hand, wooden flutes are often used in folk music and produce a more mellow sound.
Conversely, many metal piccolos are made of silver or nickel. This is because the piccolo is a smaller instrument and needs to withstand the pressure of the player’s breath without cracking or bending. But there are also wooden piccolos, which have a sweeter sound and more dynamic flexibility.
Comparing the Size
The difference in size can affect the amount of air needed to produce sound and the finger placement required to play each instrument. Flutes are generally larger than piccolos, with a standard concert flute around 26 inches long. At the same time, a piccolo looks like a miniature flute, approximately half the size at 13 inches in length.
Additionally, flutes are assembled from three separate pieces: the head joint, body, and foot joint, while piccolos are usually made in one piece.
Sounding Range & Pitch
The flute has a lower pitch than the piccolo and has a range of approximately three octaves. Conversely, the piccolo has a range of approximately two octaves and produces a higher pitch because of its smaller size, making it a transposing instrument.
Embouchure and Ergonomics
The embouchure, or how the player’s lips and mouth interact with the instrument, differs for flutes and piccolos. The flute embouchure is typically more relaxed, while a piccolo player’ embouchure requires tightness to produce higher notes.
The ergonomics of the two instruments are also different. Flutes are held horizontally, with the player’s hands and fingers covering the tone holes. Piccolos are held vertically, with the player’s fingers covering the keys.
The basic fingerings for the two instruments are similar, but the piccolo fingerings require greater strength and force, which could present more of a challenge for a young musician.
Flute or Piccolo: What Should You Play?
Will you be playing in an orchestra?
The flute and piccolo are great options for playing in an orchestra or a marching band. However, the piccolo is more of a solo piccolo instrument and adds a unique sound to the music. If you enjoy being in the spotlight, the piccolo might be your better choice.
On the other hand, the flute is a more versatile instrument and is used in a wider range of music genres. It’s also a great option if you prefer to blend in with the rest of the ensemble.
The Flute is Easier than Piccolo
According to some experts, the flute is generally considered easier to play than the piccolo. The flute requires less physical strength and force, making it a good choice for younger or beginner musicians. Conversely, the piccolo requires greater strength and precision, which can be challenging for some piccolo players.
However, it’s important to note that every musician is different, and what may be easy for one person may be difficult for another. It’s always a good idea to try both instruments and see which one feels more comfortable and natural to you.
Flute vs Piccolo
Summary
So, after weighing the pros and cons of playing the flute and the piccolo, which instrument should you choose? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you want from playing the instrument.
If you’re looking for versatility and the ability to play a wider range of music, the flute may be your better option. With a deeper sound and a broader range of notes, you can play various genres, from classical to jazz to pop.
On the other hand, if you want to stand out and be a soloist, the piccolo is a great option. With its high-pitched sound, you can float over the rest of the ensemble and shine through, even if you don’t have a designated solo.
Regardless of which instrument you choose, the flute and the piccolo require dedication and practice to master. But with hard work and determination, you can create beautiful music!
Which wind instrument did you choose? We’d love to know in the comments!
