the base of the index finger, which contacts the flute's side furthest from the player, creating substantial pressure against the player's lower lip sufficient to more firmly fix the position of the flute and reduce its rolling in the player's hands. Such hand positions evidence several problems. First, they require an awkward and unnatural positioning of the thumb. The thumb is much more naturally positioned on the bottom of the flute than against its side, which can be done with this invention without any loss of control of the flute. Second, such hand positions require substantial steady pressure, which is difficult to maintain when moving the other fingers of the right hand, and which is exacerbated by the fatiguing hand position noted above. Third, the substantial pressure againstreducing pressure on critical fingers and by generally increasing the stability of the instrument in the player's hands. Similarly, with less pressure required, playing the flute for an extended time period is less fatiguing and painful. Also, provision of a ring allows more consistent, repeatable and quickly attained positioning of the hands on the flute; one need only put the left index finger into the ring to quickly locate the left had in exactly the same, consistent, and correct position.
Another very substantial benefit of the instant invention over extant art is that it allows the flute to be safely played by children without fear of distorting the proper development of their gums and teeth. Many parents permit their children to start their music education only with a piano