What clef does alto flute read?

treble clef
It was the favourite flute variety of Theobald Boehm, who perfected its design, and is pitched in the key of G (sounding a perfect fourth lower than written). Its range is from G3 (the G below middle C) to G6 (4 ledger lines above the treble clef staff) plus an altissimo register stretching to D♭7.

What is an alto flute used for?

It’s clear to see that composers have been welcoming the alto into the orchestra for quite some time. Alto flute is frequently used as a harmony instrument in flute choirs. It can also be used as a solo instrument.

Is alto flute hard to play?

Actually playing alto well is not easy, though. Aside from the normal difficulties associated with playing flute, it responds slower due to it’s larger size, and unless you want to spend about 5K, it will probably have some intonation difficulties in the upper range, but these can be overcome with some practice.

Are flute and piccolo fingering the same?

Are fingerings different for flute and piccolo? The basic fingerings are the same for both instruments, but alternate fingerings exist to adjust the intonation or responsiveness of some problematic notes on the piccolo.

What is the lowest note on an alto flute?

The alto flute is a transposing instrument. Its lowest note is G – the same note as the lowest string of the violin – but it is written as piano middle C, a fourth higher, so all its music is written a fourth higher than it sounds. This is so that the player can use the same fingering system as on the concert flute.

Who invented the alto flute?

Theobald Boehrn
Virtuoso flutist, inventor, and composer, Theobald Boehrn (1794-188 1) is best known for his significant achievements in acoustical and mechanical design of the modem concert flute. Few realize that Boehm is also responsible for the modem design of the alto flute, now enjoying a recent rise in popularity.

How big is an alto flute?

about 34 inches long
The alto flute sounds in G, a fourth below the C flute. It is a transposing instrument, meaning the music is written in C and the instrument sounds a fourth below. It is usually about 34 inches long.

Whats the range of the alto flute?

G3 to G6
Alto flutes are pitched to the key of G, offering a range from G3 to G6. They’re usually made from nickel, silver-plated brass, or silver. Like all flutes, alto flutes have three main parts: the headjoint (which contains the mouthpiece), the body, and the foot joint.

Can I learn flute at 40?

It is never too late! I have taught many adults at different ages. The more successful ones are the ones that know what/how they want to play and pursue it. The ones that dont know do not usually long.

How low can a bass flute play?

The instrument’s sounding range is from C3, one octave below middle C, to C6, two octaves above middle C. Bass flute music sounds an octave lower than it is written, which is the typical concert flute range (C4 to C7). Notes written above A6 are not often used as they are difficult to produce and have inferior tone.

Which is best flute for beginners?

The Best Flutes for Beginners, According to Experts

• Trevor James 10X Flute with Curved & Straight Headjoints.
• Lazarro 120-NK Professional Silver Nickel Closed Hole C Flute with Case.
• GEAMUS Soprano Descant Recorder.
• Burkart Resona 300 Flute.
• Yamaha YFL-362 Intermediate Flute Offset G B-Foot.

What instrument is smaller than a flute?

piccolos
A shorter version of the flute is called the piccolo, which means small in Italian. At half the size of a standard flute, piccolos play the highest notes of all the woodwinds; in the orchestra one of the flute players will also play piccolo if that instrument is required.

How are alto, bass and contrabass flutes different?

Although the basic fingerings and written range are the same in all members of the flute family, the larger diameter of the tubing in alto, bass and contrabass flutes require the player to make adjustments in air management, hand position and alignment of the instrument that differ from those used when playing concert flute.

Is the pitch of an alto flute the same as an octave?

* When there are alternate fingerings, you can see them by clicking on “alternate fingerings.” * From the fifth bar onward, the fingering for E-C# (Db) is the same as for an octave. * The actual pitch of an alto flute is four tones down from the written score.

What to do when playing an alto flute for the first time?

When playing an alto, bass or contrabass flute for the first time, it is advisable to warm up and get to know the instrument. Start slowly with some long tones on notes on notes such as A, G and F in the first octave, to determine the air stream width and speed necessary to produce a good tone.

Which is quieter a bass flute or a regular flute?

The bass flute is naturally quieter than a normal flute and is consequently often amplified during performances. (see how to amplify a bass flute). Another dilemma facing both makers and flautist was the weight of the instrument. Horizontal bass flutes must be supported by the flautist.