How to Play the Alto Flute

A member of the woodwind family of musical instruments, the alto flute sounds and plays similar to a traditional C flute. It has a lower range, however, and cannot play notes above G6 in treble clef. The alto flute player should first become proficient with the traditional flute before attempting the alto flute. As a general rule, the alto flute will require more air and stamina.

Things You'll Need

• Alto flute
• Fingering charts
• Book of scales and exercises

Instructions

Playing the Alto Flute

1. Adjust embouchure while blowing air until the alto flute emits a clear tone.
   The lip plate on the head joint provides a base for producing sounds.

2. Use scale exercises and fingering charts. While the fingerings match the traditional C flute, lip embouchure and air speed of the player differs.

3. Advance skill further using alto flute exercise books. Alto flutes are popular in jazz bands and contemporary pieces. Since the sound is mellow and sluggish, the instrument is not often used for solo pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn the traditional flute first.

• Practice in lower octaves as this is the most common range for the alto flute.

• The alto flute requires more air than a traditional flute or piccolo.

References

• The Art of Flute Playing, Edwin Putnik; 1970.
• Georgetown College

Resources

• Flute World