The flute
family comprises a group of instruments in which the flute itself is actually pitched in the middle. The flute has always been a non-transposing instrument even though some claim it is actually
constructed in the key of D.
The flute is always notated in
treble clef. The acceptable
range in which the flute may be written spans from Bb3 to C6. Some flutes are built only to handle C4 as their lowest note and some
composers mercilessly write just above and below these ranges, causing all sorts of problems for the unassuming
flautist.
These problems are solved by either adding or subtracting
joints to the flute; loosening or tightening the
structure making the note possible but throwing the rest of the flute
out of tune; or sending the note to another instrument, i.e. the
piccolo or the
clarinet. All of these solutions are unfavorable and should be avoided if possible.