What is a Flute?

A flute is an instrument with a soft, sparkling tone. It is often heard and is popular in wind ensembles and music schools.

Flute Sounds and Famous Pieces

Origins of the Flute

The history of the flute is said to be the oldest in the world: in 2009, a Palaeolithic flute was unearthed in Germany. It is said to be approximately 35,000 years old and is said to be made of vulture bone that is hollowed out and with five holes to change the pitch.

The first flutes were made from boxwood and ebony and have evolved in many ways to their modern form. It was not until the late 17th century that keys were fitted and the range of sounds that could be produced expanded. Then, German musician and inventor Theobald Böhm perfected the metal flute as we know it today.

Parts of the Flute

The flute is an assembled instrument and consists of the head joint, body and foot joint. The headjoint has a lip plate for blowing into, and the body and foot joint have keys to control the sound. The keys are plugged to make various combinations in order to produce sound.