h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I saw that you're playing the flute, so I stopped by to ask you something. A few days ago I had the sudden idea of learning to play the flute. I don't know why but now I really feel like doing it. So I thought why not ask somebody how difficult it is (especially when you are already 22). I am not sure whether I will really do it in the end, but I like the idea. So what are your experiences with that instrument? Do you have to be really musical (I play a bit of recorder (soprano and alto) and a tiny bit of piano)?
Thanks already
Feffi

Well the main barrier to learning an instrument when you're older is learning to read music. But I guess that if you already play recorder that won't be a problem...

The main thing is to borrow someone else's to make sure you can actually get a sound out of it. Its a cool instrument if you can, but some people just can't and its wise to know...

The flute's like any other instrument- the more musical you are, the more musically you'll play. But the flute has a big advantage of not sounding absolutely horrible when you're learning, like the violin does for example.

Its a good instrument because its small, it sounds nice, it has lots of different moods- it can be dark in the lower register and brilliant in the upper. The disadvantages tend to be that its very popular so lots of people play it, and it can be hard to get into orchestras and so forth unless you're very good. But bands and small ensembles would be easier, and its a good accompanying instrument, with a guitar, for songs....

I think you should go for it. I love my flute.

Joanna

Thanks a lot!
I already wanted to abandon that idea, but then I read your statement and - well I went for it...

Yay! good luck with it...

Don't even think about not taking it up. Learning an instrument, with serious commitment, unlocks the secrets of life. Just don't confuse learning with waiting to get better.

So are you a flautist now?

J'au-æmne, reviver of lost threads

Hi! How are you?
Well I started and though I guess I am not very good yet, I enjoy playing . And actually that's the important thing as I anyway never planned a future as a solo flautist.
Right now, I am having a little break, I moved to India for 6 months and thought long about whether to take my flute or not. In the end I didn't have space in my bag anyway and regarding the immense airpollution it's propably good that way. Though I miss it sometimes.

i'm glad its working out okay for you

India, huh? I can't even imagine what spending six months there would be like...

It is very very nice , but also quite different of course.