In My Opinion

Posted on April 26th 2012 by Paul Edmund-Davies

For many years now there has been an issue in the British flute world that has been allowed to continue unchecked and I feel that is time that someone with a contrasting view voices an opinion. Continue reading →

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Scales: An Incomplete Look at What Every Flutist Should Know

Posted on April 26th 2012 by Eldred Spell

What’s in a scale? More to the point, what’s in “the Cooper scale”? This short primer on scale—and why every flutist needs to understand its importance— includes a heartfelt appeal for the open information-sharing that defined the character of the late Albert Cooper. Continue reading →

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Building a Flute Library: Unusual Flute Music for Three Advanced Flutes

Posted on April 20th 2012 by Chris Hankin

Right now there is great deal of exciting music available for three flutes, so if you are lucky enough to belong to a good trio there is plenty to keep you interested. Continue reading →

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Building A Flute Library: Music for Weddings

Posted on April 5th 2012 by Chris Hankin

Spring has sprung and the temperature is rising, so it won’t be long before someone asks you to play at their wedding. There is an astonishing amount of repertoire suitable for both the church and the reception, so depending on your forces the choice is yours. Books of arrangements are really handy in this situation – you never know what might happen on The Big Day! Continue reading →

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Ian McLauchlan’s Guide To Making A Headjoint: Finishing the Headjoint

Posted on November 25th 2011 by Ian McLauchlan

Probably the most important stage of making a headjoint is cutting the embouchure hole. It is this that really makes it work or not. Continue reading →

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Hidden Gems: Christmas Music for Flute Choir

Posted on September 30th 2011 by Chris Hankin

There is now so much choice of Christmas music available for flute choirs that it’s difficult to know where to start. In this post I’ve selected some of my favourites which I can really recommend. Continue reading →

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Ian McLauchlan’s Guide To Making A Headjoint: The Riser

Posted on September 2nd 2011 by Ian McLauchlan

In my first two articles in this series I talked about how I make a headjoint tube and lip-plate. This article covers the riser: a part that you don’t really see but that is an important part of the headjoint. … Continue reading →

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The Ultimate Flute Headjoint?

Posted on June 17th 2011 by Aislinn Turley

Robert Dick is an internationally renowned American flautist and composer nicknamed ‘the Hendrix of the flute’ due to his ability to create effects similar to electric guitar and push the boundaries of conventional flute playing. He was inspired by Hendrix’s creativity from a very young age and desired to match the sound and abilities of electric guitar on flute. Continue reading →

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Ian McLauchlan’s Guide To Making A Headjoint: The Lip-Plate

Posted on May 27th 2011 by Ian McLauchlan

In part 1 of this guide, I explained how tubes for handmade flute headjoints are made. In this article, I’ll talk about the method I use to make a lip-plate. Continue reading →

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Composer Profile: Cecilia McDowall

Posted on May 6th 2011 by Chris Hankin

It is very unlikely that you will not know at least one piece by Cecilia McDowall – even if it is the very popular Comic Song from the ABRSM grade 4 book! She isn’t a flute player, but her father, Harold Clarke, was. He was principal flute at the Royal Opera House, and professor of flute at Trinity College of Music. So it is inevitable that Cecilia would write music for us, and write it well. She is completely woven into the flute fabric in the UK, with works on exam lists and commissions ranging from contemporary solo pieces to music for large flute ensembles. Continue reading →

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