There are two forms of key work available for flutes. Open holed keys and closed hole keys. The closed hole keys are used on most student flutes, open holes are generally used by the more accomplished player. Open holed flutes have a hole in the centre of the five keys directly operated by the fingers, not through touch pieces i.e. left hand middle and ring fingers and right hand index, middle and ring fingers. There is no difference in sound but there are several technical advantages to open holes, namely alternative fingerings and better quarter- tones and multi-phonics. Some teachers use open holed flutes to encourage correct hand position.
Open Holes
Closed Holes (Alto Flute)
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