My students are torn between two feeling about solo flute music – on the one hand, it’s fun to be independent, but on the other hand, it can be kinda scary to perform alone on a stage! I personally like the idea of being in complete control of how I tell the story of a piece, especially knowing that I can play it differently literally every time I play it.
The other thing that makes solos for flute alone fun is it can help you feel confident making musical decisions whether you’re alone, playing with piano, or in any kind of group. Here are our students' favorites!
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. Danse de la Chevre (Dance of the Goat) by Arthur Honegger
"I like knowing the story behind the piece and trying to bring it to life."
Has a backstory to help build a musical story
Great for college auditions
Rhythmic and melodic sections
Lots of scales and patterns
Predictable style
2. Fantasie No. 6 in D Minor by Georg Philipp Teleman
"There's a different character in each movement, and makes learning Baroque style less scary!"
3 movements
Predictable melodies
Different time signatures
Good intro to Baroque style music
Practice with note and articulation patterns
3. Celtic Suite No. 2 "Fields of Grace" by Herman Beeftink
"The beginning sounds like it's straight from Lord of the Rings."
Very distinct sections of technical challenges
Progressively gets faster in tempo
Great practice on triplet rhythms
Good intro to pitch bends
4. Beverly by Ian Clarke
"It's like what my brain sounds like when I don't know what to say."
Intro to extended technique note fingerings
Steady tempo with time changes
Slow and melodic
Grace notes and simple rhythms
Which solo is your favorite?
- 0%Danse de la Chevre
- 0%Fantasie No. 2 in D Minor
- 0%Celtic Suite No. 2
- 0%Beverly