An ergonomic flute having a head joint that bends slightly downward and away from the user thereby reducing the muscular stress of holding the instrument for long periods of time is disclosed herein.

The invention provides a detachable wind guard for a flute-type instrument comprising an elongate, arcuate cover configured to wrap over a flute barrel. The cover has a center section with a radius larger than the radius of the flute barrel and includes a tapered, recessed facing edge configured to leave an embouchure hole uncovered. A domed apex of the center section is sized to accommodate a microphone, and a microphone clip is coupled inside the domed apex. End sections taper to a radius sized to conform to the flute barrel. An elongate, arcuate holder positioned opposite the cover has a radius sized to conform to the flute barrel. A connector pin passes through knuckles on both the cover and holder to form a hinge that allows the wind guard to open in a clamshell manner. Torsion springs around the connector pin bias the holder in a closed position.

The invention provides a detachable wind guard for a flute-type instrument comprising an elongate, arcuate cover configured to wrap over a flute barrel. The cover has a center section with a radius larger than the radius of the flute barrel and includes a tapered, recessed facing edge configured to leave an embouchure hole uncovered. A domed apex of the center section is sized to accommodate a microphone, and a microphone clip is coupled inside the domed apex. End sections taper to a radius sized to conform to the flute barrel. An elongate, arcuate holder positioned opposite the cover has a radius sized to conform to the flute barrel. A connector pin passes through knuckles on both the cover and holder to form a hinge that allows the wind guard to open in a clamshell manner. Torsion springs around the connector pin bias the holder in a closed position.

A closed end woodwind instrument is provided designed for use with an inventive teaching method, notation system, and repertory. The combined system is designed for teaching basics of music and to provide a simple, convenient and enjoyable instrument. The instrument is formed of a body, which defines an internal cavity. A mouthpiece has a windway that connects to the internal cavity. The windway allows a user to blow air through the mouthpiece into the cavity and through the instrument. A labium is positioned along the windway, such that it splits air flowing through the windway. A plurality of tone holes are in communication with the internal cavity to allow air to exit the cavity. Upon blocking or opening these tone holes, different tones can be produced by the instrument.

A closed end woodwind instrument is provided designed for use with an inventive teaching method, notation system, and repertory. The combined system is designed for teaching basics of music and to provide a simple, convenient and enjoyable instrument. The instrument is formed of a body, which defines an internal cavity. A mouthpiece has a windway that connects to the internal cavity. The windway allows a user to blow air through the mouthpiece into the cavity and through the instrument. A labium is positioned along the windway, such that it splits air flowing through the windway. A plurality of tone holes are in communication with the internal cavity to allow air to exit the cavity. Upon blocking or opening these tone holes, different tones can be produced by the instrument.

A musical instrument comprising a mouthpiece and an elongated body, the elongated body comprises a plurality of finger contacts. The finger contacts comprise a first set of contacts arranged such that they may be simultaneously contacted by the little, ring, middle and index finger of the right hand and a second set of contacts arranged such that they may be simultaneously contacted by the little, ring, middle and index finger of the left hand. It further comprises a first thumb contact for contact by the right thumb and a second thumb contact for contact by the left thumb. The instrument comprises a tone generator controlled by the plurality of contacts, such that a first set of successive half tones is generated under control of the second set of contacts when the first thumb contact is operated, a second set of successive half tones is generated under control of the first set of contacts when the second thumb contact is operated, a third set of successive half tones is generated under control of the second set of contacts when the first thumb contact is freed; and a fourth set of successive half tones is generated under control of the first set of contacts when the second thumb contact is freed.

A musical instrument comprising a mouthpiece and an elongated body, the elongated body comprises a plurality of finger contacts. The finger contacts comprise a first set of contacts arranged such that they may be simultaneously contacted by the little, ring, middle and index finger of the right hand and a second set of contacts arranged such that they may be simultaneously contacted by the little, ring, middle and index finger of the left hand. It further comprises a first thumb contact for contact by the right thumb and a second thumb contact for contact by the left thumb. The instrument comprises a tone generator controlled by the plurality of contacts, such that a first set of successive half tones is generated under control of the second set of contacts when the first thumb contact is operated, a second set of successive half tones is generated under control of the first set of contacts when the second thumb contact is operated, a third set of successive half tones is generated under control of the second set of contacts when the first thumb contact is freed; and a fourth set of successive half tones is generated under control of the first set of contacts when the second thumb contact is freed.

The present invention relates to a device which is introduced into the window of the mouthpiece, between the mouthpiece and the bevel, and which allows the volume of the sound produced by the recorder to be reduced, slightly affecting the quality of the sounds produced by same.

A closed end woodwind instrument is provided designed for use with an inventive teaching method, notation system, and repertory. The combined system is designed for teaching basics of music and to provide a simple, convenient and enjoyable instrument. The instrument is formed of a body, which defines an internal cavity. A mouthpiece has a windway that connects to the internal cavity. The windway allows a user to blow air through the mouthpiece into the cavity and through the instrument. A labium is positioned along the windway, such that it splits air flowing through the windway. A plurality of tone holes are in communication with the internal cavity to allow air to exit the cavity. Upon blocking or opening these tone holes, different tones can be produced by the instrument.

A closed end woodwind instrument is provided designed for use with an inventive teaching method, notation system, and repertory. The combined system is designed for teaching basics of music and to provide a simple, convenient and enjoyable instrument. The instrument is formed of a body, which defines an internal cavity. A mouthpiece has a windway that connects to the internal cavity. The windway allows a user to blow air through the mouthpiece into the cavity and through the instrument. A labium is positioned along the windway, such that it splits air flowing through the windway. A plurality of tone holes are in communication with the internal cavity to allow air to exit the cavity. Upon blocking or opening these tone holes, different tones can be produced by the instrument.