[This needs to be in place before lessons begin]A good quality instrument is a key component to success in the study of music ... and good quality instruments are NOT found at Costco or any other standard department store!!!
Flutes:
The beginner flute with the most consistent quality is the Yamaha YFL 200 series. Other possible brands are Armstrong, Artly, Gemeinhardt but the quality is hit and miss. DO NOT buy a SUZUKI!!!
Recommended retail stores to buy new/used flutes in Calgary: Long & McQuade (St. John's Music if you want a NEW Yamaha flute)
Pianos:
I strongly recommend the use of an acoustic piano for private study (as opposed to an electric digital) because:
1. the mechanical action provides the resistance needed to develop the required finger muscle strength
2. the acoustic piano is exponentially more responsive to finger touch and action resulting in a wider palate of sound/dynamics for exciting and expressive performance! ... digital pianos, not so much :(.
3. you can often purchase a used acoustic piano for far less than purchasing a digital (the trade off is, acoustic pianos have to be tuned yearly ... about $140-170)
If using a digital piano for private study, it must have 88 standard sized, weighted keys.
Recommended retail stores to buy new/used pianos in Calgary: Michael Lipnicki Fine Pianos, St. John's Music, Steinway Pianos.
Buying Used:
By all means, save yourself some money and buy a used flute/piano from a private seller. Look on Facebook buy & sells, classified ads, kijiji, etc. If you find something and you want some advice on the brand and price, you are most welcome to contact me. I would be most happy to help any way I can!