The Simple Flute: From A to Z

by Michel Debost

For professional and amateur flautists as well as students of the flute, this book offers a practical introduction to all aspects of playing the flute. Using an accessible A-Z format, Debost offers a logical and imaginative work on flute performance that places technique at the service of music on every page. In these concise essays, readers will find simple, sensible answers to all of the problems flautists regularly encounter. Debost covers the expected topics -
such as breathing, articulation, and tone - and offers personal insights into such issues as "jawboning", "finger phrasing," and "the little devils". Offering concise, common-sense solutions for flautists of all levels, this book is an ideal reference guide on flute performance.

• ISBN10: 0195145216
• ISBN13: 9780195145212
• Publish Date: 28 February 2002
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 8 March 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Oxford University Press Inc
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 282
• Language: English

Reviews

[lovelybookshelf]

I'm a professional flutist and flute teacher. The Simple Flute: From A to Z by Michel Debost is a staple in my studio, but one that I should have purchased years before I finally did. I thought I'd review this title because the flute is such a common instrument. Even if you don't play, I'd be willing to bet that many of you know someone who does. This book is an outstanding resource, one every dedicated flutist should own.

Debost organized the book alphabetically by topic. Take a look inside and view the table of contents and index. You can see that any flute-related issue you may have, from breathing to the delicate release of notes, from fundamental tone production to avant-garde techniques, is addressed somewhere in the book.

Debost's humor shines through often, which keeps the reading enjoyable. He explains each topic clearly, offering practical advice, common sense, and sample practice exercises.

The Simple Flute is a treasure. I wouldn't recommend it to younger students just starting out unless they already have knowledge of basic music terminology and are reading on at least a high school level. But it is certainly a must-have for serious high school flutists, college flute majors, flute teachers, and amateur and professional players alike.