Flute Care 101

Buying an instrument for the first time can bring both excitement and nerves—owning your first instrument is a big responsibility! Any experienced teacher will be able to guide you in looking after your flute but if you'd like somewhere to start, here are a few key considerations: 

• Swab out the inside and wipe down the outside of your flute after every use, including the areas you didn't touch. Two separate cloths should be used for the inside and outside (see video below).

• Store the flute in its case when not in use; do not leave your flute on a flute stand or otherwise for extended periods of time. 

• Store your flute at a relatively stable temperature, ie. do not keep your flute stored near a heating or cooling unit, under a window, or in direct sunlight. 

• When assembling the flute, ensure the joints are lined up straight and use a combined twist-and-push motion. When disassembling, use a twist-and-pull motion. 

• Avoid applying unnecessary pressure to the mechanism and posts during assembly and disassembly. Use spots like the barrel (keyless section at the top of the flute body) to get a good, safe grip. 

• Have your flute serviced by a qualified technician every 12-18 months. 

If you observe something out of the ordinary or have concerns about your instrument, contact a qualified technician to have it assessed; the better you care for your flute, the longer it will last!