The Flute is a musical instrument which belongs to the woodwind family. A person who plays a flute is called a flautist.  Even though the flute is one of the woodwind instruments, it can be made of metal. It was made of wood a long time ago.  

Flute players hold the instrument flat, and make a sound by blowing their breath over the edge of the hole of the flute's head. It sounds thanks to the vibration of air. . Flautists can change the pitch by pushing buttons or changing the direction of the breath. These buttons are called keys. The breath also can change the tone or the volume.   

The concert flute 

This is the flute that you are likely to see playing in orchestras. It is the flute which year 4 are learning to play. Beginner's flutes are made of nickel, silver, or brass that is silver-plated, while professionals use solid silver, gold, and sometimes platinum flutes.   

Indian flutes 

The bamboo flute is an important instrument in Indian classical music. The Hindu God Lord Krishna is traditionally considered a master of the bamboo flute.  

Two main varieties of Indian flutes are currently used. The Bansuri and the Venu (or Pullanguzhal). They are simpler to the concert flute as they have fingerholes but no keys to press.