Hurray! You've got your first real flute! Congratulations!
Are you now wondering how to set the instrument up? Read on!
The Jupiter Prodigy flute (model number 313 or 313S) is a beautiful instrument designed especially for tiny kids who want to play. If you compare it to a full-sized flute, you'll notice a couple of differences; it's all in one piece, the headjoint (the part you blow into!) is curved, the keys have extensions on them and there are a few keys missing (no trill keys or low C#/C keys on the foot).
Setting up the Jupiter Prodigy 313 / 313S
Set-up is quite easy for the Jupiter Prodigy, as it comes all in one piece!
Place the case on a flat surface with the label facing the ceiling (straps underneath) and open the zipper. If you are using one of the Studio's flutes, you should see a setup that looks like this:
Your flute, a cleaning swab (any SKINNY strip of cotton or silk will work for swabbing out) and a thumbport.
Always holding where there are no keys (bent keys = flute that doesn't work and expensive trips to the repair shop) gently rotate the headjoint so it is at a 45-degree angle to the table.
Looking down at the flute, the hole in the lip plate should be facing straight up or the tiniest bit tipped towards you. If it isn't already, just rotate the outer end of the headjoint so it looks like this when you're looking down at it.
And that's it for the flute itself!
Read on to see how to add the thumbport.
Flute Accessories - Thumbport
If you have a thumbport in your case, clip it on so the tab faces towards you when the foot end of the flute is facing to the right (see picture below).
Line up the thumbport with the fourth key from the foot end, leaving a couple of millimetres between the top of the thumbport and the straight line where the keys attach on the flute.
When your teacher shows you how to hold the flute, you can adjust the exact placement of the thumbport to fit your child's hand.
Their right hand should be an a relaxed "C" shape.
You want your right thumb and index finger to be in alignment (don't let the thumb cross over towards the middle/ring fingers, as this will increase strain on the wrist later).
The thumb stays on its side, tucked under the tab of the thumbport, which helps give the flute some stability (they have a tendency to roll at the start!).
Questions? Email Amy at novascotiaflute@gmail.com.
Happy fluting!
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