There are many web sites that attempt to tell you how to play the the flute. While you may learn a little from these sites the fact is that you simply must take some live, one-on-one lessons with an experienced flute teacher if you want to keep your flute from becoming anything more than a shiny metal paperweight. Rather than attempt to teach you simply how to play the flute, this article is intended to show you something that you CAN learn from an online article, namely how to care for and maintain your flute in top condition so that once you learn how to play the flute, your flute will play well for you for years to come.
Important Parts of the Flute
There are three parts to most modern flutes. The head joint, which in more expensive instruments can be made of silver, is the part of the instrument that you blow into. The lip plate and barrel of the flute's head joint can be cleaned with a simple polishing cloth that you can buy at your local music store. Never use commercial metal polishes on the head joint or on any other part of your flute unless the manufacturer of the flute specifically approves it.
Another often overlooked part of the head joint is the cork. Most people do not even realize it is there, but the head joint cork is one of the most important pieces of the flute. If it is damaged or moved too far the flute will not be able to play in tune. The end of the head joint has an adjustable cap. The rotation of this cap moves the head joint cork. To check to see if it is in the right place take out the cleaning rod that should have come with your flute and insert it into the head joint, butt end first. On most cleaning rods there will be a mark that should be visible in the center of the tone hole if the cork is adjusted properly. Never make adjustments to the cork unless told to do so by a professional flute player.
Using The Cleaning Rod
Take a clean, old handkerchief and rip it into strips roughly two inches wide. Insert one end of this ripped cloth through the hole in the end of your flute's cleaning rod and then run the cloth through all pieces of your flute. This should be done every time you finish playing the flute. Any moisture that remains in the flute when it is closed up in the case can cause the flute's pads to deteriorate. A simple ten second cleaning with the rod each day can save hundreds of dollars in repair costs due to rotten pads.
Fixing The Flute's Joints
Sometimes you will discover that the pieces of your flute do not seem to want to go together properly. If the joint is too loose you must take it to a repair shop to be adjusted. If the joint is too tight, try placing a very small dab of anhydrous lanolin (available at drug stores) or commercial trumpet slide grease on the tenon.
