Which do you think is better, piano or flute?

Question

This is a small survey, just to see what people think. Feel free to compare the piano to other instruments as well. It would be helpful for me if included was why you think what you do as well, but it is not necessary. Thank you!

Answer 1

This is a very odd comparison. The two instruments are so different in everything about them - why these two I have to wonder? Both have advantages & disadvantages - almost too many to list.

Piano - Pianists & accompainists are always needed! Whether playing solo work, playing for churches & other religious institutes or accompainying the many, many instruments (including flute) that need accompanists for festivals & exams, pianists (if good enough) can always find work. Piano is versatile, anyone can learn, and has skills that transfer over to many, many other disciplines (in and out of the music world). Many universities & exams make their non-piano students learn a bit of piano.

Flute - As I am a flute player & teacher, I am a bit biased. I love the flute! It is an instrument that is easy to get to a beginner level, but hard to master. It is unlike the other woodwinds, as modern flutes aren't made of wood, nor does it have a reed. It isn't like brass where you buzz into a mouthpiece. It has a beautiful sound that has so many colour options. Flutists generally have amazing technique and can play faster (and are required to) than the other winds. It is portable (unlike piano), compact. Flutes are gorgeous when played at snazzy functions like weddings - they add a touch of class.

There's my 2 cents. Hope it helps!

Answer 2

Assuming the definition of "better" in this case refers to "more advantageous to learn..."

You will understand the nuts and bolts of music theory much more easily by playing the piano. You can actually SEE the interplay of harmony and melody, and familiarize yourself with the chordal progressions as you play them. This will give you a strong foundation for any other instrument, such as the flute, that you might learn.

There is a reason that composers traditionally "compose at the piano" and not at the flute. Granted, many are composing at the computer these days.

Other answers have referenced the need for pianists as both soloists and accompanists. It is far easier to find gigs as a talented pianist than it is for a talented flutist. Both instruments have a deluge of talented players in their ranks.

However, flutes ARE less expensive and much, much more portable! I have often felt for touring piano soloists...how strange it must be to play on a different piano for every concert (even if you have it in your contract to only play a particular model piano).

In summary - piano.

Answer 3

The piano is much more expressive instrument and obviously has a significantly wider octave range. So, the piano. On the other hand, sometimes the sounds and melodies of a flute just seem to float through the air. Its beautiful. Actually I prefer guitar.

Answer 4

Piano

Answer 5

Nice question and the answer may just lay with each musical listener and their own experience. Here is mine: My Algebra teacher one night after class walked over to a covered piano, uncovered it and played a perfect musical piece of Sebastian Bach. I was nearly brought down to tears and when complete he turned around, faced me and said, "That’s the first time I've touched a piano in 22 years". I felt blessed and humbled as being in the presence of greatness.

The flute reminds me of an instrument of peace. A biblical instrument used in the Old Testament. Who can deny the romance that a flute can bring.

Conclusion:
Flute desired and appreciated for elegance and romance.
Piano intellect and a revelation of a gift given to humanity from God.

They both make up the body of music in an equal way, just as parts of the body smooth its rhythm into the spiritual realm of life.
Ben

Answer 6

For me personally it has to be the piano--there is a multitude of reasons why--First is the shear versitility of the instrument--litierally every form of music available has been adapted in some form or the other for it----next is the amount of material that has been written especially for it---from Bach to Elton John---Bluegrass to Jazz --tens of thousands of scores that seem to be endless-------This in no way is intent to take a thing away from the flute or its versitility---the unique lyrical abilities of the instrument or the extremely talented people who have taken the instrument to its heights----Herbie Mann and others have proved that the flute can fit in in places far removed from its traditional home with the philharmonic orcherstras of the world---but the unbelievable magnetude of scope has the piano in a league of its own ---and for me , I am ready at the drop of a hat to sit and listen when someone with true talent is at the keyboard

Answer 7

I personally play both piano and the flute. I like the flute better because to me, it's more relaxing than the piano. ( There are two lines of music in piano and only one in flute)

Answer 8

Flute. I play the flute but I would also love to play the piano!! I think they both are beautiful instruments.

Answer 9

are you kidding? PIANO!!! sorry i cant help it! what can i say? i am a piano freak. anyway... there is nothing wrong with flute but i am a piano gal. i am in eighth grade and i have been playing for almost eight years!

Answer 10

I used to play piano, about 4-5 years ago.
I quit when I moved, but I had so much fun doing it!
I had always wanted to try it, and when I did, I loved it!
I wish that I had stayed with it, but I gave up, and I became uninterested after awhile.