Resources
Resources
Free Flute Trill Fingerings Chart
Trills are one of those techniques that can feel completely mysterious until you have the right fingerings in front of you. Unlike standard note fingerings, trill fingerings are often unconventional — sometimes counterintuitive — because they're optimized for speed and evenness rather than tone quality. This free chart takes the guesswork out of it. What's in the Chart The chart lists trill fingerings for the flute across its full range, organized by starting note. For each trill, you'll see both the standard fingering and the alternate trill fingering that lets you alternate quickly between the two pitches. Some trills have more than one option, and the chart notes which tend to produce the cleanest results. Who This Is For Intermediate and advanced flute students preparing for auditions or solo repertoire Band directors assigning orchestral excerpts or etudes with written trills Students working through method books that include trill exercises A Quick Note on Trills Trill fingerings are not always the same as the standard fingering for a note — and that's intentional. The goal is smooth, even alternation between two pitches. If a standard fingering creates an awkward key movement at speed, the trill fingering provides a workaround that keeps things clean. Think of this chart as your shortcut to making trills sound effortless.↓ Download the Flute Trill Fingerings Chart (PDF)
Read moreFree Flute & Piccolo Fingering Chart
Whether you're just picking up the flute for the first time or helping a student through their first scales, having a clear fingering chart nearby makes a real difference. Knowing which keys to press — and when — is one of the first big hurdles every flute player faces, and a good reference chart helps you build muscle memory with confidence. What's in the Chart This fingering chart covers the full standard range of the flute, showing finger positions for every note from low C to high C (and beyond for advanced players). Each note is shown with a simple diagram indicating which keys are open or closed, making it easy to read at a glance even in the middle of a practice session. The chart also covers the piccolo, which shares the same fingering system as the flute but sounds an octave higher. If you're transitioning between the two instruments — common in concert band and orchestra — this chart is a handy reference to keep on your stand. Who This Is For Beginning flute students learning their first notes Band directors looking for a quick-reference handout Piccolo players who need a reminder of alternate fingering options Parents helping a child practice at home How to Use It Print it out and keep it on your music stand during practice. As you become more comfortable with the notes, you'll find yourself reaching for the chart less and less — that's a good sign the fingerings are becoming second nature.↓ Download the Flute & Piccolo Fingering Chart (PDF)
Read moreHow to Care for Your Flute & Piccolo
A well-maintained flute or piccolo will play better, last longer, and stay in tune more reliably than a neglected one. The good news is that basic flute care is straightforward — a few simple habits after every practice session go a long way. After Every Practice Session Always swab out the inside of your flute after playing. Moisture from your breath collects in the tube and can damage the pads over time if left sitting. Use a soft cleaning rod with a lint-free cloth or a purpose-made swab pulled gently through each section. Never force the swab through if it meets resistance. Wipe down the outside of the instrument with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints and moisture from the keys. This helps prevent tarnish on silver-plated and solid silver instruments. Assembling and Disassembling Always hold the flute by the body when assembling, not by the keys or mechanism. Apply gentle, even pressure and a slight rotating motion to connect the joints. Avoid grabbing the key mechanism — bent keys are one of the most common and entirely preventable flute repairs. Pad Care The pads inside the key cups are what create the seal that allows notes to speak cleanly. Keep them dry, and avoid playing immediately after eating. Even small amounts of food residue can deteriorate pads quickly. If a note starts to sound airy or unreliable, a pad may need to be replaced — a technician can assess this quickly. Storage Always store your flute in its case when not in use. Keep the case away from extreme temperatures — never leave it in a hot car or near a heater. For piccolo players, the same rules apply, with extra care given to wooden piccolos, which can crack if exposed to rapid temperature or humidity changes.↓ Download the Flute & Piccolo Care Tips (PDF)
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