Teaching myself flute without lessons...?

Question

I am an adult who always wanted to play flute as a kid. So I decided to get one & teach myself. I got my hands on a used flute, its in good working order, and now I'm ready to learn.

I would like some suggestions about how to start learning. I am already reviewing how to read music with a website called http://datadragon.com/education/reading/

And I've found some videos that explain basic handling of a flute, putting it together, taking it apart, embouchure, finger placement, etc. I've also got a few finger charts and a cool website called http://www.flutetrainer.com/default.asp that has a diagram of a flute & you can click the keys to review notes.

I'd like some recommendations of where to go next. Scales? I'm guessing scales. Can someone name some very beginner scales & possibly a link to a website where I can learn them?

I want to learn as inexpensively as possible, so I don't want to bother with private lessons, or spending lots on books or DVDs or CDs, if I can find most of the information online for free.

So far, it seems like I've been able to find almost anything I want to know for free...

Also, would a metronome and/or a tuner be worth buying?

Answer 1

personally i wouldnt try learning without a teacher, but if you set on it then im not gonna stop you

scales are a must, try Bflat, C, F, and G, i dont have a website, but those 4 are usually the easiest

metronome and a tuner are neccessities. without a metronome its nearly impossible to keep track of where you are in music and without a tuner its absolutly impossible (unless you have perfect pitch) for a beginner to know if theyre even close to being in tune...and out of tune flutes sound terrible!

i got both my tuner and metronome for $10 i believe

Answer 2

How much is your TIME worth? As an adult, you are probably busy.  Get even a FEW lessons - find a teacher who will take you on a bi-weekly or even MONTHLY basis.  You will need help getting started, and someone to check on you periodically to see that you are not ingraining serious errors.  and it's nice to have an other ADULT to talk to about this!  

Call you local school district and see who they would recommend for YOU - not a kid, but YOU.  Betcha you find just the right person - who will have patience, UNDERSTANDING 9maybe they are learning a new skill later in life too, like skiing or yoga, etc - they will be compassionate!)  If you were in MY neighborhood, I would WELCOME you - and NEVER insist that you came every week, took an entire *subscription* of lessons, etc.  You relationship with me as a teacher would be like mine with my chiropractor - I call him when I NEED him, and sometimes I call him to make sure I will NOT need him - just for a touch-up.

GOOD FOR YOU for doing this - I wish you much luck!