In Ireland has a firm place in the hearts of many flautists. Starting with wandering street musicians and a beautiful soaring melody moving to a far away light dance, and coming home with a fast exciting jig.
Tag: music
Year in the Life – one second a day
If you are wondering what the day to day life of a very specific combination of musician, flute teacher, music college master's student and concert steward looks like then check this out! It is my year in a second a day (nearly everyday since last September!). Or just check out the bitesize version on my instagram - it is a year in less than a minute.
About the flute
The flute can turn air into many different, mesmerising sounds. Unlike reed instruments, there is no resistance for the player to blow against, the player themselves bends and shapes the air to create their best tone. It is hardly surprising that the flute has a special place in mythology, most notably the Greek God Pan (the subject of much music, including solo flute piece, Debussy's Syrinx).
A Musical Timeline
Music History at a glance with an increasing number of links to biographies and composer information (including what they did for the flute)
Sight reading…
... it's not as scary as you think! Every time you learn a new piece of music you are sight reading - teachers and students shouldn't treat it as an intense part of the exam there's no way to prepare for Prepare in advance: Yes you can practise sight reading. Whether this is with pieces … Continue reading Sight reading…
Playing with others
There are different skills and attitudes for chamber groups and orchestras, but it is worth thinking about how you play with other people, no matter how many there are.
Articulation on the flute
Articulation - coordination, technique, troubleshooting, double tonguing, triple tonguing, clarity, common problems...
Articulation terms
Lets begin with the basic articulation terms and styles. These are the most common symbols you will find. Staccato - a dot above the note means it should be detached (often, but not always, short)Slur - a curved line connects different pitches that are to be played smoothly (only tongue the first note of the … Continue reading Articulation terms
BLOG: The blur of fourth year
It's the Easter holidays and, as I'm staring the end of my degree in the face, I thought I'd give an update on what I've been up to! My final year has been busy with lots of orchestral and wind band concerts. A highlight was playing the flute in a lovely, enormous wind section … Continue reading BLOG: The blur of fourth year
Performance directions – basic music terms
Specific music terms are used by composers to direct performers. It tells us their intention and an idea of the mood or style to perform it in. A beginner's guide to basic music terms and their interpretation.