Frequently asked
Kinderflute questions

Why start on flute? I always thought piano or Suzuki violin were good starting instruments.

The flute is a fantastic beginner instrument, regardless of what you have heard or may believe. Research shows that ALL instrumental learning has the same cognitive benefits. Piano and violin are also great choices.

However, each family and child is different and has their own preferences and beliefs about what music instruction should look like. I think it can be great to explore many different options and let your child experience a variety of musical instruments.

(As an elementary student myself, I started first with piano around age 4, then added Suzuki violin in first grade, only to ditch that ol' squawk box for my shiny new flute in fourth grade - each child's path will be unique!)

How much does it cost?

Check out my current KinderFlute Class offerings to see the cost for each class.

Do we need music books?

Yes! We will use the Flute Zoo method by Kathy Blocki in KinderFlute classes. I will provide the correct book(s) for your child. The cost may be included in the price of your class, or it may be an added fee.

How much practice time is required?

Beginning KinderFlute students can plan to practice about 5-10 minutes daily

As students progress beyond the Beginning class, 15-30 minutes daily would be a great goal!

I do HIGHLY recommend students plan to practice at least 5 days per week. Regular daily practice in small chunks will give your young flutist the confidence and familiarity with the flute needed to succeed!

Do I need my own flute?

For an Intro Class – No. All materials, including a REAL Flute Headjoint, will be provided.

For ongoing KinderFlute Group Classes and Lessons - Yes. I will help you navigate purchasing all necessary music books, gadgets, and an instrument.
But please do not rush out and buy a flute before consulting with me!

My KinderFlute Beginnings group class includes a Nuvo Toot in the price of the class. The Nuvo Toot is an inexpensive recorder-like flute that is perfect for absolute beginngers. It is very small, so very young children can manage it easily. And it comes in fun colors!

KinderFlute students progressing beyond the Beginnings class will need to purchase either a plastic Nuvo JFlute (starting around $150) or a metal student flute, likely one with a curved headjoint (starting as little as maybe $100 used--if you are computer saavy to look on community for-sale and auction sites--or up to $1,000 new). Many factors will be considered – especially student’s size, ability as assessed during an Intro Class, and family’s available budget.

Please Don’t worry – I'll help you understand all the options and find the perfect flute for your pint-size flute player!

Not seeing an answer to your question here?

Check out the KinderFlute Handbook for even more info. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to send me a message!

We already own a student flute. Can we use it for KinderFlute Classes and Lessons ?

Maybe. It depends on the size of your student (height, arms, etc.) If the flute you own is a standard-size student model flute, your student may need time to grow into it, but some older elementary students may be able to start on a standard-size flute. It may also be possible to obtain a curved headjoint to use with your existing flute until the child has grown large enough to use the straight headjoint. Ms. Sarah can help determine the best instrument for your little flutist!

Why is it called KinderFlute? Is it only for Kindergarteners?

I know it sounds like it might just be for the Kindy's, but the German root Kinder just means children. KinderFlute is for any child between ages 5-9!

Who are KinderFlute Intro Classes for?

Children ages 5-9 with a parent/guardian. Intro Classes are always FREE and are a great way to try the flute! Sign up here

Where are KinderFlute Classes held?

KinderFlute Classes will be held at a number of different locations. Please check class descriptions to see where your class is being held.

How can I tell if my child is ready for KinderFlute?

Some good indicators that your young learner might be ready for formal music instruction are:
1) listens and follows instructions well
2) beginning to develop early/emergent reading skills
3) identifies patterns and shapes
4) focuses on tasks for longer periods of time (30 minutes), or can sit through a story time at school or the library without interruption
5) demonstrates fine motor skills, such as sorting small beads with fingers or gluing small objects to a piece of paper.
6) shows a natural interest in music or the flute

The best way to answer this question for your child is to come to a FREE KinderFlute Intro Class or meet me at my home studio for a First Meeting/Trial Lesson. I will be able to observe your child and give you my honest assessment.

Sign up for a FREE KinderFlute Intro Class here.
Request a FREE First Meeting/Trial Lesson here.

Can't we just wait to start flute in fifth grade band?

Sure you can.

But KinderFlute is a really great way to let your child explore the flute before selecting a band instrument in fifth grade. Sometimes that decision can be daunting and wrought with confusion about which instrument(s) a band director may recommend vs. what the student wants to play. Often, children don't have a clue which band instrument they really want to play because they've literally never played one before 🤯 So give them a chance to try before stepping in to that fifth grade band instrument selection process.

Also, as a private flute instructor for the past 25 years, I have seen a lot of bad habits and missing links in students' flute playing when they start in fifth grade and then transition to private lessons in middle or high school. Band directors are AWESOME music educators, but many of them are not flutists and schedules often limit band lessons to 20 minutes for anywhere from 2-4 kids at a time. So band directors are fighting the good fight to get instruments in the hands of students, but they can only do so much. I MUCH prefer to start flutists out right, with all the proper hand positions, fingerings, embouchure, etc. so they can be wildly successful from the beginning.

Does an adult really need to stay during KinderFlute Classes or Intro Classes?

YES! It is essential that a grown-up accompany students in these classes to observe and maybe even participate in the games and activities right along with us. This grown-up will be learning along with us in order to facilitate home practice and ensure success.

For KinderFlute Intro Classes, A parent/guardian MUST plan to accompany your student to the classes (no exceptions).

For ongoing KinderFlute Group Classes and private lessons a parent/guardian must be available to attend all private lessons with the student (no exception) and a portion of some group classes (at instructor’s discretion). This is important because young children need a practice buddy at home. The parent/guardian’s role will be to assist the child in holding the flute correctly, guiding through practicing the material assigned, and generally encouraging and assisting the student. Don't worry though....The grown-up helping out does NOT need to be a flute player, or even a musician! I promise, I will make it easy for you to assist your child, and it will be a fun and rewarding experience for you to enjoy together.

What if there is no adult available to attend with my child?

In this case, KinderFlute may not be the right choice for you and your student at this time.

How do we get started?

Check out my current KinderFlute classes being offered and sign up!

If there is no Intro Class scheduled soon, that's ok! Reach out to me and we'll schedule a one-on-one First Meeting/Trial and go from there. I may or may not have an appropriate group to add you with, so we have a couple options how we could proceed, and I'll explain those when we meet.