Introducing Your Child to the Native American Style Flute

At What Age is a Child Ready to Learn How to Play the Native Flute?

My experience with my own children and consultation with professional music teachers indicates
that a child is ready for the Native flute experience at seven years of age.

Why the Pentatonic Scale Makes it Easy for Children to Learn
to Play the Native Flute

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 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. You don’t need formal training in order to make pentatonic music. As a child learns play a Native American style flute, they begin making real, satisfying music almost immediately. You might even say that a human being is hard wired 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. It is important that this first musical experience be fun and not stressful. Pentatonic music is as simple and intuitive as it can get.

The instruments that most children are introduced to are based on a seven-note scale known as the diatonic scale. This is the familiar do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do pattern you were 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 intellectual instead of 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. Frustration is reduced to a minimum.

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.