Flute Lessons
Begin your musical journey at Long & McQuade with private and online Flute lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are picking up the instrument for the first time or you already have experience and want to continue to hone your skills, our expert teachers will help you reach your goals in a professional, encouraging environment.
Register NowWhy Choose Long & McQuade for Flute Lessons?
Train with experienced Flute instructors who work with beginners and advanced players in welcoming lesson studios equipped with professional equipment for a comfortable learning experience. Enjoy flexible scheduling with daytime, evening, and weekend options that work around your schedule. As a trusted name in music education across Canada, Long & McQuade offers a reliable path to achieving your goals.
What Flute Topics Will I Learn?
Flute is a skill that grows with you over a lifetime. The topics show what many students begin with, but your path can take many directions. Whether your goal is to join a school band, play for fun, or pursue a professional career, Flute lessons provide the foundation to progress to the next stage.
Beginner & Intermediate Topics
- Proper posture, hand position, and embouchure
- Breathing techniques for tone control and endurance
- Producing clear, consistent sound across registers
- Reading music notation and rhythms
- Scales, arpeggios, and foundational exercises
- Simple melodies and folk tunes to build confidence
- Playing with steady timing using a metronome
- Intro to dynamics, phrasing, and expression
- Playing along with recordings and in ensemble settings
Advanced & Professional Topics
- Expanding range, tone quality, and technical fluency
- Advanced articulation, vibrato, and dynamic control
- Etudes and repertoire across classical, jazz, and contemporary styles
- Extended techniques such as flutter tonguing, harmonics, and multiphonics
- Developing speed, precision, and flexibility through advanced scales and patterns
- Ensemble skills, including blending, tuning, and phrasing
- Interpretation and stylistic nuance for solo and orchestral works
- Audition and performance preparation, from practice strategies to stage presence
Any Age | Any Stage | Any Style
Flute Lessons for Kids
Ages 7-12
What to Expect for Kids Learning Flute
- Age-appropriate Flute lessons using songs, movement, and fun activities to keep learning engaging
- Positive encouragement to build confidence and self-expression
- Focus on posture, breathing, tone production, reading music, and listening skills
- Options to learn just for fun or begin preparing for formal music exams
Learning Outcomes
- Produce clear Flute tones and read beginner music notation
- Develop a steady sense of rhythm, pitch, and timing
- Improve focus, patience, and coordination through regular practice
- Build confidence and stage presence with optional performance opportunities
Flute Lessons for Teens
Ages 13-18
What to Expect for Teens Learning Flute
- Personalized music choices from classical, jazz, or contemporary styles
- Options for RCM exam preparation or school audition support
- Guidance for school music programs, talent shows, or recording projects
Learning Outcomes
- Develop creative independence and a unique musical identity
- Build confidence, focus, and discipline through regular practice
- Use music as a positive outlet to manage stress and support well-being
- Gain a lifelong skill that enriches both personal and academic growth
Flute Lessons for Adults
Ages 19+
What to Expect for Adults Learning Flute
- Flexible schedule times from evenings, weekends, or daytime
- Learn the music you love from classical, jazz, pop, or film soundtracks
- No exams required (unless you'd like to set a goal!)
- Lessons focused on personal enjoyment, growth, or relaxation
Learning Outcomes
- Relieve stress and support mental wellness through music
- Improve coordination, memory, focus, and creativity
- Build a rewarding hobby that fits your lifestyle and pace
- No pressure, just progress, confidence, and the joy of playing the Flute
"I've always wanted to learn, but I don't have a Flute."
This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and the good news is
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 starting Flute lessons, here's a quick overview of the different types you can explore with your teacher. Each one is great for students at various experience levels while keeping lessons enjoyable and personal.
Concert Flutes
The concert flute is the standard flute most students begin with. It’s bright, versatile, and works in every school program, orchestra, or band. This is the most common member of the flute family, which makes it easier to find lesson materials and support. Compared to other flutes, it sits right in the middle range and sets the foundation for learning any of the others.
Piccolo Flutes
The piccolo is smaller and plays one octave higher than the concert flute. It has a bright, sparkling sound that easily carries above a full ensemble. It’s perfect for advancing students who already play the concert flute and want to expand their skills. The main difference from the standard flute is its size and higher pitch, which gives it a unique place in bands and orchestras.
Alto Flutes
The alto flute is larger and pitched lower, giving it a warm, mellow sound that is very different from the bright tone of a concert flute. It’s often chosen by advanced players looking to add depth and variety to their playing. While it isn’t usually used in school bands, it shines in flute choirs, chamber groups, and orchestral settings where its smooth voice blends beautifully.
Bass Flutes
The bass flute plays an octave lower than the concert flute and produces a rich, deep sound. It’s popular in flute choirs and specialized ensembles, offering a voice that feels completely different from the brighter, higher members of the family. This instrument is ideal for experienced players who want to explore the lower range of the flute family.
"How do I Pick the Right Flute Teacher?"
Choosing the right Flute teacher is one of the most critical steps in
your musical journey. At Long & McQuade, we understand that the best
instructor is not only highly skilled but also the right fit for your
goals, personality, and learning style.
Whether you're a parent looking for a patient, encouraging teacher for
your child, a teen interested in pop, classical, or musical theatre,
or an adult learner seeking a no-pressure space, Long & McQuade will
help you find the perfect teacher for your Flute lessons.
Choosing the Right Program at Long & McQuade
Private Flute Lessons
Private Flute Lessons at Long & McQuade are one-on-one with weekly 30- or 60-minute sessions. Your instructor creates a personalized learning plan tailored to your skills and goals. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit practice into busy weeks. Private lessons are suitable starting at age 5.
Online Flute Lessons
Online Flute Lessons at Long & McQuade are one-on-one with weekly 30-, 45- or 60-minute sessions. Your instructor creates a personalized learning plan tailored to your skills and goals. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit practice into busy weeks. Online lessons are suitable starting at age 7.
"Should I take any Exams or Tests?"
It really depends on your goals and how you learn best.
Exams are always optional for Flute students. For those who want structured milestones and formal recognition of their progress, music exams can be a valuable choice. In Canada, there are a few main exam boards that Flute students may participate in.
Most Popular Exam Options in Canada
Exams can help students stay motivated, track progress, and gain a
sense of achievement. They also provide valuable credentials that can
be used for school credit or future opportunities in music.
Not every student needs to pursue exams; some prefer to play for fun
or focus on performing. But for those who enjoy having goals, exams
are an excellent way to celebrate progress and build confidence.
Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM)
The Royal Conservatory of Music is Canada’s widely recognized music education system, known for its recognized certification program. Its flute exams provides a clear progression from beginner to advanced levels where students develop tone, technique, and expression through repertoire, scales, sight reading, ear training and music theory. RCM exams are highly regarded across Canada and can count toward high-school credit in several provinces.
ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a UK-based examining body with international recognition in Canada. Its flute exams run from Grade 1 through Grade 8, followed by diploma-level performance and teaching qualifications. Assessments cover prepared pieces, technical work, sight reading, and aural tests, focusing on musical interpretation and tone control. ABRSM’s global credibility makes it ideal for students seeking structured, internationally transferable credentials.
Trinity College London
Trinity College London is a UK-based music education board with exam options available to Canadian students. Its flute exams range from Initial to Grade 8, with advanced diplomas for performers and teachers. Students can choose between traditional graded exams or performance-only assessments, allowing for a flexible and personalized approach. Trinity’s syllabus emphasizes expressive playing, stylistic versatility, and technical control, making it a strong option for both classical and contemporary flautists.
"How can I be successful in my Flute Lessons?"
It's all about being consistent with practice.
The students who grow the most on their musical journey are the ones who practice regularly. Practicing for even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
