Repertoire for the Intermediate Player

Music can be very expensive, and the expense often surprises and discourages new musicians. Don’t worry. Keep in mind that some sheet music is available on the internet (see our “links”) and if you are in a school or community band, their music libraries will more than likely contain some of the music on this list. Ask your music director what is available. Good luck! Remember: these are only SOME of the collections available; if you would like to know of more, or if you have any other concerns about music purchase, word definitions, or want some help with music you’re working on, don’t hesitate to send us an email.

Methods and Studies

A Trevor Wye Practice Book for Flute - Volume 1: Tone
A great book for building a full, rich flute sound, Wye’s book teaches tone production through a variety of exercises. Extremely valuable is his exercise on harmonics, or overtones. These “overblown” pitches are excellent for developing range and tuning. The book requires a higher skill of reading music, but will be infinitely useful as it contains exercises for an early beginner as well as a proficient player. (there are several advanced exercises at the back of the book. If you are skittish over some of the sixteenth note exercises, slow them down as much as you would like to - they are still worthwhile)

Marcel Moyse: 24 Little Melodic Studies
With simple melodies and rhythms which become progressively harder through their variations, this book is great for increasing range and smoothing out intervals, as well as encourage a deep, rich sound in the lower octave. The variations in this book will offer more challenge and become useful to the player as they advance in ability.

Koehler Studies, Gariboldi Studies
(various publishers)
Technically challenging, with a focus on finger dexterity, range, and dynamics, these studies are essential for the intermediate flutist.

Taffanel & Gaubert Daily 17 Daily Exercises
(published by Leduc)
Essential for scale work and range development, these exercises are excellent for daily warm-up and scale practice.

Harald Genzmer: Neuzeitliche Etuden fur Flute
(published by Schott)
Though perhaps difficult in terms of rhythm and the higher level of music literacy required, these studies work with unusual scale patterns and rhythms, compelling the student to become more flexible to various time meters and pitches. Good for developing the reading ability and sight-reading as well.

Solo Pieces & Collections

Concert and Contest Collection
(published by Rubank)
An excellent anthology, including several conservatory repertoire selections, this book is wonderful for performance and fun. Great if you want a challenge, or an exciting piece, the book’s works include Flight of the Bumblebee and Pan.

Solos for the Flute Player
(published by G. Schirmer; edited by Louis Moyse)
A great book for the grade 4 and 6 levels of the Royal Conservatory, Solos for the Flute player incorporates many styles and levels of difficulty of music, making it a great collection to have.

Solos for Flute: 36 Repertoire Pieces with Piano Accompaniment
(published by Carl Fischer)
A nice book that will last you from personal enjoyment to festival competitions and some performance exams, this collection is full of fun and challenging pieces for the intermediate flutist, as well as the beginner. It requires at least some skill in reading and technique, but with practice, it will become one of your most-loved books.

Syrinx - Debussy
(published by Jobert)
Certainly a challenge in terms of range, dynamics, and overall sound, this famous work is not only beautiful, but a great introduction to Debussy’s music. Requires a strong ability to read music, and deals with more complex rhythms.

J.S. Bach: Six Sonatas, Book One (Sonata No.2 in particular)
(we highly recommend the Chester publication)
An excellent introduction to Bach, Sonata No. 2 is a gorgeous piece that emphasizing the traditional phrasing and melody of Bach’s baroque style. The other three sonatas contained in the book are more challenging, but will be perfect for a progressing student. All of these sonatas are great for festivals, recitals, and exams.

Duets and Trios etc.

Starting at least by the intermediate level, you should start playing duets, trios, or other pieces that require multiple performers. (other than flute with piano accompaniment) Duets force a flutist to steady their tempo, increase their sight-reading ability, and develop a greater sensitivity to ensemble playing. If you don’t have a buddy to play with - keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need a flute player (though that’s preferred) - some duet books come with CDs that fill in the Flute 2 part.

Tulou for Two
(Published by G. Schirmer, Inc.)
This book is fun! With an accompaniment CD included, this duet book expands the themes of classic musical literature into short, playful pieces for two flutes. The selections range from easy to medium difficult, and may require a more advanced reading level - though taken at a slower tempo, some passages include thirty-second notes.

Valentine - Four Sonatas
(published by Carl Fischer)
These four, faily long sonatas include many movements, both fast and slow, which are ideal for intermediate to advanced players. Each Sonata has a distinctly different theme, making this a fun and challenging collection.

Marcel Moyse - Album of Thirty Duets
(published by International)
This book is good for developing technique and sight-reading ability. It contains an interesting selection of duets appropriate for a developing flutist who seeks a degree of challenge.

Telemann - 36 Fantasies
(published by Noetzel)
As with any of his compositions, Telemann’s duets are beautiful and intricate, and demanding of those who perform them. Despite their difficulty, Telemann’s music makes these duets a true pleasure to play.