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The Flute Book: A Complete Guide for Students and Performers
Teachers and flutists at all levels will welcome the return of Nancy Toff's unique one-stop guide to the flute and its music. Organized into four main parts--The Instrument, Performance, The Music, and Repertoire Catalog--the book begins with a description of the instrument and its making,
offers information on choosing and caring for a flute, sketches a history of the flute, and discusses differences between members of the flute family. In the Performance section, readers learn about breathing, tone, vibrato, articulation, technique, style, performing, and recording. In the extensive
analysis of flute literature that follows, Toff places individual pieces in historical context. The book ends with a comprehensive catalog of solo and chamber repertoire, and includes appendices with fingering charts as well as lists of current flute manufacturers, repair shops, sources for flute
music and books, and flute clubs and related organizations worldwide.
offers information on choosing and caring for a flute, sketches a history of the flute, and discusses differences between members of the flute family. In the Performance section, readers learn about breathing, tone, vibrato, articulation, technique, style, performing, and recording. In the extensive
analysis of flute literature that follows, Toff places individual pieces in historical context. The book ends with a comprehensive catalog of solo and chamber repertoire, and includes appendices with fingering charts as well as lists of current flute manufacturers, repair shops, sources for flute
music and books, and flute clubs and related organizations worldwide.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
520 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 9, 2021
It's a pleasure to happen across the name of someone you knew way back when, especially when that person has done well. I attended New England Music Camp with Nancy a while back (I won't say how long ago), so I was thrilled to come across this thorough, well-researched book. If there is any fact relating to flutes that *didn't* make it into her book, I can't imagine what it could be!
Mazeltov, Nancy!
Mazeltov, Nancy!
April 10, 2025
Great book in which I always go back to when teaching or furthering my knowledge! It's a great resource for flute players and academics alike
March 21, 2017
“The Flute Book: A Complete Guide for Students and Performers (Oxford Musical Instrument Series)” is a great resource and reference guide for anyone who plays the flute or is interested in it in any way. The book’s author (Nancy Toff) does an exceptional job covering the instruments itself (what is a flute), how to select a proper flute, care and maintenance, history and many of the other instruments considered to be in the flute family; alto and bass flutes along with the piccolo.
From this, the author goes into the areas that impact one’s performance. She details breathing, tone, vibrato, articulation, technique, style, performance, and recordings. In this section of the book she provides not only what these items are, but also suggestions and/or tricks when it comes to some of the more complex aspects of playing the flute. There are whole sections on how to audition and what to do when faced with this situation.
The last section covers the various eras of flute music including detailed historical research. The author covers the following eras: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. Many of the specific eras are related to various geographical regions such as: France, Italy, England, Germany, and the US; along with a few others. Of all three sections, this one was my least favorite only because I was more interested in the instrument and technique than I was in the musical history of the flute.
I said the book is both a resource and reference guide earlier, and that is because one can glean a great deal of knowledge upon first reading the book, however there may be times that one will reference the book afterwards while looking for advice on specific subjects covered in the book. There is also a large section of appendices covering resources that manufacture and repair flutes, fingering charts, additional books and music, etc. She also provides a detailed section of flute clubs and societies. Much of this can be found today using a standard search engine, but it was nice to have in one place.
For me, at the time of this review, I’m just starting my journey into playing the flute. However, I found the information in this book useful and informative to the novice (like me) and yet some of the information I’m sure will/can be used by one who is a more seasoned player. I’m not a history buff, but I will say that I read every page in this section and was fascinated at the level of detail and impact of this instrument throughout history. Overall, this is a book worth owning for any flute enthusiasts.
From this, the author goes into the areas that impact one’s performance. She details breathing, tone, vibrato, articulation, technique, style, performance, and recordings. In this section of the book she provides not only what these items are, but also suggestions and/or tricks when it comes to some of the more complex aspects of playing the flute. There are whole sections on how to audition and what to do when faced with this situation.
The last section covers the various eras of flute music including detailed historical research. The author covers the following eras: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. Many of the specific eras are related to various geographical regions such as: France, Italy, England, Germany, and the US; along with a few others. Of all three sections, this one was my least favorite only because I was more interested in the instrument and technique than I was in the musical history of the flute.
I said the book is both a resource and reference guide earlier, and that is because one can glean a great deal of knowledge upon first reading the book, however there may be times that one will reference the book afterwards while looking for advice on specific subjects covered in the book. There is also a large section of appendices covering resources that manufacture and repair flutes, fingering charts, additional books and music, etc. She also provides a detailed section of flute clubs and societies. Much of this can be found today using a standard search engine, but it was nice to have in one place.
For me, at the time of this review, I’m just starting my journey into playing the flute. However, I found the information in this book useful and informative to the novice (like me) and yet some of the information I’m sure will/can be used by one who is a more seasoned player. I’m not a history buff, but I will say that I read every page in this section and was fascinated at the level of detail and impact of this instrument throughout history. Overall, this is a book worth owning for any flute enthusiasts.
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February 7, 2008A wonderful guide to all things flute! I particularly enjoyed the section covering the history of the instrument. Also, a large portion of this book is dedicated to music history as it pertains to the flute, including a very nice repertoire list divided into historical periods, which is handy for anybody who wants a little background on that new piece they've started.
September 1, 2012
Recently went back to this for reference, and found some mistakes/omissions. Good overview for students or amateurs.
Want to read
September 28, 2013comment
June 22, 2015
Beautiful reference for flutists. There is now a revised edition.
January 25, 2016
I think every musician or flutist should have a copy of it, especially it is useful when you want to write something about flute and you need something to refer to
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews