-Monthly Practice Tips - Create a 'music area'-
Maintaining enthusiasm for any instrument can be difficult but there are many ways in which playing can be encouraged. Though mainly aimed at young children, these tips are equally transferable to the adult beginner/player. Each month we will discuss different ways of making practising the flute more enjoyable and rewarding.
It is important to create a dedicated practice area - a quiet and secluded, permanent music area where your child feels they can play as loudly and/or as badly as they like without disturbing anyone.
I was frequently told to 'play quietly' or 'practise in the other room', this creates a negativity surrounding the instrument and will cause children to become embarrassed of their playing! Equally well, the player needs to not be disturbed themselves, by a sibling, the television etc..
Decorate a music-area together that can be their own space. This need not be an entire room, just a small area in the room ideally with natural light. Erect a music stand and leave it there permanently.
A progress chart on the wall may also help to track improvement - stars can be awarded for 5 correct repetitions of a scale, for example.
For the adult beginner or older child, a flute stand can be used, keeping the flute out of its case and visible to encourage
practising.
-Featured Flautist of the Month-
Abigail Burrows
At 27, Abigail Burrows is an award-winning professional classical and contemporary flautist. Abigail attended the Purcell School of Music as a scholar, going on to the Royal College of Music to continue her training. She has performed on television and radio, at festivals such as Glastonbury and Latitude and has had the honour of playing with Jethro Tull, and for the Queen!
We are delighted that Abigail has taken some time out from her busy schedule to do a quick interview for our FriendlyFlutes readership!
At what age did you start to play the flute?
I wanted to start when I was 4 but I was too small. Just before my 7th birthday, I was told by a teacher "if you can play a bottom C, I'll teach you". Out of nowhere, I managed to honk one out. He stayed true to his word but I couldn't play another one for several weeks...
What did you find hardest when you first started playing?
Counting and getting rhythms right. I still do!
What was your first flute?
My first flute was a Yamaha 211 and I called him Tooty. I still have him and, strange as this sounds, he has a facebook page!
If you could give the beginner flautist one piece of advice what would it be?
Try to practice every day, even if you can only squeeze in a few minutes. Little and often is better than long bursts a couple of times a week, especially in the early days.
What is your favourite piece of music for the flute?
Faure's Morceau de Concours. It was the first piece I ever heard. I think it's incredibly beautiful and very
flutey!
What types of music do you like listening to?
I have a very varied taste in music! My CD collection contains lots of opera, flute music, piano works and popular stuff like Rage Against the Machine and Lady Ga Ga.
What has been your favourite performance/gig to date?
The 'fancy' concerts, which might be my obvious choice, can in fact quite stressful and my nerves sometimes overshadow my enjoyment. So with this in mind, I think that my favourite gigs are the smaller intimate concerts that I do for music societies. The audiences tend to be so lovely and friendly and very appreciative of music.
-This Month's Flute Highlights-
Below is a selection of flute concerts from around the country this month. Inspire or be inspired by professional flautists!
- 18/07 Michael Wood and Timothy Carey, 3 Irish Airs, Cornwall
- 18/07 Abigail Burrows with Harpsichord and Orchestra, Rutter. Milton Keynes
- 25/07 Bassa Bassa - funky street music inc flute and clarinet.
Beeston, Leeds
- 29/07 "Azure Music" - flute, oboe and piano. St Alfege Church, Greenwich, London
- 30/07 Anne Allen on Flute at Brightlingsea Music Festival, Colchester
- 06/08 Abigail Burrows and Piano (Noel Charles), Lunchtime Recital, London
- 19/08 Agnew/McAllister Duo - flute and guitar. RN College of Music, Manchester
*For further information on these events please "google" them*
-July Playlist-
If you can't make it to the concerts you can still be inspired by listening to some of the great flautists at home. This months playlist contains three classical and three contemporary pieces featuring the flute.
- California Dreamin' - The Mammas & the Papas
- Morceau de concours - Faure
- Court of the Crimson King - Cannata
- Flute And Harp Concerto, K299, 2nd Movement - Mozart
- Postcards From Purgatory - The Dears
- Flute Concerto, Op. 10, No. 2 ' "La Notte" G Minor: Presto - Vivaldi
***Listen now using spotify***
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to load the FriendlyFlutes Newsletter playlist onto your spotify!
-Maintenance Tips-
This month our maintenance section focuses on pads and extending their life. See below for a video on pad cleaning papers and how to use them correctly.
-FriendlyFlutes Community-
We're building a community of students and parents on our FriendlyFlutes Forum. Both adults and children are welcome on the forum, which requires a quick, free registration. The forum is fully monitored by ourselves to provide a fun and safe environment. We aim to be the first online community dedicated to flutes and clarinets in the UK, a place where musicians and their loved ones can share tips and ideas. It is also a great place to ask questions and get advice.
-Monthly Prize Draw-
Each month we will be giving away a musical related prize to a lucky member of the FriendlyFlutes Forum. This month's draw will take place on the 12th August and the winner will receive a pair of Bone China, real platinum 'stars and clefs' mugs handmade by Music Gifts!
FriendlyFlutes are also on facebook! Become a fan of us and keep up to date with the latest news and concerts.
An archive of all newsletters will be regularly uploaded
to our website: www.friendlyflutes.co.uk
