The Courting Flute is one of the three melody instruments used by Native American people and is an integral part of traditional Indian music. Among Native Americans, the voice is also regarded as a melody instrument. The Apache violin completes the trio of Indian melody instruments. Rarely are the three instruments used ensemble.

Used principally by Woodlands tribes, Southwestern tribes and tribes from the Southern and Northern Plains, the Indian flute was once a means of transmitting signals in the night. The flute, however, was most frequently used as a means by which a young man could communicate his love.

Flutes are made from red cedar, ...