Introducing Your Child to the Native American Style Flute

Why the Pentatonic Scale Is Natural for Children

Most folk music and folk instruments from around the world are based on a five note scale. A five note scale is also called a pentatonic scale. The Native American style flute is a pentatonic instrument.

Folk music is intuitive music. This intuitive type of music flows spontaneously without intellectual effort. It can flow in this way because all of the notes in a pentatonic scale sound good together. When a child experiments with combinations of notes on a Native American style flute, they begin making real and creative music right away.

You might even say that a human being is naturally inclined to make pentatonic music.

Pentatonic Instruments in Early Music Education

Flutes tuned to a pentatonic scale are often used to introduce music to young children in progressive schools. When a child first learns to play an instrument, the traditional diatonic or seven note scale can be very challenging. The common recorder given to children is a diatonic instrument.

The music most people are familiar with is based on a seven note scale known as the diatonic scale. This is the familiar do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do pattern taught in school.

The difficulty with the diatonic scale is that not all notes naturally blend well together. Because some notes do not sound pleasing with others, the student must memorize which combinations work. Music making becomes more intellectual than intuitive.

Many people who learned on a diatonic instrument remember the frustration and stress that accompanied early lessons. When music is introduced through the five note pentatonic scale of the Native American style flute, the experience becomes intuitive rather than analytical. The learning process flows more smoothly and naturally.

When Is a Child Ready to Learn the Native American Style Flute

Most children are ready to learn to play a pentatonic Native American style flute around the age of seven. Some children can begin earlier, but before seven the experience can feel forced or stressful.

I prefer to see a natural and spontaneous response to learning, where the child flows with the experience rather than

struggles against it.

For a child’s first flute, I recommend a flute in the key of B. It is a comfortable size for small hands and produces a tone that is easy to manage.

If your child is ready to begin, our First Lesson tutorial can help them make their first clear sounds.

For more help choosing the right size and key, visit our Help Choosing a Flute or Your First Flute pages. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Children and the Native American Style Flute

Is the Native American style flute good for children?

Yes. Because it uses a five note pentatonic scale, the Native American style flute allows children to make pleasing music without complex memorization.

At what age can a child learn the Native American style flute?

Most children are ready around age seven. Some may begin earlier, but seven is often the most natural starting point.

Why is the pentatonic scale easier for children?

In a pentatonic scale, all the notes sound good together. This allows intuitive music making without the frustration common with seven note scales.

What key flute is best for a child?

A flute in the key of B is often recommended because it is a comfortable size for smaller hands and easy to manage.