It depends on what type of learner you are. There are people who learn better when somebody shows them how it’s done, and those who learn well when they’re teaching themselves. Formal instruction will often mean that there is a schedule and curriculum to follow. With a teacher, you will learn how to play the instrument from the absolute basics, step by step. It tends to present a more holistic approach to learning the flute. As for self-instruction, the biggest advantage is you can keep your own time and learn whichever skills you want. At the end of the day, you will have to choose which learning style fits your needs best. Our flute learning methods page is a great place to start.