The music corner at the on-going 14th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2023) is a charming little nook where hundreds of children are happily learning to speak the universal language of music. At one of the many workshops taking place on this creative platform, Flutist Yulia Bohdanova ran a class on Friday evening, enabling future musicians to explore the melodic capacities of the world’s oldest woodwind instrument.  

At the ‘Flute Symphony’ workshop, Yulia presented an illustrative picture to children to describe how flute is the most closely related musical instrument to the human voice. Speaking about the developmental advantages of learning flute playing, she noted: “Children will learn proper breathing techniques and breath support as they learn how to play. Also, a proper embouchure (lip formation) can be developed by practicing on the flute. Most importantly, it is a fun activity that allows them to learn new concepts creatively”.  

Using plastic made small flutes for the workshop, she taught children the proper ‘flute hold’, in order for the young flutist to correct their instrument placement before blowing into it. They then started practicing without worrying about sound production so as to develop the proper “feel” for the flute. The chosen tune for practice was the ‘happy birthday’ song, which brought a smile to the faces of the young flutists and their parents alike.

One of the most popular instruments in the world, the flute is played by people of all ages and skill levels. It can likewise be used in school band programs, symphony orchestras, and most creativly,  as a solo instrument.