My Views and Opinions

If you are looking for a great gift to give to that person in your life who loves music, why not consider a flute? The flute is one of the earliest known musical instruments and it is one of the most beautiful sounding of all instruments as well. The flute has been an integral part of many cultures the world over. The oldest known flute may be a piece of a femur bone of a young cave bear that was found in Slovenia and dated to 43,000 years ago. It is often said that the beauty of the flute is the simplicity of the instrument itself. A flute needs only to have air pushed through the cylindrical instrument to produce the beautiful high pitched sounds. Unlike other woodwind instruments, a flute does not use a reed. Flutes are played in orchestras and in bands the world over.

When playing the flute, one must blow air across the edge of the mouth piece. There are many variations however, including the side blown flute and the end blown flute for example. Flutes can be open at either both ends or at just one end.

Indian flutes have been around since ancient times and the music that is played on this type of flute is sweet, joyous, melancholy and beautiful. Many Indian flutes are made of bamboo. There are two main types of Indian flutes that are in use today. The Bansuri has six finger holes and one embouchure hole and is used in Northern India. The Venu has eight finger holes and is played mostly in Southern India. The quality of sound produced by the Indian flute depends upon the type of bamboo that is used to make it.

A Native American flute made with two air chambers. These types of flutes can be found made of Redwood, Cedar, Juniper, Walnut and Cherry. The hardwood Native American flutes that are made from walnut and cherry produce rich, clear and crisp music. This type of wooden flute can be very ornate in design. History tells us that the Native American flute was used as a courting instrument. A young man who fancied a female, would make a flute of wood and play a song that he and his beloved were acquainted with. When she heard him play, she knew that he was interested in her romantically. Once the two were joined, he would toss the flute aside and never play one again.