So you have a beginner flute of dubious quality that's never been serviced. I guarantee you have a leak or two in the instrument, which would explain the issues between B and A. But this is good news!
If you plan on playing for a while, I'd upgrade. Second hand instruments are wonderful, but definitely take it in to be serviced. You'll be amazed at how much easier everything will be. You'll realize just how much of your problems are instrument dependent, and it's quite motivating!
Don't limit yourself to one model and one brand. Try out as many as you can. Is there a music store around?
As far as balance, try using the fulcrum method. You can read about it here: https://books.google.com/books?id=WHAVL4aZgo8C&pg=PA222&lpg=PA223&ots=CmvdduSuUo&focus=viewport&dq=fulcrum+flute&output=html_text
Essentially, the flute is balanced at three points -- the right thumb, the side of the left pointer and the face. The right thumb pushes slightly forward, the left pointer acts as the fulcrum, which causes the headjoint to be pushed towards the face. Your fingers are then able to move freely on the flute, including your pinky, as you're not using them to balance the instrument.
To practice this, stand over your bed and practice holding the flute to your face without any fingers on the keys (including your left and thumb). You'll notice the flute probably wants to roll backwards. You will have to work out the proper balance between force (you want to use as little as possible, just enough to keep the instrument steady) and RH thumb placement. But once you figure it out, you can move your fingers lightly across the keys, just enough to seal the pads. You'll find it will greatly increase the autonomy of each finger.
Good luck!
Edit: typos
For this, I used the Trever Wye Omnibus tone studies and Top Register Studies for Flute. It took me a long time. I think it takes everyone a long time.
When I was researching Shakuhachi's I was steared towards the Shakuhachi Yuu as a student instrument. I used (still use) the book blowing zen to learn the instrument. I am not a good Shakuhachi player, barely even a Shakuhachi player at all, so take with a grain of salt.
Grade 2/3 in what system? There’s a few different ones, so clarification would be nice.
To answer your question: Peres scales. https://www.amazon.com/O778-Daily-Exercises-Scales-Piccolo/dp/082580924X/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=pares+scales+for+flute&qid=1611238127&sr=8-5
But doing all the technical stuff CAN be fun. Make a game of it. Make it musical. How quietly can it be played? How loudly? Play each scale as if it were the most beloved melody. They need doing- but a study book isn’t enough- so find ways to make it interesting. Different rhythms, patterns, and articulations. There are definitely ways to spice it up and make it more interesting. Just brutally forcing through the scales doesn’t work all that well anyway.
Hey there,
If you have a little money to spend, I'd start with this book by James Phelan:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006XNZLC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_O-C-Fb56X3N6A
It's a cool little book with some of the absolute basics on pad replacement, shimming, spring replacement/tensioning, cork/felt replacements, and general flute 'anatomy' complete with approximate measurements.
Someone else already said it, but repair can be a tricky beast to start to learn. As long as you don't use your main flute (or someone else's instrument) and you can afford to possibly trash the flute in the long run, I think that'd be a perfect place to start.
This is awesome. if you're working on sheet music and transposing, I have to recommend Musescore, a free music typesetting / composition program which, among many other things, allows you to enter music in a conductor's score and print out all the parts in the appropriate keys for the instruments.
Personally, I find flute to be one of the easier instruments to transcribe by ear. Since you're more comfortable with guitar, it might be easier for you to figure out the part on that, and then translate the notes to flute.
I typically use Audacity to help transcribe music; it makes it a lot easier to go back to specific sections. You can also slow down parts with or without changing pitch. I find that with flute parts, changing the speed by -50% (which also brings it down an octave) sounds a bit more natural than changing the tempo (which keeps the pitch). Since flute is monophonic and has a higher range, it still comes out pretty clearly when slowed down.
Speaking of Focus, I made a lead sheet for House Of The King not too long ago (I don't take credit for figuring it out, just for generating the sheet music)- it's actually an octave higher than written, but it's the same fingerings either way (except for the high D).
I just use these from Amazon, they were 3 for $8 or so. I don't think there's a huge difference, as I use them for all my jewelry and metalsmith projects, so they polish silver and gold very well.
​
The one exercise book you needTaffanel/Gaubert: 17 Daily Exercises
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OLPXHI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_nxb1FbVA002CK
Been using it since I started the instrument- still use it to this day. :3 i need to get a new copy cause mine is falling apart tho
First thing's first, welcome! :)
My greatest advice is to avoid the <$100 Amazon/eBay specials like the plague. They look like this or this.
If you are to buy used, make sure you get something from a reputable brand. I learned on a Gemeinhardt when I was a little kid and it took a beating and kept playing, so they're close to my heart. Yamaha is a great choice, Armstrong is pretty good too. Generally when you buy a flute, I recommend buying it in person but as you are new, it would be hard to gauge if the instrument is in good condition/working order. If you're buying from the internet, see if you can arrange with the seller to allow for a return policy so you can take it to a technician!
Some other advice-- it's hard to get going and its even harder without the guidance of a private teacher. It'll take a while to be able to get a sound, and it takes practice to make that sound good. As recommended by Band_Derp, it may be worth taking a lesson or two to expedite the process. Don't be frightened when you realize it's difficult to play, this is where a lot of people give up. It just takes perseverance, and once you get the technique it's hard to forget it. It becomes muscle memory and will only improve with practice.
The other point I should wish to add is to have fun with it all. As with all hobbies, make sure you still find the fun in it all even through all the work you put into it!
I bought this flute for $60 and love it:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OLAJ3W6/
Advantage to buy from Amazon is that you can return it if you are dissatisfied and that the pads are new.
My other flutes cost up to $2,000.
"The Real Book" would be a good place to start. It is a widely recognised book of jazz standards which you can work through. This is the ideal place to practice and play through any of the tricks/theory that you learn elsewhere. Also, don't limit yourself to just flute specific resources!
Ehhh, I don't think that's a good idea. I feel like the flute is going to be dangling there and bumping into your other instruments while you play.
I just use one of these when I gig.
I've also had a hard time with this. I bought this book recently Play-Along Symphonic Themes: Bravo! Series - Flute https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825636582/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_y-YCvb06GNBK4
But I would really like to find some of the standard concert band pieces with backing. Those seem much harder to come by.
This is the one I've been using for ages. It has a lot of good ratings on Amazon. Vol I works on studies and pieces up to 2 sharps and 2 flats. Volumn II Continues with 3 flats/sharps and more. You can read the reviews on Amazon.
I suggest starting with the Trevor Wye book 1 for flute. There is a complete series of these and they are recommended by flute instructors. The Omnibus edition includes book 1-6 and it is available on Amazon and most music stores also sell it.
Vento is not a brand I'm familiar with - a little research shows it's probably a knock-off east asian company with poor quality - It bothers me that there is no corporate website. The only Taiwanese instruments I trust are Jupiters. (I play both a jupiter flute and alto sax).
I know it's hard to find alto flutes with a good price and a good make, though. I tend to look for my instruments over eBay, but I know it's not for everyone - but I've been happy with all my instrument purchases. This baby seems like a great deal. Pearl is a good name in flutes, both curved and straight headjoints... I'm seeing good reviews about the make. :)
this is the current standard beginning band book
The other one that was super popular before that you can get used is Standards of Excellence
If you have a good music major program there are probably flutes that teach private lessons as well.
Oh oh! Pick me! This is my favorite question to answer on here. I'm an audio engineer as well a flutist and I personally use, and recommend, Vibes earplugs. I use them as a flute and piccolo player in orchestral and individual practice settings. I also use them when I go see movies in theaters (haven't been to one of those in a while though lol) and if I were to ever go to a concert. I like them because:
They're budget friendly (I think they're currently part of the early access Prime Day sale right now too!)
They're attenuating, which is exactly what you described with "makes sounds quieter" - they bring all frequencies/pitches down the same amount, whereas foam construction earplugs just block sound.
They're comfy to wear and come with different sizes of tips to get a good fit.
They're discreet when they're in your ears
Whatever you end up choosing, kudos to you for taking the initiative to protect your most valuable tool as a musician: your hearing.
I got this wrist brace when I was having trouble with my wrist. It’s a very good one, I highly recommend it. However, echoing what other people have said, see a medical professional. I went and saw an occupational therapist and learned some great exercises to help.
Last piece of advice, when practicing, don’t sit down for 1+ hours at a time and practice in a block. Especially when getting back into practicing, start with 5 minutes then take a 30 minute break, 5 mins practicing 30 min break etc… and then when you feel like you can increase the practice time, go to 10 minutes followed by 30 minute break. Increase your practice time (gradually!) by 5 minutes. This is AFTER you have seen a medical professional.
YES. I am older now, and that's when the repercussions of standing posture while playing have finally caught up with me. I would usually practice standing up forr comfort and I thought that's what was better- I made sure to watch my neck and shoulders, and now the "hip lean" I had where I propped more weight on my left hip/leg/foot is what stays irritated.
I've been seing a yoga therapist and also using massge therapy.
The quickest way I was able to start illeviating pain was through the yoga therapy an using a yoga strap that allows you to really stretch out and regain motion and muscle. You can lay on your back, put your foot in a loop and rotate it around using your hands buiding the strap while you relax the muscles around your hip. Probably not the best medical explanation but I'm sure there are plenty of people on YouTube that show how to use it best.
Here;s the one I purchase, the loops are great .
I hope that helps!
https://www.amazon.com/Manhasset-Model-Sheet-Music-Stand/dp/B0002FOBJY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=57600067193&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2MObjJWB-QIVkZJbCh0NLwViEAAYASAAEgIl2fD_BwE&hvadid=580870098467&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9001826&hvnetw=g&h... these are the one’s my high school had. They’re a little pricey compared to the cheap wire ones but they’re stable and hold pages better so it’s probably worth the extra few bucks
Check on ebay or amazon for a micro screw set (micro screw kit) for laptops jewellery. Those ones should have one small enough for it. I'd try and gently screw it in, if you find it doesn't stay in, then just get a bit of paper, pop over the hole, screw it with the screw pushing the paper down into the hole to give it a bit of bit, or dab a bit of super glue in there. Warning, put the glue drop on a toothpick first, then dab it in the hole for less mess.
Make sure you also use a proper sized screw driver bit. So the likes of a hobby mini/precision screwdriver.
Or just take it into a local good laptop/phone repair shop, spectacles repair shop, or your local music instrument repair shop to not have to buy the bits to fix it.
You interested in theory? This book was written by the guy who revolutionized flutes in 1871. It's all about the research, and theory, and the modern traverse flute is based on this work. I've not read it, but I suspect its a bit dry and technical.
i use this microphone
you can also get this less expensive bundle
it's a pretty good "budget" microphone i would say, works well for me.
as far as software i use Audacity, but that's audio only.
I bought this, not sure if you’re ahead of this or not but I’m a complete beginner. 😊
Flute Scales and Arpeggios Grades 1 - 3: Scales and arpeggios made REALLY easy: big print and NO key-signatures! https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1499688229/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VW76TZ1FWKWXWP0EXN7S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Here are a couple that have been recommended to me. A friend uses the top one and has been happy with it.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/872900656/cotton-flute-mask?ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1.
https://www.amazon.com/KYT-Music-Double-layer-Washable-Reusable/dp/B08XWWFJM5.
Hi there! I started my flute journey on a dirt cheap made in China Glory brand flute (Around 150 dollars on amazon) and it served me incredibly well! I recently upgraded to a, $1,800 Gemeinhardt, and I'm entirely in love with it, but I still pull out my old Glory and play a bit.
I couldn't recommend it enough as a beginner flute, the sound for the price is honestly unbeatable for someone wanting to try out flutes, just know the manufacturing is still far lower quality than a US or Japanese flute, so expect leaks and sticky keys as it ages, mine didn't really suffer any issues until around 3 months in though, and I played that thing HARD. Here's the flute in question: https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Plated-Intermediate-Closed-Bundle/dp/B00BVK1V42/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=21NKJ55ZXZ471&keywords=glory+flute+open+hole&qid=1641407936&sprefix=glory+flute+open+hole+%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQVpaR0VVVlVLU08mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwOTA2ODYyMlQ4TllZU1NZNUs2JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4ODIyNzQyRTM5SFVIVlNZRDQ3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
I'm a self-taught amateur composer, and while I've written for flutes before (and even got performed), this is my first full concert band piece.
Here are the full score plus parts in case you wanna nitpick something, your feedback's invaluable :)
Thanks!
P.S. I'm aware the piece's a bit over the top, I'm still thinking whether that's a good or a bad thing.
Ok thanks. This listing, I think, is what confused me. It says the 'Instrument key' is "b flat." Is that just wrong, then? Then it says "Altus/Bennett" scale, which I also know nothing about. (Note I have no real intention of buying a flute on Amazon, I was just poking around.)
I'm an audio engineer as well as a flautist and I love Vibes earplugs (and for the UK). They're great because they're attenuating (bring the volume of everything down) rather than blocking sound, so you can still hear yourself and the people around you. They are much nicer than the foam construction earplugs you get at hardware stores, but not as fancy or expensive as custom-molded musician earplugs. I have worn Vibes earplugs for everything from practicing piccolo to playing in bands and orchestras to going to see movies in theaters. They are discreet and comfortable, and have multiple sizes of tips to find a good fit.
Good on you for taking initiative to protect your hearing! Your ears are your single most valuable tool as a musician.
Taffanel & Gaubert's 17 Daily Exercises is what I used for a long time. Great for fingering, dexterity, and key signature exercises.
Lots of the tips here are great. One extra thing you may want to try:
https://www.amazon.com/Pneumo-Pro-Wind-Director-Practice/dp/B0058VGO24
This thing will teach you where to direct your air and help you visually see you air flow. This may help you to learn the embouchure muscle memory for low middle and high ranges on the flute. It actually does have a lot to do with the direction of the airflow when changing pitches on the flute.
The common technique for this is to start with D#6 - E6 - D#6, very slowly, all notes beautiful, then D - E - D, etc, until you get B-E-B and even larger intervals. Generally, this means you are struggling with your embouchure, probably too tight when arriving on the B which makes you crack the E6.
What helped me the most to solve those kind of difficulties (especially with various dynamics changes) were the exercises from the book "Technique d'embouchure" of Philippe Bernold:
https://www.amazon.com/BERNOLD-Philippe-Technique-d%C2%B4Embouchure-Flauta/dp/B007NWW3VW/
(might find other version less expensive on the web...)
The "Vocalises" and "interval exercises" really helped me mesmerizing everything up to Bb6. (Probably needs other exercises, or simply redo everything adding those notes for B6, C7, C#7, E7 and E#7)
Very famous and very helpful were exercises EJ11, EJ12 and EJ13 from Taffanel & Gaubert (slurred and slowy) with E6, F#6 and G#6 in it (the very notes that cracks so often).
​
Hope this will help you!
These help. Also just make sure you're curving your left index finger enough and getting underneath the flute for support. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CGXZQRS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_WKKFKFQKKYRQEH49H2W6
Somebody said that Gripmaster gadget should help with this, but I'm not quite so sure if it applies to flute (since it seems to be a matter of dexterity, and not just finger strength).
Perhaps it may be worth a shot. However, I'm not sure what would be an appropriate amount of resistance for your case (ranges from 0.75 lbs per finger, to 9 lbs). All I know was someone saying for shooting a magnum firearm, 7 lbs is where you should be. :\
Spend the $40 USD and give it a go. My choice dizi.
I'm an ex-trumpeter and I couldn't be happier that I just pulled the trigger. I have 2 dizi and the one I linked has a beautiful sound. The second one I bought has a much more plastic-y sound, despite being real bamboo.
There are specific earplugs which do a better job of attenuating all frequencies evenly, so less detail is lost.
I use these etymotic ones, and for piccolo I only put one in my right ear.
It's still not a great as not wearing any earplugs, but it's good enough, and I already have a little bit of hearing loss from piccolo in my right ear from marching band so it's important to protect.
Hi thank you! It’s a really cool piece :) This baroque flute is unfortunately not mine and belongs to UNLV, it’s actually on Amazon here
grab a polishing cloth and go to town before you do anything heavier
I have this music book and most of the songs are in the lower register. Plus you can download the songs to hear how they're supposed to be played. I'm enjoying it so far.
N.B. I am not recommending Amazon, but they have this book, maybe available elsewhere.
https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Play-Shinobue-Marco-Lienhard/dp/1973912775
> Gemienhardt 2sp
Do you think this would be okay?
Some people use these Lip Plate Patches
I prefer not to stick things to my flute, so I always make sure to wash my face/chin and have a cloth near me to wipe my chin if needed. You also may need to apply a little more pressure from your flute to your face for better stability.
If you are a beginner and need to buy through Amazon, I would recommend this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002F5IW8/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_btf_t1_ZvdMFbJQPTFMD
It is sold by Arkansas Musicworks which is an authorized Gemeinhardt dealer so it should be legitimate. It's in your budget and should be solid to learn on. That's about all I found through Amazon; hope that helps you and happy fluting!
Here's the link to the flute I got. https://www.amazon.com/Herche-Superior-Flute-FL-297-Mechanism/dp/B01MS8S57Q/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=flutes&qid=1555286243&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1 . It seemed like a good one when I was reading descriptions on Amazon.
Well in India we call the first one a bansuri and the second one a bean.
I found an amazon link
https://www.amazon.com/Type-C-Indian-Bean-Flute/dp/B07PFDF3MC
Heres one from amazon, its reasonably priced.
https://www.amazon.com/Seidman-Flute-Technology-Stopper-Plug/dp/B00CHDV6MO
The bigio ones are probably better, but they are also a couple hundred bucks. I forget which one is in the headjoints I made, it was years ago and I gave both away to loved ones. I kind of got away from flute stuff after the nerve damage. I got better, but losing flutemaking was devastating and I could barely play for a long time.
The one above will outlast cork, which just means one less thing to worry about on your flute. You can get your money back if you dont like it as well.
There are these things called breath builders. They are these little tube contraptions that have a ping pong ball on the inside and you have to blow air into them to manipulate the ping pong ball. They come with various tube sizes and holes at the top to cover to add and remove resistance. They help build up lung power and also control/direction of air. Recommend for all wind instruments. Whenever I am having a day where my breathing feels weak, I'll use it for about 3 minutes and my tone is almost immediately better. Just exercises the lungs in a way that is hard to do without something to add resistance. You can make up your own breathing warm ups on it or use some of the popular ones, but add the breath builder to make them harder. Its kind of like adding weights to a workout like squatting to make it more challenging...but for your lungs.
The Trevor Wye books aren't very beginner friendly, from page one they assume that the student already knows all the fingerings of the full range and can already do basic embouchure and articulation. The Trevor Wye omnibus is a good resource for someone who's already been playing for a year or two but I think it's a bit too advanced for someone who's completely new to woodwind playing. A more basic method book like the "Tune a Day" would be more suitable. If the OP is looking for something a bit more advanced, my teacher liked to use the Otto Langey method book.
I was going to post the link, but I got distracted browsing reddit lol
You should probably look at other options before getting anything immediately, but that is the one I got
Every part of the flute can make the sound different. Are you <12 years old? It's an instrument. the makers of it need to make a living too. They get to choose their prices. If the quality doesn't matter to you, buy this.
Your chops are about to hit a whole new level! Some advice:
Good luck!
Gemeinhardt Model 3. Was under $1,000 when I bought it new last year. I love it. It's also gorgeous:
Gemeinhardt Model 3 Black Intermediate Flute Outfit Offset G, B Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015M1E9IU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_g-4WBbSXP1TRN
All of the 130+ volumes of the Aebersold play-along series have lead sheets in C, Bb, Eb, and bass clef transpositions, and include one or more CDs of recorded rhythm sections to play along with. If you know of a few of her favorite artists or jazz tunes, you can find books which include them in the Play-along index. All the songs include multiple choruses with the rhythm section, so she'll have the opportunity to play the melody and a few solo choruses for improvising.
If you're looking for something more instructional, I'm a huge fan of Jim Snidero's Jazz Conception series. In those books, a number of popular jazz standards are given with pre-written solos that emphasize learning jazz articulation and scale/chord choices. They also include playalong tracks, both with the specific instrument performing the written solo and a rhythm-only track so that she can play along on her own, either with the written solo or her own improvisation.
I really liked this book.
Also:
Though the last song in this book appears in the other one.
I'm in a similar boat to you right now (waiting for my first private lesson next week).
I'd suggest Flute 101 as a good jumping off point. The Rubank book is also good, but seems like it works more in conjunction with a dedicated teacher who can give you particular assignments.
Just use a sticker of some sort, My flute teacher recommends these little felt circles in order to get your brain to go hey you move you're finger.
https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-inch-Felt-Circle-Stickers/dp/B01M05A7MO
I never used it I kicked the habit over months. My thumb used to drift so much I opened my Aflat key.
They are little plastic things you can pop in and out whenever you want.
You just push them through the top then you want them in and push them into the tube when you want them out.
Get this and the matching clarinet book. I think it ranges from Easy/Medium to Medium.
There is a book series that is a 10 volume set. each volume is close to ~700 pages the kicker is they are all on CD. Each volume is about ~20$. I have one and it includes a literally butt load of music.
This is the Series:
5k is a whole lot of money for a flute, especially if she isn't taking private lessons to really be able to know how to use those nice features (like the better tone, possibly open holes, etc etc...)
Honestly, you can get a very nice flute for $800 or so at any close-by Music store. I've taken private lessons since I was 13, and have for 3 years now and my Yamaha 221 is a very good flute for me.
If you're really set on buying her a more advanced, expensive flute, you can go with one priced at around $1300 or so, such as the Yamaha 262.
The difference between the two flutes I have listed is that the 221 is meant for more beginning students, but still not the cheapest one. 221 has offset G, so the key is easier to reach with your fingers, it has closed holes, so you don't have to worry about covering the holes with your fingers, especially if she's got small fingers. The tone in my opinion is just fine.
The 262 has the offset G (if you want an onset G, it's just a more expensive flute. But the tone difference between having onset and offset is barely even noticeable. I feel onset G is unnecessary for her playing.) 262 has open holes, which once mastered, produced a very good sound. It's not a whole lot different from the 221, except for the fact it's slightly higher quality and has closed holes and a few other minor features.
You can check all of the features through each of the links I gave you for each flute.
All of the advise from the other redditors is great too, and I much agree that for your daughter's level, it's a much better investment to buy a less expensive flute and invest in some private lessons for her, they do make a difference!
I hope your daughter continues to enjoy playing the flute!
Take care.
https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Solos-Flute-Dona-Gilliam/dp/0786687509
https://www.amazon.com/Mel-Sacred-Solos-Flute-Book/dp/0786665335
Great Baroque pieces, my favorite being Bach's "Sleeper's Wake"
Try wiping with a soft cloth. Definitely don't use abrasive 'silver polishing' cloth or silvo type things, they'll wear off the thin silver plate in no time.
I keep a square of this paper in my flute case and swap it over every few months. No problems so far:
I agree with /u/nandemo who suggested harmonics. Harmonics will help to develop your embouchure to be able to play the F# with the correct fingering more easily.
IMHO using alternate fingerings without being able to play the standard fingering is kinda cheating. It's the standard fingering for a reason!
Trevor Wye has a good section on this note & E natural in his "Tone" book - he called those two notes "gremlins." My flute teacher also says everyone has trouble with these notes. (You may not have as much trouble with the E if you have a flute with a split E - I do!)
Wye says to practice the G scale. Make sure your air speed is sufficient (you should have no trouble with the G above it). If your air speed is sufficient and your G is fine, then you should practice the notes leading up to the F# (G, A, B, C, D). He says:
> If the air speed is not enough to give security to E natural and F sharp then the air speed is probably insufficient to play the preceding notes with proper intensity of sound.
He also has 2 pages of exercises specifically designed to help with this issue. I highly recommend the book; it's helped me a ton!!
You can actually get a book of his flute solos, so if there are specific licks from his songs that you like, you may be able to find them there.
Edit: link. This is the one I have. There's another on amazon that's yellow, I haven't seen that one before.
I thought the yellow For Dummies was pretty well done (and $10), I have a huge stack of those books for other instruments.
If your friend isn't going to teach you, I have to say self teaching woodwinds doesn't usually work that well. I learned a bunch of instruments as a kid but self teaching myself clarinet and cello never got off the ground.
http://www.amazon.com/Flute-Dummies-Karen-Evans-Moratz/dp/0470484454/
Please don't fix it yourself! A clean/oil/adjust is one thing (Not very hard if you know what you're doing) but padding is a beast. There's a lot of tiny adjustments and frustration.
If you're looking into starting to fix flutes on your own, I recommend buying this book. I think it may be currently out of print, but it's seriously my bible when it comes to repair and understanding the intricate workings of the flute. Work on junk flutes first, definitely.
Maybe it could be cheaper to ship it overseas?