Sources

In preparing this annotated bibliography I referred to many sources, beginning with the two most popular flute literature guides used in the United States—A Handbook of Literature for the Flute by James Pellerite (most recently updated in 1978) which is annotated, graded, and divided into score type—Methods, Solos-Unaccompanied, Collections, Solos with piano and harpsichord accompaniment, Duets, trios, etc. This book is extremely helpful in that it gives annotation, but the grade levels are not accurately defined and are quite broad, sometimes covering 3-4 years of study advancement. A more recent, but un-annotated list was compiled in 2001 by the National Flute Association Pedagogy Committee, Selected Flute Repertoire: A Graded Guide for Teachers and Students. This guide is extremely broad, covering all time periods from Baroque to modern and extended technique, has a very detailed explanation of each grade and numerous grade levels, and each piece was selected “because we considered it to be the finest repertoire for the instrument.” (p.12) This list is very informative and recent, but further annotation would help the teacher save time and money in choosing specific pieces. The grades also do not relate closely to the Suzuki Flute levels especially needing more subdivision at beginning levels of study.


I have also referred to the past seven years syllabi for the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Junior Festival Bulletin—a graded, non-competitive festival for all instruments held throughout the U.S. that focuses primarily on newly composed American music.


Another syllabus I referenced is the British Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) graded audition requirements, which include three repertoire lists per grade, sight playing, theory, aural skill, improvisation and scale requirements. I did not refer to the other similar graded programs from Canada, Australia and Guildhall/Trinity College as there is much overlap and ABRSM is the largest and best known of the available syllabi.


Two informal flute repertoire guides which are graded and not annotated, but very commonly used by the flute teacher are the United States publication The Flute World Catalog (in print for $5 or online at fluteworld.com), and the Just Flutes Catalog from the UK, available at justflutes.com. The latter has a most helpful annotation of “!” that has never failed to prove a wonderful investment, whatever piece it describes.


Sources of information about newly published materials include the American National Flute Association Flutist Quarterly and the British publication Flute Wise Magazine, which includes very informative reviews of newly published music ranging from beginner to college from around the world.