How to choose a flute?

[Viewofthehills]

DD's flute teacher is suggesting it is time to look at upgrading her flute soon.
She is playing a Yamaha 211 at the moment which has taken her from grade 3-7. She is 15 at the moment, but is very definite about doing music at university. She also plays piano at around grade 8 level.
We are coming to terms with the fact that we will have to part with a significant amount of money, but really want to get this right and hopefully get something that could last her through Uni!

So , any advice welcome. In particular; experience of different brands; silver vs. plated body;closed vs. open holes?

I am currently bewildered

[Viewofthehills]

And thanks

[ShellingPeas]

Where are you based? If you're within sensible distance of south London then I would recommend Just Flutes in Croydon as a place to start to trial out flutes.

It's a very personal choice and your DD may find that one head joint type suits her better than other so she really needs to try them first.

As far as basic recommendations go, then at least a solid silver head, if not fully silver body, but you would probably need to upgrade again if she goes to study at university or conserveratoire. Open or closed holes is down to personal choice I think as I know some very able flautists who use closed holes and equally able flautists who used open holes. A B foot would be useful though not essential.

I have a 25 year old Pearl solid silver, open hole, split E with a B foot which served me very well through university and beyond. Pearl flutes are a good reliable brand, but there are many others which may suit your DD better.

[ShellingPeas]

That should be conservatoire - I can spell, honest.

[RussiansOnTheSpree]

I second the recommendation for Just Flutes. Give them a ring. They are very very good, very helpful, not pushy at all. I know several professional flautists, based all over the UK (and NI) who use them and recommend them. Is your DD at a state school, and does she either learn through the school or is she doing music GCSE? If so you should qualify for the assisted purchase scheme, which means you don't have to pay VAT. 20% of about £2K is NOT to be sneezed at. Good luck!

[Viewofthehills]

We are not on the mainland so need to fly to visit a decent shop. Going to Manchester in August so I thought we would go to Forsyth's as a starting point. Very impressed with Just Flutes website and it's not totally out of the question to visit. We might also have our own assisted purchase scheme- she has private lessons, but is doing GCSE and plays in the youth orchestra. I will double check; 20% is not to be sneezed at.

Many thanks both of you. And I now know what a B foot is.