The Flute Unwrapped: Your Musical Companion

Subtitled 'Your Musical Companion' Janna's very personal approach is totally appealing. The book is really thorough and all the basic techniques are covered. From warming up through to articulation and tuning, there are exercises, photos, diagrams, and so much extra information about how to structure practice, improvising and playing with others. Where this book is refreshingly different however is in the wonderful videos which are accessed easily by QR code. Janna's reassuring manner, coupled with her clear explanations and demonstrations, makes us feel that we are all in this together. For adults either returning or just embarking on an exciting new flute journey this couldn't be better!

Understanding the needs of adult learners is a specialist skill, and one that Janna Hüneke has honed over her years of experience, through her work with Flute School London in particular. This excellent new publication is aimed at adult amateurs, with the aim of helping them to work independently between lessons, filling gaps in knowledge and gently guiding them towards achieving their goals.

The tone of the book is wonderful - it's supportive, encouraging and warm, acknowledging the frustrations that can sometimes arise and providing helpful inspiration to help maintain motivation. There are backing tracks to play along with and videos to illustrate important points - everything is put together with a great understanding of the target audience.

There are exercises for all of the key areas of flute fundamentals - warming up, posture and hand positions, tone, finger technique, articulation, breathing, dynamics, intonation, vibrato and some wonderful tips on some of the wider aspects of being a flute player. The exercises are built on well-established concepts but bring a fresh and creative approach, developed through Hüneke's teaching. Well-known pieces are incorporated effectively, and there are some beautiful melodies which make the exercises a joy to play, proving that practising the fundamentals of flute playing does not have to be dry and boring! Even the finger technique exercises are a fresh spin on scale and arpeggio patterns.

The written descriptions are clearly communicated and written with understanding, intelligence and sensitivity. This book is ideal for adult amateurs at any stage of their musical journey. Highly recommended.