My goal for this guide is to aid “classical” or “Boehm” system flutists in the jump to learning to play various folk and traditional flutes. While some flutists will occasionally dismiss the idea of playing flutes such as Irish flute, Irish whistle, fife, bamboo flutes, etc, or not take them seriously, they are deceptively difficult to master. I have a theory that the more you know about “classical” music theory and modern music practices (in the execution of music, its notation, the way it’s performed, etc), the harder it is to go back in time to the point where these two types of music went their separate ways and evolved without each other.
This guide is meant to help the modern, classical, Boehm-style flute player adapt in the easiest way possible. It’s a transitional guide, meant to bridge the flutist into the this new (but really, old) world of playing. It’s not meant to be a comprehensive guide to playing Irish flute, or any other folk instrument. My goal is to get you into the “trad” world with the tools you’ll need to survive, and the foundation to begin your own journey into growing as a folk/trad musician.
I will use terminology in a manner that is sure to upset people on both sides of the music world. Again, though, my goal is to connect both styles while explaining in a manner that will be relatable to the flutist who is coming from the world of orchestral flutes, concert band pieces, and modern music theory. I will use the terms “classical” and “Boehm-system” flutes interchangeably, with the full awareness that Boehm-system flutes can play more than just classical music. I will use the terms “folk” and “traditional” or “trad” music interchangeably, with the full awareness that trad musicians sometimes loathe the word “folk”. Again, though, I do this to make the transition easier for the flutist. Playing the instrument in the right style and getting the desired sound is the primary goal here. Along the way, I fully expect the flutist to pick up other bits of knowledge from other sources to provide them a more-well rounded foundation in playing that specific instrument.
The bulk of the discussion will be centered around Irish flute and Irish whistle (/tin whistle/pennywhistle), but we will also discuss the fife and bamboo flutes such as bansuri and dizi.
This will be a living, breathing document that I will continue to update as I continue to learn. As such, I expect that there will quite literally never be a final version of this guide, as long as I’m breathing.
If, at any point, you have any suggestions, comments, corrections, or thoughts, I’m open to hearing chatting! I can be reached via the “Contact Tom” link on this website.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- “Folk” Music Opportunities for Classical Musicians
- Types of Trad/Folk Flutes
- Differences Between Classical Playing and Traditional/Folk Playing