The flute is one of the oldest woodwind instruments, and has existed for hundreds of years. It is a popular instrument, for a number of reasons. A good sound is possible almost immediately, and the fingering used to play notes is very similar to that used when playing the recorder. This makes the transition from one instrument to the next quite simple. Our private flute lessons generally start at age 7 and older, but sometimes younger students will start with a special curved-head flute.