Going to study in a university in the UK.Need your advice?

What type/brand of flute would you suggest for a student going on to study music at university?

• I am looking for a good quality flute for my sister. She will be studying music at university this fall, and we would like to get her a better flute than she has used through high school. I'm afraid I don't know what type she already has, but it seems to be a pretty average high school orchestra flute (I know her teachers are continually surprised she gets such good sound out of it). Since she is serious about making a career with her playing, she will be needing something that's a bit higher quality. I play the piano and violin for fun, but know next to nothing about where to start looking for professional instruments. Any advice on flute types, recommendations for further research, and/or what factors are important determining what to look for would be welcomed. What features distinguish flutes of various levels of quality?

• Answer:

  Even if she were going to MAJOR in flute in college, no great expenditure should be made, unless or until a private teacher at college tells her that she has outgrown what she has. There are many fine flutes that will serve her in good stead, for under 2 grand. My 2 favorites, that I have students now playing at the TOP of their game, are a DiZhao 700, and an Azumi 3000. You can read about them at www.fluteworld.com. All silver TUBES, not just silver head - they play great! You can also read about flute buying advice at www.jennifercluff.com - she is a wonderful flutist in Vancouver who has a VERY extensive website that many people find helpful. Good luck with your shopping!