Where the Music Begins
Unlock your potential with flute music lessons tailored just for you. Whatever your age or skill level, our expert teachers will help you reach your goals and find your sound. Start your journey today!
Why Choose Long & McQuade for Flute Lessons?
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Experienced Flute Instructors
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One-on-One Flute Lessons
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Comfortable Studios with Professional Learning Environment
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A wide range of schedule times to choose from (daytime, evenings, or weekends)
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Personalized Lesson Plan
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Trusted Across Canada for Music Education Excellence
Any Age | Any Stage | Any Style
Ages 7-12
Flute Lessons for Kids
What to Expect for Kids Learning Flute
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Age-appropriate lessons with fun, engaging activities
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Encouraging instruction that builds confidence
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Focus on breathing, tone, rhythm, and note reading
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Option to prepare for RCM exams or simply explore music
Learning Outcomes
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Learn to read music and recognize flute notes
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Develop consistent practice habits
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Build focus, patience, and coordination
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Gain confidence through optional performances and recitals
Ages 13-18
Flute Lessons for Teens
What Teens Can Expect:
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Personalized song choices—classical, pop, jazz, or contemporary
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RCM exam prep and music theory support available
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Explore improvisation, composing, or solo performance
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Guidance for school band programs, auditions, and competitions
Benefits for Teens:
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Grow creative confidence and musical independence
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Build discipline and long-term focus
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Use music as a positive outlet for stress
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Develop a meaningful skill that supports both academic and personal growth
Ages 19+
Flute Lessons For Adults
A Flexible, Enjoyable Approach to Learning
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A wide range of schedule times to choose from (daytime, evenings, or weekends)
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Learn the music you love—classical, pop, jazz, or film soundtracks
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No pressure to take exams (unless you want to!)
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Focus on personal growth, enjoyment, or relaxation
Benefits for Adult Students:
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Reduce stress and support mental well-being
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Boost memory, focus, and fine motor skills
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Enjoy a creative and rewarding hobby at your own pace
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A welcoming, low-pressure environment where progress is personal
Learn Flute: What Will I Study?
Beginner
& Intermediate
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Proper posture, hand position, and embouchure
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Breathing techniques for tone control and endurance
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Producing clear, consistent sound across registers
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Reading music notation and rhythms
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Scales, arpeggios, and foundational exercises
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Simple melodies and folk tunes to build confidence
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Playing with steady timing using a metronome
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Intro to dynamics, phrasing, and expression
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Playing along with recordings and in ensemble settings
Advanced
& Royal Conservatory
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Expanding range, tone quality, and technical fluency
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Advanced articulation, vibrato, and dynamic control
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Etudes and repertoire across classical, jazz, and contemporary styles
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Extended techniques such as flutter tonguing, harmonics, and multiphonics
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Developing speed, precision, and flexibility through advanced scales and patterns
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Ensemble skills, including blending, tuning, and phrasing
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Interpretation and stylistic nuance for solo and orchestral works
Flute is a skill that grows with you over a lifetime. The topics above show what many students begin with, but your path can take many directions. Whether your goal is to play for personal enjoyment, join a school or community ensemble, or prepare for a professional career, private flute lessons provide the foundation and expert guidance to keep you progressing at every stage.
“I’ve Always Wanted to Learn, But I Don’t Have a Flute”
This is one of the most common concerns we hear—and we’re here to tell you: you don’t need to own a flute to start learning.
At Long & McQuade, we make it easy for beginners to get started without the pressure of buying an instrument right away. We offer affordable flute rentals and can help you choose the right model to suit your needs. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Understanding the Different Types of Flutes
If you’re thinking about getting your own instrument, here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of instruments that you can begin considering.
Student Flutes
Intermediate Flutes
Professional Flutes
Student flutes are designed for beginners, featuring durable materials and simple key mechanisms. They offer ease of play and reliable tuning, making them ideal for those just starting their musical journey.
Intermediate flutes provide enhanced tone and more responsive keywork compared to student models. They often include a solid silver headjoint and improved craftsmanship, supporting advancing players’ growing skills.
Professional flutes are crafted with high-quality materials such as solid silver or gold and offer open-hole keys for greater control. These instruments deliver rich tone and nuanced dynamics suited for advanced and professional musicians.
Key Differences and Qualities
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Built for durability and ease of use, perfect for beginners.
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Lightweight with simple key mechanisms for comfortable learning.
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Reliable tuning that helps new players develop good habits
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Enhanced tone quality and more precise keywork than student models.
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Often feature solid silver headjoints for a richer sound.
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Designed to support technical growth and more expressive playing.
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Crafted from high-quality materials like solid silver or gold for superior sound.
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Open-hole keys and advanced mechanisms allow for maximum control and flexibility.
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Ideal for complex repertoire, delivering a wide dynamic range and tonal nuance.
Which Flute is Best for Me?
Student flutes are typically for beginners who want an easy-to-play, durable instrument to build strong fundamentals.
Intermediate flutes are ideal for advancing players seeking richer tone and improved keywork to enhance their technique.
Professional flutes are great for experienced musicians who demand superior sound quality and precise control for performance and artistry.
Getting Started With Flute Books
If you’re looking to start learning the flute, or if you’ve just picked up a flute and want to explore a little on your own before beginning lessons, these books are a great place to start. They provide a solid foundation for learning and will help you begin your flute-playing journey with confidence.
Recommendations for Beginner Students
Hal
Leonard
101 Simple Songs - Flute - Book
Hal
Leonard
Do-It-Yourself Flute: The Best Step-by-Step Guide to Start Playing - Morgan-Booth
Theodore Presser
Flute 101: Mastering the Basics - Louke/George - Flute - Book
Novello & Company
Beginner's Book for the Flute, Part One - Wye - Flute - Book
Recommendations for Advanced Students
Hal
Leonard
101 Disney Songs - Flute - Book
Hal
Leonard
101 Classical Themes for Flute - Book
Baerenreiter Verlag
Concerto in G major K. 313 (285c) - Mozart/Giegling - Flute/Piano Reduction - Sheet Music
Theodore Presser
Orchestral Excerpts for Flute - Baxtresser - Flute/Piano - Book
👉 If you’re considering starting lessons, it’s usually best to hold off on buying books until after your first class. Your teacher will help determine the best learning path for your goals and interests, ensuring you get the right materials from the start.
"How do I Pick the Right Flute Teacher?"
Choosing the right flute teacher is a key part of your musical journey. At Long & McQuade, we believe the best instructor is not only skilled but also a great fit for your personality, goals, and learning style.
Whether you’re a parent seeking a patient and encouraging teacher for your child, a teen interested in pop and improvisation, or an adult learner wanting a supportive, no-pressure space—we’ll help you find the perfect match.
"How Can I be Successful in My Flute Lessons?"
It’s not talent. It’s consistency.
Whether you’re 4 or 45, the students who make the most progress with the flute are the ones who practice regularly—even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Most Popular Exam Options in Canada
RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music)
The RCM is one of the most recognized music education systems in Canada. Their flute exams focus on technique, repertoire, sight-reading, ear training, and overall musicianship. Students progress through graded levels, earning certificates that are widely respected across the country.
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
ABRSM is a UK-based program also offered in Canada. Like the RCM, it provides structured grade levels and exams in flute performance. It places strong emphasis on musicality, listening skills, and well-rounded musicianship.
Trinity College London
Trinity is another UK-based exam board that offers flute exams worldwide, including in Canada. Trinity is especially popular with students who want to explore both classical and contemporary styles. Their exams include technical work, repertoire, and even improvisation options, giving students flexibility in how they demonstrate their skills.
Why Take Exams?
🎓 Exams can help flute students stay motivated, track progress, and gain a sense of achievement. They also provide valuable credentials that can count toward school credit or open doors for future opportunities in music.
👉 Not every student needs to pursue exams—many prefer to play for fun or focus on performing. But for those who enjoy having milestones to work toward, exams are an excellent way to celebrate progress and build confidence.
