Ideally, I prefer to teach on a 1:1 basis although I will occasionally run a workshop for group lessons. Students would need to come to me for in person lessons, I do not do home visits until I get to know you. When I do get to know you, I may offer you the opportunity to host a workshop at your home and your own place on that workshop will be free of charge by way of a thank you for hosting, plus a 20 minute private lesson for yourself straight afterwards.
There are certain basics that you will need to learn. These are the foundations that you will build on. I will also show you the tutorial books I prefer to use – the very ones that gave me such a good start when I first began learning.
The ‘taster lesson’ of one hour is where you will begin. We start with the minor pentatonic scale which is the scale that the flutes are tuned in and which is also the easiest to learn. The minor pentatonic scale will always sound harmonious even if you hit a wrong fingering provided you stick with one simple rule which I will explain and demonstrate for you.
By the end of the taster lesson, you will be starting to play your first piece of recognisable music – yes, it really is possible. Throughout, I will be finding out what you want to achieve from your lessons and then I can plan your future lessons in a way that will best work for you. We are all individuals, so I don’t adopt a rigid ‘one size fit all’ rule. Workshops, by their nature, will have a more structured plan.
For online lessons you will need a flute of your own. I will be looking at using Microsoft Teams or, possibly, Google Meet for these.
The Flutes
If you already have a native/style flute then that is the one you will be working with. If you do not have a flute yet then please hold fire as I have three ‘school’ flutes (of different makes) that you can try (for in person lessons) and which you will use during your taster lesson. This will give you an idea of what suits you. There are many different makes of flutes available so it’s worth trying my school flutes first.
I have seen a few very cheap flutes on the internet but, for a small A tuned flute, look at paying £100 plus. I can put you onto a supplier who sells two different makes of flute and there are two A tuned flutes which are very budget friendly.
At this point I will finish by explaining the difference between a Native American flute and a Native American style flute. For a maker to call his flutes Native American Flutes he has to be Native American and also be a member of a registered tribe or registered as an individual. Made by anyone else the flutes have to be known as Native American Style Flutes.
Look up the US Government Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 for more detailed information. This is to protect the rights of the Native American peoples.
Terms of Business
- Business hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 9.30am until 12.30pm. Fridays by special arrangement only. Saturdays are for group workshops. These workshops will be announced in due course. I am not available on a Thursday or Sunday and do not work in the evenings.
- Tuition fees: A one hour taster lesson is £32.50. A thirty minute lesson is £18.50. Payment is either cash or bank transfer.
- 24 hours notice of cancellation is required.
- I do not accept calls whilst I am teaching, the phone will be on silent. Students deserve my undivided attention. Therefore, please leave a message, or text, and I will get back to you.
- Tutorial books: I do not make personal recommendations for any particular tutorial books. I reserve the right to refuse to teach from any book that I deem unsuitable or which might prove detrimental to my own playing.
- Contact number: 07736 473868