Sound Artistry Intermediate Method for Flute: Flute Method Book

The technical specificity here sets this method apart. Rather than generic intermediate exercises, Boonshaft and Bernotas address the exact skills flute students often struggle with at this level: harmonics, alternate B-flat fingerings, octave slurs, and multiple tonguing. Developed with input from Dr. Julietta Curenton, a conservatory-level flutist, the book bridges the gap between general band methods and the demands of serious flute study, making it an ideal resource for students preparing for advanced work.

Focused and purposeful. Every exercise has a reason, drilling specific techniques with clarity and progression. The tone work and intonation emphasis create a sense of refinement, while studies in various meters and keys demand both mental flexibility and technical precision.

Intermediate flute students ready to deepen their technical foundation and prepare for conservatory-level study. This method serves players who have completed a beginning band method and need targeted work on the advanced techniques that serious flutists require. Private instructors and studio teachers will find it especially useful for students progressing toward high school level performance or audition preparation.

• Approach harmonics exercises with patience and clear focus on embouchure control; these will deepen your tone quality and expand your range far beyond standard fingerings.
• Use the fingering chart as a reference during daily work, not just as a lookup tool; understanding why alternate fingerings exist for intonation and color will inform your musical choices.
• Work through the duets with a colleague or teacher whenever possible; they reinforce technical accuracy while building ensemble listening skills.
• Practice trills and finger twisters slowly first, using a metronome to establish clean articulation before increasing tempo.

Assign this as concurrent study material alongside repertoire your students are performing; the technical work directly supports execution of advanced solo and ensemble pieces. For private lesson sequences, rotate through sections weekly to build consistency while allowing students to apply what they learn to auditions or performance projects.

• Harmonics and extended range techniques
• Alternate B-flat fingerings (thumb B-flat and 1+1) for intonation control
• Octave slurs and intervallic leaps
• Flexible tone production and dynamic control
• Grace notes and ornamental articulation
• Multiple tonguing (single, double, and triple tonguing patterns)
• Trills with accuracy and consistency
• Sight-reading in mixed meters and all major and minor keys
• Finger dexterity through technical passages
• Phrasing clarity and musical expression