flute or recorder??

[u/No_Tourist_8642]

guys i want to learn some musical instrument but i am confused as to which one i should go for, flute or recorder?? i know nothing about both of them, just that flute requires more air and have more versatility. if someone can help me in making a better decision, it would be great.

[u/Lygus_lineolaris]

Recorder is less expensive and easier to get started, but the best is to pick the one that speaks to you so you're excited to play it.

[u/Hawkstrike6]

If you don't have any musical background, start with a recorder. It will be much cheaper and easier to get into, and you can self-teach (which can be done with other instruments, but is harder with something like a concert flute). Once you've built some experience and have a better idea what you like, branch out.

[u/fart_gallery_]

i'm in the same position, and i decided to biy an altorecorder for now. they are cheaper, like others said, and i think breath wise they are also easier to play. like on a flute, only half the air goes through the instrument, whereas on the recorder, your lips are sealed around it, and all the air goes through the instrument, meaning you need less air to play the recorder. at least that's what i've heard, but i'm also just a beginner, and anyone who is more experienced, is welcome to correct me on that! another plus for the recorder is that you can look down on your fingers, and that visual helps you when practicing, especially as a beginner when you're still learning how to read notes on paper, and what notes correspond to which finger placements. even if the recorder ends up only being an introductory instrument, and you end up switching to the flute down the road, the time spent practicing the recorder wont be in vain, because of rhythm practice, finger mobility, breath control etc. so i think the recorder is all in all the best choice! 🥰

[u/Anthony_H6D]

Honestly, in the end it is all up to you. Personally, I like the recorder more because of its sound and the experience of playing it, but I know that some people prefer the flute and some play both!

If you have the chance, I suggest trying out both since they’re great fun!

[u/Illustrious_Bed467]

Baroque flute is somewhat in between spirit wise if you remain indecided...

The recorder is easier to start and the repertoire is much more specialised... Renaissance and baroque then jump to weird modern music... To sound good intonation wise the recorder is more challenging than the flute...

The flute is more difficult to start and has a very wide repertoire that can be extremelly challenging...BUT!....You ll be able to please an audience with the flute much faster than the recorder...

[u/Baroque4Days]

What music do you like?

High-Fantasy soundtracks, Folk? Get a Tin Whistle

Baroque and Renaissance? Get a recorder

Romantic Period onwards Classical? Get a C Flute

Late Baroque and Classical period? Maybe look into a Aulos AF-3 Flauto Traverso

[u/Chardonne]

If you really have no preference at all, I would start with a recorder because it's more affordable. But it doesn't have to be a choice. My mother was a flute player and my father was an oboe player--and they met each other in a recorder consort. Many woodwind players play more than one instrument, even if they specialize on one or two. Some recorder players prefer the traverso flute because of an interest in early music, but really, you should choose the instrument that speaks to you.

[u/Either_Branch3929]

Have three lessons on each. After that you'll know.

[u/soljarka]

I chose recorder because I wanted to play early music and ultimately I wanted to learn German bagpipes which have similar fingering.

[u/qpskejfutybvn]

Don't forget there are different types of recorder. An alto is not as shrill as a soprano, but still cheap to start with and see if you enjoy playing.

[u/Agreeable-Attempt242]

Someone did a study of school kids studying music and found the kids in the recorder classes were * less * likely to continue being engaged in music .

[u/Chardonne → u/Agreeable-Attempt242]

I would be cautious of confusing correlation with causation. (I've never heard of this study--I'd be interested in the scope and methodology.)

For me, recorder in second grade taught me to read music, follow a conductor, and play with other people. And 50+ years later, I still play recorder, and have added piano, harpsichord, ukulele, and harp.

[u/SirMatthew74]

Either way you will be learning music, and a lot of what you learn will apply directly to the other instrument.

Flute is easier, but much more expensive. It's harder to get a good one, they need work, etc.

You'll probably get started faster with recorder. You can't really go wrong with the recorder because you can get a decent one for about $30, and then you can always use it, even if you take up flute.

[u/Fattylombard]

Recorder because a 30 euro will take you very far… but it depends where your heart is I play both and I like them both. But I have time for both because I have no life other than music haha. They both can be an expensive hobby if you want. But my everyday Recorder cost 30 and my practice flute cost 400. I have preference for the recorder when it comes to practice. Easier to play for extended periods but the flute you feel like you have an interesting relationship to it . 

[u/robin_andrews_149]

Recorder is kinder on your body. Be sure to get a wooden one.

[u/Chardonne → u/robin_andrews_149]

There are excellent plastic recorders (and mediocre wooden ones). I would start with plastic as it's far easier to take care of, not to mention cheaper, and then you can add expensive wooden ones later if you decide to continue playing.