Native American Flute classes are now available at

Howard Community College in Columbia, MD

HCC logo NA flute

Please visit the HCC website by clicking HERE to find out more information ~

please register early, as class size is limited! 

 

The flute is one of the oldest instruments in the world.  Every indigenous people created flutes of different kinds, and used whatever materials were available:  clay, mud, bamboo, wood, stone, metal.  In North America, there is a strong indigenous flute tradition, and many myths, stories, and melodies to accompany it.

I teach Native American Flute in single workshops, multi-day workshops, and classes spanning several weeks.  Though my ancestry is Cherokee, I was not raised within that tradition, and I don’t feel it is appropriate to teach “Native American” melodies in my classes.  In finding my own way with this instrument, I have discovered that it is far more valuable to learn to approach music making from what I consider a more traditional way of thinking.

In my classes and workshops, I offer students the opportunity to become comfortable and fluent with the instrument initially.  Once that has been established, I guide students into deep listening practices that establish a connection with the source of all creativity.  Students will connect with the natural world, rhythms of the day and night, as well as the shifting of seasons and weather, and will explore creating original music from these practices.  Whether a one day workshop or a four week class, students will be given the tools and practices to create a relationship between the world and the flute, and to express themselves musically from an intuitively guided space.  No prior experience is required, but intermediate and advanced students are welcome to participate as well.

Overview of classes (4-6 total):

~  Intro to Native American flute – instrument basics of technique, breathing, tone production, style; introduction to intuitive listening; create one original melody; share melodies in circle.

~  Review of basics of the flute; share 1st melody in circle; teach each other and share; (learning by ear and applying new techniques, etc); introduce new techniques from this style; introduction to melody and phrase shape; create 2nd original melody based on a common/shared theme (song for the rain, wind, night, etc) – share in circle, and then play in sequence.

~ Deepen listening and understanding of how melody works – shape, contour, speed, pitch, motion, etc; also, how melodies come together to create structure in a song or composition; create more individual/improvised melodies and songs; themes include totem animals and spirits, storytelling using the flute, music for meditation and healing, other themes arise at the preference and interest of students – very much class directed; share melodies and songs in circle at each class.

~ Native America tradition of ceremonial and ritual music – calling the directions – students will create original melodies for this purpose; share in circle.

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Jon Norris Music & Arts is the flutemaker of choice for Angela Blueskies

All students enrolling at HCC will receive a beautiful handmade flute from Jon Norris!

Jon Norris flutes

6 thoughts on “Native American Flute

  • September 8, 2014 at 11:40 am
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    Hi,

    Rebecca Lemus here. we have connected a few times in the area…..perhaps through hillary….red tent….joe….francis..?

    I am excited that you are coming to Greenbelt and bringing medicinal chant..I love that that vibration is coming to the cafe..
    more thoughts about this later…

    Meanwhile, I am looking to purchase my first native american flute and I need your suggestion…

    I want a Ceder flute ..small ish so manageable made on the east coast of US….Who can I get it from..?

    -Please let me know…
    301-943-9471

    • September 8, 2014 at 2:51 pm
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      Hi Rebecca –
      Nice to hear from you. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday – and YES, it’s really nice to have this energy at the New Deal, we’re really looking forward to it.
      I would highly recommend purchasing a flute from Jon Norris – I use his flutes for all my classes, and play them myself as well. He builds solid, reliable instruments that are well tuned, and with a beautiful sound, in a variety of woods. His work is excellent! Here’s his website:

  • May 27, 2014 at 9:01 pm
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    Hi Angela. I am signed up for your HCC class. I had written you once, but since then I have fallen in love with the NAF, thanks to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFwL9f9xo3M. I like his low flute (C?). I gather this would be difficult for a beginner, but perhaps maybe a G#? (Or whatever you think an absolute beginner could handle on the low side.) Looking forward to your class! Thanks, Arna 301 596 3226

    • May 28, 2014 at 10:07 am
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      Looking forward to having you in the class! Yes, low flutes are challenging for beginners. The ones provided for the class are wonderful, all handmade by a dear friend of mine, and are in A – which is very common for beginning classes. As the class progresses and you get more comfortable, definitely bring the others!
      Blessings, and see you soon!

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