What is a Native American Flute?

The Native American Flute is one of the instruments that is original and unique to some Native American tribes. It is traditionally made from wood (cedar, walnut, and most hardwoods). It features five or six finger holes and a mouthpiece, which makes it easy to produce the sound. No special technique is used to produce the sound, other than blowing into the sound holes. The body of the flute is comprised of a tube that is divided into two parts, the mouthpiece and the sound chamber. The two parts are bridged by a short section that is comprised of a small rectangular hole, called the "flu," and a block that rests on the flute body, called the "bird" or "totem." The bird acts to send the air across the flu, thereby splitting the air stream and producing a pleasing tone.

Different notes are played by covering the sound holes. The basic five-hole flute is capable of playing a 7-note scale, however it is most common to play a 5-note (pentatonic) scale. The pentatonic scale on the NA flute is laved out so the lowest note is the 5th scale degree. In C "major" pentatonic, this note is A (CDEGA). The five-hole "A" flute plays the notes: A-C-D-E-G-A. Even through the scale is a C pentatonic, the flute is named after the lowest note, which in this case is the A below the C. Some people might call this tonality C pentatonic starting on 'La' ('La' being the sixth degree of the scale according to the solfege system: do, re mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do). Many flutes will indicate the type (lowest note) on the bottom of the instrument. Common pitches are C, A, F#, E, and D, but flutes are made in all keys.

Learn how to play the flute through DCM University.

Who plays the Native American Flute?

Specific Native American Indian tribes (First Nation Peoples) developed and play this flute. Today, this instrument is played by a range of people, from recreational musicians to performing and recording artists. The NA flute is sometimes used by music therapists and music educators. Because of its simple and accessible design, virtually anyone can play the flute. For people with smaller hands, higher-rage flutes are recommended, such as those from G and above. Larger flutes, such as those from F# and lower are more appropriate and accessible to people with larger hands. The larger flutes, such as those that are tuned to E and lower, are sometimes called "bass" flutes. Very small flutes, sometimes called "pocket" flutes are easy to transport and even people with the smallest of hands can play them with little effort.

People who play the Native American-style flute include:

• Native American Musicians
• Performing and Recording Artists
• Recreational Musicians
• Music Therapists
• Music Educators

There are many recordings of flute music available. There are also many fine educational products that are designed to help anyone learn to play the flute.

Why is the NA Flute useful in Community Music Making?

The NA Flute is both accessible and easy to play. Because it requires no special technique to play, pleasing results can be achieved within minutes. The pentatonic tuning means that there are no 'wrong" notes to avoid. Virtually any note that is played will work well with the other notes, producing a tonality that is melodic and timeless. The A flute in particular blends well with other instruments, such as the ukulele and Orff instruments. Because of the long history and association between the flute and drums, the NA flute is a natural choice to include in community music making settings, such as drum circles, improvisation groups, and music for relaxation, healing, and therapy.

The flute provides someone with a melodic voice, which can substitute for voice or serve to prompt or accompany singing. When someone plays the flute, they engage their breath, using full, slow, deep breathing techniques, which in turn send positive signals to the brain and help oxygenate the blood. Depending on how it is used, flute play can help a person relax in preparation for sleep or serve to stimulate the mind and body in preparation for work. The flute a beautiful instrument that is most often hand-crafted with care and attention to detail. Flutes are made from different kinds of woods and carry what we call the "spa aesthetic," which most people find pleasing. The flute can serve as a path towards learning about different cultures, traditions, and music.

The NA Flute is useful in Community Music Making because it:

• is easy to play.
• is tuned to a pentatonic scale.
• shares a long history with group drumming, and other forms of music.
• provides a melodic voice, which can be used to elicit or accompany singing.
• has the potential to help someone relax or become more energized.
• is consistent with the spa aesthetic.
• connects the player with a larger body of music, history, and culture.

What kind of NA Flute should I get?

We recommend that most everyone begin with an A flute. The A flute is easy for men and women to play and provides the tonal access that is shared by the ukulele and the "white keys" of the piano. Many instruments, such as Orff instruments, kalimbas, marimbas, and other tuned percussion will blend easily with the A flute. Once you have developed some technique and musical abilities, you might like to add other flutes to your collection, both in the higher and lower ranges. Some additional flutes could include a C (high), an F# (middle) and E or D (low 'Bass') flutes.

What will I learn about the NA Flute at a DCM Course?

During the DCM course, you will learn:

• about the construction and parts of the flute.
• how to hold and breath into the flute body, creating several different effects.
• how to play all the notes on the flute.
• how to create special effects, such as bending notes, trills, and vibrato.
• how to accompany and solo with other instruments, playing in different styles.
• how to improvise on the flute and create your own music.
• how to use the flute to reach various wellness- and education-related goals.
  

Students attending a DCM course are asked to bring an A flute. Some flutes may be available for rent and/or purchase. If you would like assistance in selecting and purchasing a flute, please email us. We also sell quality flutes at good prices.

Learn to play the flute through DCM University. Take an online course today to get started.