Learning to play the flute is a rewarding experience, and finding the right music is key to keeping beginners inspired and motivated. In this second part of my guide to the best music for beginner flutists, we’ll explore easy flute repertoire, beginner flute duets, and engaging flute storybooks. Each selection is carefully chosen to suit different learning styles and age groups, helping to nurture creativity, build confidence, and enhance musical skills. Whether you’re a teacher looking for fresh inspiration or a student eager to expand your musical horizons, let’s explore the many wonderful resources to establish a solid foundation in flute playing!
Please note: some of the books recommended are my own publications, and some of the links to books are sponsored. There are many excellent books not mentioned here, and each teacher will advise what best suits their students.
This guide is in in two parts, PART 2 here includes:
And a separate article, PART 1 covers:
Flute Method Books
Flute Music for Little Kids
Flute Music for Adult Beginners & Teen Learners
Please see the button link to PART 1 at the end of this article.
Easy Flute Repertoire
Introducing beginners to easy repertoire allows them to apply the skills they've learned in method books and exercises. Carefully selected repertoire can help boost confidence while reinforcing technical concepts. Easy flute pieces need to feature simple rhythms and limited range, yet they should be musically engaging. Below are some great beginner repertoire options that combine playability with musical satisfaction.
Top Picks for Easy Flute Repertoire
Lyrical Flute Miniatures by Karen North (ed.)
Lyrical Flute Miniatures is an enchanting collection of 40 short pieces, perfect for beginner and early intermediate flute players of all ages. This unique compilation features newly commissioned works from some of today’s most exciting composers, offering students a refreshing and modern addition to their flute repertoire.
Each piece in Lyrical Flute Miniatures showcases a different musical style, ranging from lyrical melodies to lively dances, ensuring a rich and varied experience for the developing flutist. The collection is designed not only to enhance technique but also to nurture expressive playing.
Highlights from the collection include pieces like Ali’s Magic Carpet, a catchy tune which uses a simple range of notes, making it ideal for beginners, and Mischievous Minuet, which teaches students how rests can effectively shape the character of music. Life of a Silk Worm weaves a lovely story to spark the imagination of young players, while Little-Wing Sky offers a gently flowing melody, encouraging longer phrases and breath control. From the jazzy bounce of Jack-in-the-Box to the wistful beauty of Whispering Willows, this book is packed with repertoire that students will love to play, and audiences will enjoy hearing.
The collection also includes biographies of the composers, along with performance notes and suggestions for each piece, providing valuable insights for both teachers and students. Free flute and piano recordings, as well as piano backing tracks, are provided, making practice and performance even more enjoyable.
Praised in The Flutist Quarterly for offering “pieces that give the flutist and teacher refreshing opportunities to focus on both technique and expressive playing, learn a range of styles of music, and be inspired to keep turning the page to play the next piece,” Lyrical Flute Miniatures is an exciting addition to any young flutist’s library, providing an excellent opportunity for students to explore modern genres early in their flute journey.
40 Little Pieces for Beginner Flutists, arranged by Louis Moyse
40 Little Pieces arranged by Louis Moyse is a classic collection that has been cherished by flute teachers and students alike for generations. With music from the Baroque to the early Romantic periods, this book features selected works from Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Schumann. Each piece is thoughtfully arranged to nurture both technical development and musicality in beginner flutists.
The collection starts with very simple pieces such as Schumann’s Little Piece, which remains within an octave range. As students progress through the book, they encounter increasingly challenging works, including many well-known minuets, finishing with Haydn’s beautiful Serenade. By the end of the book, students will have reached an early intermediate level, equipped with a solid foundation in classical repertoire.
While the focus is on Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic styles, the progression of pieces ensures a well-rounded introduction to these key musical periods, making it an excellent tool for students to develop their understanding of musical phrasing, articulation, and expression.
As a teacher, I have used this collection with my students before publishing my own books, and it continues to be a valuable resource for building a foundation in classical flute repertoire.
Mosaics Flute Book 1 by Mike Mower
Mosaics Flute Book 1 by Mike Mower is a diverse collection of 65 unaccompanied solo pieces, blending jazz, rock, and pop styles for a fresh take on beginner flute repertoire. The first 20 pieces are accessible to beginners, and then the difficulty level progresses quickly, reaching Grade 5 by the end of the book.
With fun and quirky pieces like Three for The Count, where students count aloud, and Tapperboard, which involves foot-tapping in rests, this collection keeps learning fun while developing technique. Ideal for both studies and short performances, Mosaics provides an enjoyable and varied approach for students ready to explore beyond traditional classical repertoire.
Flute Duet Music for Beginners
Playing music with others is one of the most enjoyable aspects of learning an instrument. Duet music is an excellent tool for beginners to learn to play in time with others, develop their listening skills, and build confidence through musical interaction. Duets also offer a sense of achievement as beginners progress from simple to more challenging pieces. Here are some duet books that are both fun and manageable for flute beginners.
Top Picks for Beginner Flute Duet Books
The Young Flute Player Book 4 by Karen North
The Young Flute Player Book 4 offers a fresh approach to teaching ensemble music, perfect for young flutists who are just beginning to read music. A standout feature is the innovative use of colour-coded parts, eliminating the need for highlighter pens and making it easier than ever for beginners to follow their duet or trio lines. Additionally, students can start playing these duets with just 4 or 5 notes under their belt, making the early pieces very accessible.
Covering the first year of learning, the book includes music from a wide range of composers and folk tunes from around the world. It also features a short selection of festive music and engaging rounds in various parts.
The flexible arrangements can be played as either duets or trios, ensuring versatility for different group settings. In addition to the pieces, warm-up exercises are included to focus on key ensemble skills, and free recordings are available on The Young Flute Player YouTube channel. These recordings, which can be adjusted to any speed, are an excellent tool for students to play independently at home.
Whether used alongside The Young Flute Player method books or on its own, this ensemble collection is a must-have for teachers and students looking to make ensemble playing user-friendly and enjoyable.
Nutcracker Flute Duets by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Karen North
Nutcracker Flute Duets is a new collection perfect for festive performances and holiday recitals. This book features eight enchanting duets that bring the magic of Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker Suite to all flute players.
The collection is carefully designed to accommodate players of varying skill levels. The first four duets are geared towards beginners, with the melody in Part 1 simplified for students while Part 2 is arranged for the teacher or an intermediate player. This structure allows less experienced players to share in the joy of performing these classic pieces. Included in this section are favourites such as the “March,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Russian Dance,” and the ever-popular “Waltz of the Flowers.”
The remaining four duets are suited for intermediate players, with both parts sharing the melodies, providing a rich musical experience.
Nutcracker Flute Duets will be a highlight in any festive performance, enchanting both performers and audiences alike.
Festive Flute Fun by Karen North
Festive Flute Fun is a versatile collection of 50 duets, trios and solos, perfect for flute players who want to celebrate through music. With many flexible arrangements for duet or trio performances, this compilation offers something for every level, from easy pieces suited for beginners to more challenging works for intermediate players. Whether you're performing with fellow students or a teacher, the book makes ensemble playing accessible and enjoyable for young flutists, providing opportunities for growth in both technical skills and musicality.
The pieces in Festive Flute Fun span a wide range of festive traditions from around the world, including Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving and Halloween. While some tunes cover just an octave, others present a more advanced challenge. The arrangements are carefully designed to ensure steady progress and make performances memorable, whether for a family gathering or school concert.
In addition to the well-loved classics such as ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘O Holy Night’, Festive Flute Fun introduces unique pieces like ‘Aussie Christmas Day’ and includes music for lesser-known festivals like Japan’s Star Festival. Awarded HIGHLY COMMENDED at the National Flute Association’s Newly Published Music Awards, the collection is praised for its variety and engaging style. Free recordings of every piece further enhance the learning experience, giving both students and teachers extra support.
With its wide range of music, adaptability for ensembles, and celebration of global traditions, Festive Flute Fun offers a unique and enjoyable way for flutists to explore festive music while expanding their duet and trio repertoire.
Flute Storybooks for Kids
Storybooks that incorporate flute playing can be a magical way to inspire children to practice and enjoy learning. These books often combine a narrative with simple flute music, allowing young players to become part of the story while improving their skills. Storybooks can be particularly motivating for young learners who thrive on creativity and imagination. Here are some wonderful flute storybooks to spark a child’s musical curiosity.
Top Picks for Flute Storybooks for Kids
Goldi’s First Flute Sounds by Stéphanie Superle
Goldi’s First Flute Sounds is a captivating combination of storybook and method book, designed to introduce young flutists to the magical world of flute playing. Through the enchanting tale of a little girl named Goldi, who loses her flute sound just as she’s about to join her school band, children are taken on a playful and engaging musical adventure. The big question is—will Goldi get her sound back?
Through clever storytelling and beautifully illustrated scenes, young flutists can follow along as Goldi embarks on a journey to recover her missing flute sound. Along the way, children are encouraged to explore flute techniques through interactive elements like QR codes, which lead them to additional resources for breathing exercises, practice tips, and fun sound activities.
What makes Goldi’s First Flute Sounds truly special is how it merges storytelling with practical learning. Little readers not only experience a heartwarming tale of perseverance and friendship, but they also gain hands-on experience with the basics of flute playing. Goldi’s journey, with the help of her adorable practice pal Zuzu, mirrors real-life challenges that will resonate with many beginner flutists, making this book an excellent teaching tool. This delightful book goes beyond the typical method book by weaving a relatable story.
The book’s lovely illustrations by Emily Johnston bring the characters to life, making it a joy for young players and their families alike. Additionally, for those wanting even more musical fun, a complementary songbook using graphic notation is available, making it ideal for pre-readers.
A delightful treasure for any young flute player, Goldi’s First Flute Sounds turns learning into an imaginative adventure. Author Stéphanie Superle says: "At its core, Goldi’s First Flute Sounds is about friendship, perseverance, and the dedication it takes to find that special, sparkly flute sound we all strive for. My hope is that this story reminds every flutist that the path to discovering their sound is unique, full of learning, and, most importantly, fun."
Perfect for little flutists, their teachers and parents, this book will make the journey of learning the flute an enjoyable experience for every young musician.
The Mouse and The Cheese by Irena Mitevska Mileva
The Mouse and The Cheese is an enchanting musical storybook designed for the youngest flutists. Using graphic notation, it’s perfect for pre-readers or beginner flute players who haven’t yet learned to read traditional music. The story follows the adventure of a hungry little mouse searching for a piece of cheese, with each part of the narrative brought to life by fun, interactive flute sounds.
The imginative concept allows students to make sounds on the flute headjoint that match the storyline. For example, when the mouse falls and her head spins, the flutist creates a slow, wavy sound on the headjoint, sliding the pitch up and down to mimic the sensation. This interactive approach helps young players explore flute techniques in a fun and engaging way.
The book is filled with lively illustrations and imaginative sound effects, making it fun for young learners. As the author explains, “The whole idea came from the lessons with my students. We began creating our own stories while experimenting with a variety of headjoint sounds to create ‘sound effects’ for the narrative.”
Ideal for early flute lessons, The Mouse and The Cheese offers a creative and playful introduction to making sounds on the flute. It’s perfect for short performances in a flute studio, or even for sharing with family members, offering an enjoyable and interactive experience for young flutists.
Conclusion
As beginners progress, having the right repertoire is key to keeping their enthusiasm alive. In this guide, I’ve shared some excellent options for easy flute repertoire, beginner duets, and creative storybooks to help students develop their skills while enjoying the learning process. Whether you’re looking for exciting pieces to perform or imaginative books for little kids, there’s something here for every budding flutist.
Be sure to check out Part 1 of this guide, which covers essential method books and as well as resources for little kids and adult and teen flute learners—both parts together will set you on the path to flute success!
Karen North is a music teacher, mentor and book author. She is passionate about bringing music into the lives of children and adults and has enjoyed working in music education for the past 40 years.
Karen is the author of the popular method books "The Young Flute Player" and has commissioned many new works for intermediate flute repertoire in "Lyrical Flute Legends" , "Lyrical Flute Encores" and "Inspiring Flute Solos." as well as a new collection for beginner flutists, "Lyrical Flute Miniatures".
Karen has written two books of music games (with printable templates) "Fun & Games for Music Lessons", "More Fun & Games for Music Lessons 2" and has recently worked with specialist consultants on repertoire books for Violin, Clarinet and Saxophone.
Karen also organizes an international FLUTE CHAMPIONSHIP each year, to give students of all ages and abilities an opportunity to submit a video performance to an outstanding panel of judges. Her workshops for teachers are enthusiastically received and she also offers one-to-one coaching sessions.
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