The Flute Book: A Complete Guide for Students and Performers (Oxford Musical Instrument Series)

There are parts of the book that someone could update for a truly current edition of this exceptionally readable and scholarly book. Indeed, the updating would be all factual matters of interest that are outdated. That being said, there is one funny mistake. In all 3 editions, she attributes pointillism to Monet, not Signac and Seurat. Oh, well!

“The Flute Book: A Complete Guide for Students and Performers (Oxford Musical Instrument Series)” is a great resource and reference guide for anyone who plays the flute or is interested in it in any way. The book’s author (Nancy Toff) does an exceptional job covering the instruments itself (what is a flute), how to select a proper flute, care and maintenance, history and many of the other instruments considered to be in the flute family; alto and bass flutes along with the piccolo.From this, the author goes into the areas that impact one’s performance. She details breathing, tone, vibrato, articulation, technique, style, performance, and recordings. In this section of the book she provides not only what these items are, but also suggestions and/or tricks when it comes to some of the more complex aspects of playing the flute. There are whole sections on how to audition and what to do when faced with this situation.The last section covers the various eras of flute music including detailed historical research. The author covers the following eras: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. Many of the specific eras are related to various geographical regions such as: France, Italy, England, Germany, and the US; along with a few others. Of all three sections, this one was my least favorite only because I was more interested in the instrument and technique than I was in the musical history of the flute.I said the book is both a resource and reference guide earlier, and that is because one can glean a great deal of knowledge upon first reading the book, however there may be times that one will reference the book afterwards while looking for advice on specific subjects covered in the book. There is also a large section of appendices covering resources that manufacture and repair flutes, fingering charts, additional books and music, etc. She also provides a detailed section of flute clubs and societies. Much of this can be found today using a standard search engine, but it was nice to have in one place.For me, at the time of this review, I’m just starting my journey into playing the flute. However, I found the information in this book useful and informative to the novice (like me) and yet some of the information I’m sure will/can be used by one who is a more seasoned player. I’m not a history buff, but I will say that I read every page in this section and was fascinated at the level of detail and impact of this instrument throughout history. Overall, this is a book worth owning for any flute enthusiasts.

I am still bussy reading this good book . I'm an amateur flautist, and have been playing for quite some time , but as Others have mentioned , I also think that there is something new for every one . I especially enjoyed the chapter onthe history of the development of the flute and the music written for the flute from the early Baroque , really great. Although one can get a lot of info on google, yet this book summarises all we know in such a pleasant and easilly readable manner . Honestly a worth while buy for any aspiring flutist IMHO.

I am a beginning flutist. I have found The Flute Book to be a great help in understanding all the disparate bits about flutes and playing the flute. A big section of the book is data and statistical and whatnot, but there is plenty in this book to help me along and all of it I find interesting. Who knew there was so much to the flute?

Toff's classic belongs in every flutist's library. Having read and referred to the 2nd edition periodically over the last few years, I anticipated a newer and more informative 3rd edition. Unfortunately, this book is practically word for word and parapgraph for paragraph identical to the 2nd editon, with the exception of updated price lists and an occasional change in manufacturing trends. For the perfectionistic flutist, the updated edition is worth the purchase, but I would not otherwise recommend it to those who do not already own the prior edition. If you don't have an edition, do indeed buy this book.

Certainly a "must have" reference for the flute player. While not intended to be a complete and exhaustive treatment of all areas of flute playing, it is certain broad and comprehensive in scope. I've referred to it several times. I consider it an authoritative and unbiased "go-to" book for all aspect of the flutist's art.

Recommended by my flute instructor and I am so pleased, in-depth history, review of flute family, and appendices are powerful resource

This book is perfect for any flute player looking to increase their knowledge about the flute. Within these pages, you'll find various information on a wide range of topics. Research clearly went into creating this book. It's organized in a manner that's easy for anyone​ to understand.

ESSENTIAL, for committed flutists from absolute beginner to Trevor Wye.

Very useful information, analytic and thorough book. Would recommend.

Contenidos muy completos. El inconveniente, si lo es, es que no hay versión en castellano

Bought this for elder daughter as she is s flute player. She is happy enough with it, so that makes me happy.Thanks you - good seller