Like all wind instruments, the flute is played by blowing air through the mouthpiece and opening and closing the different holes to correspond with pitches.
The sound of the Native American flute is characterized by its smooth, alluring tone and its ability to evoke a sense of peace and calm. The flute is usually made from a single piece of wood that is carefully crafted to ensure the proper sound and tuning. In contrast, the traditional Native American flute is played vertically and has a cylindrical bore with six finger holes, a blowing hole, and a notched end that creates a distinct sound. Many people today are familiar only with the orchestral flute, which is typically made of metal and is played by blowing across the tone hole. How does one play a Native American flute? In many Native American cultures, the flute was also used as a storytelling device, and different notes or melodies could express different emotions, moods, and stories. The flute was viewed as a symbol of love and fertility, and it was believed to have the power to bring people together – which is still the purpose of music generally, even today.
The origins of the Native American flute has been traced back to the pre-Columbian era, when indigenous communities in North America used the flute for religious rituals or for courtship.
