Frets & Feet

Music and Dance

Fluteseeds

Brings you the joy and healing power of the bamboo flute

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How to play the Six hole bamboo flute

Holding the flute

Most people hold the flute as shown below, with the body of the flute pointing to the right side of the player. It will work just as well with hands reversed, and the flute pointing to the left.

Most players cover the holes with the first three fingers of each hand, using the thumbs and pinky fingers to support the flute. If your hands are small and/or the flute is a large one, you may find it convenient to use the pinky to cover the 6^th hole.

Sounding a note

Put the flute to your lips, with the edge of the mouth hole resting on your lower lip in the middle of your lips. Do not try to cover any holes yet, but support the flute between the thumbs and little fingers of each hand. Form your lips as if you just said “Pooh” ( the last part of the famous bear’s name). Breathe in, and let a gentle stream of air escape between your parted lips. You may need to roll the flute in and out on your lower lip to find just the right angle. The airstream should strike the farther side of the hole at about a 45 degree angle. When you find the “sweet spot” for sounding your flute, try covering the holes one at a time, beginning with #1 (closest to the mouth hole). Use the fleshy pads of your fingers, not the fingertips, to close the holes securely. Any leakage will keep the note from sounding clearly. Each note will have its own “sweet spot” of breath pressure, lip position, and blowing angle, so spend plenty of time getting to know each note.

For more info or to receive a print version or MS Word file of expanded instructions: CLICK HERE

FLUTE ENCOUNTERS OF THREE KINDS

Flute Circles • Flute Jams • World of Flutes

Guided by flutist and multi-instrumentalist Charles Anderson

Flute Circle
The Flute Circle is an encounter for all levels of flute players and enthusiasts. If you have never played a flute before, the Flute Circle will give you a chance to try out an easy-to-play bamboo flute in a supportive environment. If you already play flute, you may bring your own, or borrow one of our bamboo flutes to participate in a guided group experience of flute playing. Discover your own unique song on a flute and hear it blend with others around you.
Hand-crafted bamboo flutes will be available for trial and purchase.

Flute Jam
The Flute Jam is for experienced flute players. Bring your own flute or borrow a bamboo flute to participate in guided improvisation and exploration of the sound properties of the flute. A brief presentation on the flute as an aid to meditation and healing will lead in to a session of individual and group encounters.
Hand-crafted bamboo flutes will be available for trial and purchase.

World of Flutes
Flutist Charles Anderson shares and demonstrates an extensive collection of flutes and flute music from various world cultures, including: Andean Indian, Native American, and Irish. The presentation may end with a flute circle and opportunity to try playing a flute.
Hand-crafted bamboo flutes will be available for trial and purchase.

About Charles Anderson
Charles Anderson has been performing and teaching music in the Pittsburgh area for over 25 years. He currently performs with the Old Economy Village Orchestra, The Wayward Companions (18th century music), Frets & Feet (children’s music) and serves as organist/director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and as flutist and singer for Wednesday evening Taizé service at East Liberty Prebyterian Church.