A flutist (also called a flautist, especially in British English) is someone who plays the flute. The flute is a musical instrument that produces sound when the player blows air across an opening near one end of a long tube, causing the air inside to vibrate.

Flutists appear in many musical settings. You might see a flutist performing a solo in an orchestra, playing jazz in a small club, or marching in a parade as part of a marching band. Some flutists specialize in classical music, performing pieces written hundreds of years ago by composers like Mozart or Bach. Others play modern music, folk songs, or experiment with new sounds.

Becoming a skilled flutist takes years of practice. Flutists must learn to control their breathing precisely, position their fingers correctly on the keys, and develop the ability to play everything from quiet, gentle melodies to powerful, soaring passages. Professional flutists often practice for several hours every day to maintain their skills.