The flute is a reedless wind instrument belonging to the woodwind family. Classified as an aerophone, it produces sound when a stream of air is directed across the instrument’s opening, setting up standing waves inside. Archaeological discoveries show that flutes are among the earliest known instruments; early flutes were made of bone or wood. Modern concert flutes are typically made of metal but follow the same principle of air‑column vibration.
| Family | Aerophone (Woodwind) |
|---|---|
| Material | Traditionally wood or bone; modern flutes often metal |
| Playing method | Blowing across the embouchure hole to set air vibrating |
| Historical note | One of the oldest known instruments, found in prehistoric sites |