Practice pieces for beginner flutists. Recommended practice pieces.
When you think of the flute, you think of a shiny, beautiful woodwind instrument with a gentle tone—one that plays a major role in orchestras, concert bands, and ensembles.
If you’re reading this, you might be a new student who joined the school band and was assigned the flute, or an adult considering the flute as a new hobby.
However, when you actually try to play, you’ll likely find it’s harder than you imagined.
This time, for those just starting to handle the instrument, I’ll introduce some easy songs you can play on the flute and recommended practice pieces.
These are all standard tunes that cover the basics, so please give them a try!
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Practice pieces for beginner flutists. Recommended practice pieces (1–10)
Ave Maria (Gounod)Charles François Gounod
Composed by the French composer Charles Gounod, this work features a solemn character based on the prelude from Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier.
Centered on a prayer to the Virgin Mary, its pure and beautiful melody deeply resonates with the listener.
Since its premiere in Paris in May 1859, it has been performed in various settings, such as weddings and funerals, and has continued to be cherished by many.
It is also recommended as a practice piece for beginner flutists: its gentle tone and simple melody make it easy to approach.
It may also be nice to play when you want to calm your mind.
Amazing Grace
Characterized by its simple and beautiful melody, this piece is recommended as a practice song for beginner flutists.
It is a hymn written in 1772 by the English clergyman John Newton, who, with a past in the slave trade, wrote about his experience of being saved by God’s grace.
It is so beloved in the United States that it is sometimes called the “second national anthem,” and it was also used as the theme for a British film in 2006.
The work is structured around a simple 16-bar phrase that repeats, allowing for a wide range of arrangements from solo to chorus.
When performed on the flute with its gentle timbre, the piece’s grandeur and emotional impact are further enhanced.
SicilianoGabriel Fauré
This piece by Gabriel Fauré is ideal as a flute étude.
It features graceful, refined melodies and has a character that’s approachable even for beginners.
Composed in 1893, it was influenced by the folk music of Sicily and is notable for its relaxed 6/8 rhythm.
Practice carefully to observe the dotted-eighth and sixteenth note values.
The range is also wide, so work diligently to produce a solid tone and gradually expand your range.
Although it was originally written for cello and piano, its beauty has made it a popular choice for flute as well.
Once you can play this, it will showcase not only your ability in popular music but also your solid command of classical repertoire.
Practice Pieces for Beginner Flutists: Recommended Exercises (11–20)
The Girl from ArlesGeorges Bizet
It is incidental music composed by the French composer Georges Bizet.
It features beautiful melodies that evoke the scenery of southern France, making you feel as if you’re strolling across the vast landscapes of Provence as you listen.
Although it premiered in October 1872, it was not well received at the time.
However, when Bizet himself selected four pieces and arranged them into a suite, it became a great success.
Since the original includes a flute solo, it’s also recommended as a practice piece for flutists; its gentle tone and beautiful melody are soothing to the heart.
It’s a piece that allows beginners to enjoyably practice authentic classical music, so why not give it a try?
Aladdin ‘A Whole New World’Alan Menken
This is a song by Jasmine and Aladdin as they tour the happy city of Agrabah on a magic carpet.
It’s one of the famous songs from Aladdin, and it’s often sung as a duet at karaoke.
When you play it on an instrument, it gives a different feeling.
While the chorus does build up, the overall range isn’t wide, so it’s an easy piece to play on instruments as well.
Unlike the piano, playing with sharps will feel fresh, but be sure to mark sharps and any tricky notes and play them carefully.
At first, the longer phrases can make you run out of breath easily, so manage your breathing well.
If there happen to be two people who can play the flute, it might be nice to try a duet ensemble!
Beyond the rainbowHarold Arlen
A song performed by Judy Garland in the 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz, it has become a worldwide standard and has been covered by many musicians.
Because it can be played in various arrangements and on many different instruments, it’s of course an excellent piece to include in your flute repertoire—one you’ll definitely want to master.
You may struggle at first with the octave leaps, but once you can play them smoothly, you’re on your way out of the beginner stage! Start by practicing a simple version, and as you improve, feel free to try arranged versions as well.
For now, let’s conquer the simple version first!
Flowers will bloom.Kanno Yōko
“Flowers Will Bloom” was created as a theme song to support the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, which struck at 2:46 p.m.
on March 11, 2011.
The composer is Yoko Kanno, known for writing many anime songs.
As a piece made for disaster recovery support, it is filled with prayer and hope.
Although it features many leaps, make sure to play firmly the melody that leaps from the upbeat into beat four—this is where the musical story begins.
The key to handling the leaps is steady practice, carefully securing each pitch so the transitions are smooth.
Having only one flat makes it approachable.
Because the phrases are long, combining your practice with long tones will help you produce a good sound.
Aim for a gentle tone.