How to Help Your Students Find Their Next Flute (with Help from Flute Center)

By Kim Lewis

Thank you for being part of ClubFC! As a teacher, your role is essential in helping students find the right instrument to support their musical growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the flute trial process with your students through the Flute Center.

Step 1: Talk Budget Early

Before initiating a trial, help your student and their family define a clear budget. This will guide which flutes to try and prevent frustration down the line. Discuss:

• Who will be making the final purchase decision

• What price range is comfortable

• Preferred payment method (we accept credit cards, checks, bank transfers, and offer several financing plans: Financing Info)
  
  

Step 2: Set Up a Flute Trial

There are two ways to arrange a trial:

• You can request the trial yourself and have the flutes shipped directly to you, especially useful if you want to oversee the process and compare multiple flutes side-by-side in your studio.

• Your student or their parent/guardian can request the trial directly, especially if the flutes are being sent to their home. (They must be 18+ or a parent must assist. A credit card is required to hold the trial, but there’s no shipping charge thanks to your ClubFC membership.)
  
  

To start a trial, either submit a request online or call us. Many teachers call us first to discuss flute options, and then the family contacts us to complete the setup.

Step 3: Choose the Right Instruments for Trial

Our standard trial includes up to four flutes. You’ll want to select a range that fits the student’s budget and playing level.

• Trying multiple students at once? Let us know! We can expand the trial if the shipment is going to your studio.

• Tell us what price points and brands your students are interested in - we’ll help curate a strong selection.
  
  

Step 4: Support the Student Through the Trial

As the teacher, your expertise is vital. Be present (in person or virtually) as they play the instruments, and help them assess:

• Tone quality

• Response and ease of play

• Mechanism and feel

• Overall fit for their musical goals
  

Encourage note-taking and comparison, especially if the family is new to the process.

Step 5: Finalize the Purchase

Once the student selects their flute, they or their parent/guardian will work directly with Flute Center to complete the purchase. Even if the trial is under your name, we’ll create a student-specific account for easier future support.

We recommend:

• Sharing your student’s contact info with us (with permission) so we can follow up if needed

• Reassuring families that there’s no pressure to buy unless the perfect flute is found
  
  

We’re here to make this process easy and rewarding for you and your students. If you ever have questions about ClubFC or want help choosing flutes, reach out to us - we’re just a call or email away.

Let’s find the flute that will inspire your student’s next chapter.