Flute concertos can be intimidating because, well... they're supposed to showcase the performer's virtuosity and top-notch skills. They're challenging and can be off-putting for high school students to work on.
However, there are so many perks to learning concertos as a high school flute player. You learn how to tackle big pieces early on, so if you're planning to major in music you already have an idea of the process. Concertos challenge your technique AND your lyrical skills, so you can really push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Lastly, there are local youth orchestras, band organizations, and flute organizations that hold high school concerto competitions. These competitions sometimes have cash prizes or allow you to travel to different cities and states in order to play with other flute players your age (who love flute just as much as you do).
Whether you're learning one movement or a whole concerto, there are pieces that CAN be enjoyable to practice even if you're not a college student or a professional flute player. Check out our high school flute players' favorite flute concertos!
Btw, if you order music through the blog links, I get a little commission, and you get a little discount at checkout. Or, use the code SIMPERMUSIC when you're ready to order through Flute Center of New York. You're welcome.
1. Concerto, Op. 283 by Carl Reinecke
"The second movement is so emotional and really tells a story. It was a great experience to play this movement for the KSYO concerto competition!"
2. Fantasie Pastorale Hongroise, Op. 26 by Albert Franz Doppler
"It's a lot to take in on paper, but once I started learning it I realized how fun it is!"
3. Poem by Charles Griffes
"The key signatures look intimidating, but the melodies are catchy - especially the evil fairy dance towards the end!"
4. Concerto in E Minor, Op. 57 by Saverio Mercadante
"The second movement looks so crazy because of the rhythms. But it sounds sweet, innocent, and really takes a lot of patience to make it as beautiful as it deserves to be."
Which solo is your favorite?
- 0%Reinecke Concerto
- 0%Doppler Fantasie
- 0%Griffes Poem
- 0%Mercadante Concerto