A flutist is someone who plays the flute, which is a cylindrical woodwind instrument with an opening that produces sound when air is blown through it. A flutist is also known as a flautist, a flute player, or a fluter, though the latter is a less common term. In British English, a flute player is known as a flautist, but flutist is the preferred term in American English. Although there is some debate over which term is more appropriate, they can both be used interchangeably and are understood to mean the same thing.
The flute is used in a variety of musical styles, including orchestral, jazz, and marching band arrangements. Flutes have been used to make music since the beginning of time; they are the oldest known musical instruments, dating back thousands of years. Flutists, on the other hand, have been making music for thousands of years and have developed a wide range of styles and traditions. Many people choose to play the flute because of the wide range of styles that it can be used in. In almost any style of instrumental music, a flutist can find a place.
A flutist can play a variety of flute styles, just as he or she can play a variety of musical styles; flutes are made from a variety of materials and can be shaped in a variety of ways. Many modern flutists prefer the western concert flute, which is typically made of metal and has a large number of tone holes and key mechanisms to allow them to play a wide range of notes. The piccolo is a smaller flute that plays an octave higher than the concert flute and is similar to the western concert flute. Other cultures have created flutes made of various materials, such as wood or bamboo.
Flautists typically begin learning to play the flute in middle or high school. They learn the fundamentals of music theory, practice, and performance while they are there. Those who want to make a living playing the flute usually apply to college music programs. They learn at a much deeper level in college, and they frequently take full classes designed to teach them about various important aspects of music theory and performance. Flutists can work in a variety of musical settings, including major orchestras, jazz bands, and musical theater companies.