What is the best brand flute to buy for my son or daughter?
For a beginner, ease of playing should be the first consideration. A closed hole* flute is easier to play than open hole, or French style. A C foot* flute is sufficient for a beginner. As it works out, a closed hole C foot flute is the cheapest. An offset G key* makes it easier to reach that key with less strain on the hand, although some teachers insist on an inline G but normally all student flutes are offset G. As far as brand, it is very subjective and in a student flute you cannot go wrong if you stick with a major brand. For what it is worth, my personal opinion in ranking student flutes for tone, ease of play, and workmanship: Yamaha is tops, made in Japan, and the Gemeinhardt is a close second, and a little cheaper. Then you have Emerson & Armstrong, these are also an good makes. The next level is Selmer, Bundy, etc. These are very popular in my area and are good beginning flutes. I do not recommend the very cheap Chinese flutes that are available under different names. * See o
