- The range of the alto flute is from the G right below middle C to the G three octaves above it. This is significantly lower than the range of the standard concert flute. This lower range means that the alto flute itself is a bigger instrument than most other instruments in the flute family.
- The alto flute is played similarly to the other types of flutes. Since it is a larger instrument, the embouchure (into which air is blown) is larger on the alto flute. The fingering is the same on the alto flute as on other flutes, so the learning curve for players who already play one type of flute is not very steep.
- The alto flute, a relatively new instrument, has only been featured in compositions since the beginning of the 20th century. Some of the pieces featuring it are "The Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky and "The Planets" by Gustav Holst. Composers usually give it a supporting role as opposed to a lead role since it has a mellower tone than other woodwind instruments.
- Alto flutes can be either straight or curved. Since the air must travel through a large tube in order to create the deep, rich sound the alto flute creates, the straight version is normally very large. This means that the curved version is the version that most smaller players prefer.
- Theobald Böhm developed the alto flute in the mid-19th century. He developed it when experimenting with different types of flutes.
- According to Mary Anderson of Saginaw Valley State University, alto flutes typically cost at least $1,000 (2009 data). This high price range means that only professional performers purchase them.
- There are several clear and tangible benefits to writing an alto flute into a composition. It adds warmer and richer tones to the ensemble than other flutes do. It also adds a tone that is fairly uncommon in ensembles, increasing the potential timbres achieved by the orchestra or ensemble.
