Flute/Piccolo Method & Instruction Books

If you're thinking about taking up the flute or piccolo, you're in luck. Whether you're interested in playing the flute with a group of like-minded musicians or becoming a discerning piccolo soloist, you'll find that today's line of method and instruction books for both instruments is brimming with choices. Throughout these pages, respected publishers like G. Schirmer, Carl Fischer, Hal Leonard and FJH Music can be found offering their flute/piccolo method and instruction books for students, intermediates and advanced players alike.

For those who are new to the flute or piccolo, you might be wondering why this section gathers method and instruction books for both. The reason is because the two instruments share many characteristics and are played in a very similar manner. Essentially, the piccolo is a half-sized flute that plays an octave higher. This makes the piccolo ideal for solo pieces, while the sound of a flute blends better with a group.

Now let's look at some options. Teachers who want a method book that keeps their pupils engaged and stimulated will find plenty of exercises and fun musical pieces in the Alfred Accent on Achievement Book 1 Flute Book & CD. Along with 11 full band arrangements, this best seller also includes rhythm and rest exercises, chorales, scale exercises and much more. For more experienced players, check out the Carl Fischer Orchestral Excerpts for Flute. Everything in this book has been carefully selected and annotated by Jeanne Baxtresser and is accompanied with piano.

Now for all you aspiring piccolo players, your choices are packed with impressive collections as well, including the Hal Leonard Pares Scales for Flute or Piccolo. Featuring Gabriel Parės' classic scale and arpeggio studies, this method is full of comprehensive chromatic fingering and speed exercises, slip slurs (brass) and lessons for strengthening the upper register.

So pick and choose! And remember, if you can master the flute, there's no reason why you couldn't become well-versed with the piccolo as well. A little extra practice will go a long way, and with these flute/piccolo method and instruction books on hand during your sessions, it won't be long before you'll be sharing your flute or piccolo talents with others to enjoy.