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 Exercises (11–20)
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!
Carrying You (Castle in the Sky)Hisaishi Joe
The theme song “Carrying You” from Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film “Castle in the Sky” is characterized by its easy-to-remember melody.
With its slightly wistful tune that really tugs at the heart, “Carrying You” is perfect for practicing the flute while carefully listening to your own sound.
It’s an anacrustic piece that begins on the fourth beat of the bar, so start with a clear tone that can be heard right from the first note, and let the chorus soar with greater volume.
As you become more conscious of the lyrics—such as “That horizon” and “What father left behind”—you’ll find it’s a piece you’ll want others to hear.
To the Wild RoseEdward MacDowell
Here I’ll introduce a flute piece in classical music that’s easy to play.
The piece is by Edward MacDowell, a composer who represents American Romantic music at the end of the 19th century.
When you first pick up an instrument and see sharps, you may wish for an easier piece, but this one is slow, has no technical passages, and is playable if you put in the effort.
Just mark the sharp notes so you don’t miss them and practice carefully.
Classical music can seem difficult, but if you learn to play while also looking into the composer and the background of the piece, you can give off an intellectual vibe! Let this be your chance to gradually master classical music.
Aura LeeGeorge R. Poulton
Despite its simple melody, this is a beautifully moving piece.
Beloved among soldiers during the Civil War era, it poetically depicts affection for a beautiful blonde woman.
The beauty of nature is layered with the woman’s allure, and she is sung as a presence that illuminates the heart like sunlight.
After its publication in 1861, Elvis Presley added new lyrics in 1956 and released it as “Love Me Tender,” which became a major hit.
Composed by George R.
Poulton, the piece is still popular today as a recorder practice song, and because it is gentle and easy to understand, it’s also recommended for beginner flutists.
Its calm melody is perfect for times when you want to relax or feel tender at heart.
Gymnopédie No. 1Éric Satie
Rendered with a delicate tone, this piece is also recommended as a practice work for beginner flutists.
Composed in 1888, it features a relaxed tempo and gentle melody that bring deep serenity to listeners.
Inspired by ancient Greek dance, it is popular as an introduction to classical music and is also familiar to piano learners.
It has been used in various media such as films, TV dramas, and commercials, and is loved by many.
It’s a perfect piece for those who have just started the flute or who want to practice in a calm atmosphere.
Always With Me ~Spirited Away~Kimura Yumi
The theme song from Spirited Away, “Always With Me,” is also a perfect piece to play on the flute.
The flute’s range is close to that of a female voice, so when the original singer is a woman, you can produce a sound very similar to the original as your playing improves—which is wonderful.
When practicing, it’s fine to start at a very slow tempo.
In fact, one of the charms of this piece is that it can be even more expressive when played slowly.
It’s a bit of an indulgent wish, but if you have the chance to perform with a harp, just like in the original, you’ll be able to enjoy a truly luxurious rendition.
Practice pieces for beginner flutists. Recommended exercises (21–30)
contrailArai Yumi
Yumi Arai’s signature song from her early career, “Hikōkigumo” (Vapor Trail), is perfect for practicing the flute from the mid-low to high registers.
By playing with a solid, stable tone, you can make it a very compelling piece.
During your warm-up, it’s a good idea to spend a bit more time on long tones for B and F.