Celebrate International Jazz Day: Top Jazz Sheet Music Picks for Flutists

April 30 is International Jazz Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by diving into some jazz sheet music written or arranged for flute. Whether you’re new to jazz or a seasoned improviser, the flute brings a unique voice to the genre!

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite jazz pieces available at Flute Center to help you swing into the celebration.

1. Claude Bolling – Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio

This iconic crossover piece has become a favorite among flutists around the world. With its blend of classical technique and jazzy grooves, it’s perfect for flutists looking to explore jazz in a structured, yet expressive way.

Why we love it: It challenges classical and jazz sensibilities and allows flutists to collaborate in a chamber setting with piano, bass, and drums.

2. The Real Book – Flute Edition

A must-have for any flutist serious about jazz, the Real Book contains hundreds of standards in lead sheet format. From Miles Davis to Duke Ellington, this collection is ideal for practicing improvisation, playing with friends, or jamming at open mic nights.

Why we love it: It’s a treasure chest of jazz classics, and the flute edition is transposed perfectly for your instrument.

3. 10 Improvisational Flute Etudes by Jeff Coffin

Looking to improve your phrasing, articulation, and jazz feel? These improvisational jazz etudes offer fun, playable studies that strengthen technique while getting you into the groove.

Why we love it: These etudes are equally educational and musical, ideal for building chops and confidence in jazz style.

4. Jazz Concertino for Flute and Piano – Peter Senchuk

Peter Senchuk had long been interested in exploring jazz through composition, and his new Jazz Concertino provided the perfect opportunity. While he refrains from incorporating improvisation, he draws extensively on jazz’s distinctive melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic structures.

Why we love it: It’s bold, dynamic, and gives the flutist a real moment to shine with both technical agility and expressive phrasing.

5. Improvisation for Flute: The Scale/Mode Approach - Andy McGhee

This book offers step-by-step exercises and insights to enhance both your ear and technique. You’ll explore the connections between modes and chords, practicing licks and solos that naturally evolve from their harmonic foundation. Andy McGhee, a Berklee faculty member since 1966, brings his extensive experience, having previously toured with Lionel Hampton and Woody Herman.

Why we love it: Work step-by-step on learning how to improvise by going through all keys and modes with this book!

Explore More at Flute Center

Whether you’re celebrating International Jazz Day by learning a new tune, playing in a combo, or just jamming for fun, we’ve got the sheet music to inspire your next performance.

Shop our jazz sheet music collection and bring a little swing to your stand this spring.