Time Frame

• Flutes carved out of bone have been dated to 37,000 years BC. The modern flute as we know it was invented by Theobald Boehm in 1847.
  
  

HIstory

• The modern day flute is derived from the Pan Flute and the Tin Whistle, both of which became popular in Europe between the12th and14th centuries.
  
  

Types

• There are several types of flutes used throughout the world, including the Indian Bamboo Flute, the Piccolo, the Sring and the Fipple Flute.
  
  

Geography

• Flutes have been used in the folk and popular music of the Middle East, Europe, North and South America and Asia.
  
  

Size

• The Western concert flute is normally 27 inches in length, while the piccolo, a smaller version of the flute, is only 12 1/2 inches long.
  
  

Fun Fact

• The flute is the oldest known musical instrument. Two- and four-holed flutes have been dated as far back as 41,000 BC.
  
  

Famous Ties

• Ian Anderson of the rock band "Jethro Tull" became known for his long, improvised flute solos during the band's recordings and live shows.