Check out this list of gift ideas for flutists, 12 Days of Christmas style! You’re sure to find something that will make the perfect Christmas gift for flutists everywhere, young and old. These items are all $50 or less, and many are under $20!
(I am not sponsored by any of these companies or flute accessory websites, I’m just a fan of these products and they’ve helped me a lot. Enjoy!)
1. ThumbPort
This is an incredible accessory! This rubber and plastic gadget helps hold the right thumb in an ergonomic position, which frees up the muscles in your hands and fingers. I use it to make sure my thumb is in a healthy position, it stabilizes the flute, and it helps avoid hand tension that causes pain and slow finger technique. Nearly all of my students use this tool, too!
2. FluteGels
Another terrific flute accessory for healthy hands. If you ever find the flute slipping or sliding in your left hand, or if you get a shiny, sore spot where your pointer finger stabilizes the flute, this one is for you.
Flute Gels are small adhesives that are both squishy and grippy. Place one where you normally hold the flute and you’ll find it no longer slides, and is a lot more comfortable to hold!
3. ForScore App
This is the *most-used app for reading sheet music on a tablet! It has a bunch of great features. Import PDFs into this app and you can organize everything so easily by title, composer, tag, genre, etc. You can also create set lists to access the pieces you need for a concert quickly! It is great to have everything you need in one place, and you can use an Apple Pencil to
*Available for iOS
4. Manhasset Music Stand
There’s a reason why so many schools have these stands in the band room! They’re both sturdy (will hold your giant music binder or tablet) and nice and wide for large music folders. They’re not the most portable, but nothing beats having a sturdy stand at home where you practice.
5. Flute or Piccolo Flag
These are some of the best swabs! Made of absorbant suede and designed to be a shape that is perfect for the tubing of a flute, they can get all of the moisture out of the top of the headjoint. I use my flute flab to swab after each practice session, and I use my piccolo flag to swab moisture in the middle of performances so the water does not stop up one of the keys. They’re awesome!
They come in a couple of variations – I recommend the one in two pieces that allows you to swab the entire instrument quickly without taking it apart. (Great for cold practice rooms where the moisture will condense.)
6. Flute Stand
There’s no doubt about it, it’s hard to put a flute somewhere safe outside of the case. A flute stand is the sturdiest option if you don’t want to put it away! No more helicopter flutes when someone bumps your flute off your chair, or a flute crashing to the ground when it’s been on a music stand.
This portable, fold-up stand is great for gigs when you need to switch back and forth from flute and piccolo!
7. Microfiber Polishing Cloth
These cloths are perfect for polishing your flute! The microfiber material removes dirt and oil without using chemicals or silver polish. It’ll keep your flute clean and shiny, and they come in all kinds of fun patterns!
8. Earplugs for Musicians
If you play piccolo or perform in a large ensemble, it’s important to protect your hearing. These earplugs are designed for musicians and reduce the dB of the sounds around but do it in a way that preserves the clarity. Unlike foam earplugs that muffle the sound, these protect the ears and allow musicians to still hear clearly. A great investment in your hearing health!
9. Spit Sponge
If you ever get water in your keys, this is for you! It will quickly absorb water droplets and dry your pads when you use it. It’s perfect for piccolo players because water tends to build up quicker in the smaller tone holes.
10. Pad Paper
Pad paper is helpful when you have a sticky pad. The sticky sound will drive you bonkers! Pad paper will help clean the pad and stop the sticky sound.
It’s a lot cleaner than using a dollar bill, but it’s important to know that you should never hold the key down and then pull out the pad paper. This can tear the pads. Try tapping the key on the paper instead! It’ll do the trick.
11. FIXIT Tool for Screws & Springs
This tiny tool is SO useful! If you have screws that like to wiggle loose or springs that like to pop off of their posts, this tool is for you. One end has a tiny screwdriver and the other has a hook that helps move springs back to their home so the keys function as they should. Great to keep on your keychain or in your bag for emergencies!
12. Pneumo Pro Air Tool
This innovative tool has a number of functions. It’s primary goal is to help show flutists exactly what they are doing with their airspeed and air direction. Pop it into the body of your flute and let it show you exactly what you are doing with your air. It helps immensely with tone and intonation!
Another benefit is that it can function as a way to practice without making an noise! Unlike brass instruments, we can’t mute a flute. This is a great alternative!
We hope you or your favorite flutist enjoys these flute accessories!
Wishing you a joyful holiday season!
P.S. Do you live in the MidSouth or in Arkansas?
Consider joining our next Community Flute Choir in Jonesboro, AR!