Talking Flutes!

Surviving the post vacation flute blues! E: 231 with Clare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

How to stay motivated and structured after a vacation! "Let's be honest about what ewer can and can't do and then aim to bridge the gap upwards so that our weaknesses begin to catch up with our strengths" "You have to treat your practice like a job!" This week Clare and Jean-Paul look at how we need to brush out the cobwebs after a vacation and get structured.  How we should immediately stop comparing ourselves and our flute playing with any body else and set small measurable improvements. 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

Possibly the worst flute music project brief ever given? E: 230 with Dr José Valentino

'Funky Fusion Flute Flix' (now say that fast 3 times!) When you give a brief to a musician, you usually need to supply them with an expected overview of the project, how much artistic freedom they have, how long or short, how many segments, who is the audience, what is the expected outcome… Early in 2022 the team at TJ flutes said to Grammy and Emmy winning musician José Valentino they wanted to do a project with him which was not like their usual musical adventures together. The brief to José… to create 10 x 60 secs videos of a brief musical moment in time. Simple eh? Not really! José was tasked with writing down 10 things that came to him at one specific moment. Each of these thoughts would then become the name of a track and would then represent the spontaneity of interpretation and freedom of that particular moment in time in which it was recorded. He then had to record the background 'vibe' for each track without knowing what the top line would be. When in the studio, José had to hold each of the ten thoughts in turn and let himself be free to just play over each track. No re-takes…just one-off moments! Artistic freedom was there and yet it was at the same time confined between boundaries of imposed time structures dictated by an external entity. Was each recorded moment actually going to deliver freedom of musical expression, or was the barriers of space within time going to impose creative limits? Within the time structure, José was artistically free to spontaneously improvise knowing that each moment is always different to the moment before. Creating with freedom and understanding that every recording immediately becomes a reflection of an earlier moment. Why set a 60 second barrier? The audience. These videos are aimed at the transient and fast moving social media population. Those who expect their information, both auditory and visual to be contained with a brief message via their scrolling finger. Valid in that moment and consigned to the archive when the finger pushed upwards. 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

For the love of the flute ❤️ E: 229 with Wissam Boustany & Clare Southworth

Let's put 'love' at the forefront of everything! A wonderful double interview interwieved in to a single, longer than usual podcast with stunning musician, flute player and conductor Wissam Boustany. During the podcast Wissam explains to his long time friend Clare how it really is 'love' that makes the world go around, and that as musicians, we should break down our own barriers and show the audience who we are emotionally.  This is what really defines us as creatives! 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

The flute and why we love it. A very brief history. E: 228 with Clare Southworth

"I'm often surprised at the lack of knowledge about the history of the flute when I used to ask new flute students at Music College what they know" comments Professor of Flute at the Royal Academy of Music Clare Southworth in her 'Talking Flutes' podcast this week.  During this August (2022) instead of taking a break, we are looking back over some of our favourite podcasts.  Clare and I have so many favourites and literally had to throw a number of die to randomly choose. This week, Clare revisits a quick look at the flute history over the years in podcast 69 recorded in 2019.   'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

The Beatboxing Flute Maestro - E: 227 with Greg Pattillo

"Learning to beatbox enhances your flute playing and is being written in to many new flute compositions nowadays" During August we are revisiting some of our favourite podcasts and this week Jean-Paul has chosen one of his buddies, the beatboxing genius with 100m YouTube views Greg Pattillo. For more information on Greg visit www.pattillostyle.com 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes' Extra are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

’Syrinx’ the origins. E: 226 with William Dowdall

Arguably the most famous flute piece ever written! This week on Talking Flutes podcasts revisited, Jean-Paul speaks with the brilliant musician, flute player and Professor at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin William Dowdall about all things flute, and Syrinx in particular. You can download the original score of Syrinx at www.williamdowdall.com 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes' Extra are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Let’s talk about our mental health! E: 225 with Dr Joe Stammeijer and Clare Southworth

Let’s talk about our mental health!    Burnout, stress and performance anxiety!   During August, instead of having a summer break, Clare Southworth-Stammeijer and Jean-Paul Wright decided to look back at some of their favourite podcasts which might be a little too far back for those who have only started to join us recently.   Here's an excerpt of the full podcast recorded in 2019 and 2020 where Clare was joined by her son Dr Joe Stammeijer where they speak about burnout, stress management and the importance of looking after your mental health.   'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com 

Let’s talk Tonguing & Copyright! - E: 224 with Clare Southworth& Jean-Paul Wright

A dot over a note doesn't mean 'short', it means 'detached'!! This week on 'Talking Flutes', Clare and Jean-Paul answer more questions that have been sent in by listeners.  During their conversation they speak about the many different types of tonguing and also copyright issues with music! 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute Company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com

Tension is the enemy of your sound! E:223 with Clare Southworth& Jean-Paul Wright

"Singing is so natural so sing a phrase first then play it!"  This week on 'Talking Flutes', Clare and Jean-Paul answer more questions that have been sent in by listeners.  They cover the subject of the need to 'Open your throat' when playing and also why you should buy your flute from a specialist music store with expertise in flutes rather than off Amazon or eBay.  'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flutes Company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com

Ghost notes and whistle tones. E: 222 with Clare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

How to get a beautiful third octave and how not to go flat at the end of a note? This week Clare and Jean-Paul answer some of the many questions that have been sent in to us over the past 8 weeks from listeners.  (1)"How do you not go flat when you are fading out a note at the end of a passage?" (2) "I’m struggling with high notes.  My teacher says that I’m forcing it too much!" (3) "What does my flute teacher mean when she says open my throat?"  Please 'like' and 'rate' Talking Flutes on whatever podcast channel you're listening to this on as it really does help the algorithm to kick-in and enable other flute players find us! 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.ccom

Tea, teacakes and flute lessons! - E: 221 with Clare Southworth

Let's talk Ghost notes, whistle tones, harmonics and the power of exaggerating dynamics!   After over four years and 220 podcasts, Jean-Paul interviews his co-host Clare about her flute playing career and highlights.   'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com   

A flute sound of claret with a hint of Prosecco! - E: 220 with Philippa Davies

"I want flute playing to be expansive and to communicate a story! This week on Talking Flutes, Clare speaks with the wonderful London flute player, and Professor at the Guildhall College of Music in London  Philippa Davis about how she started and always being very busy!! Philippa Davies has established an international reputation as one of the finest flautists currently performing. Originally Principal Flute of the National Youth Orchestra of GB, Philippa went on to train at the Royal College of Music with Douglas Whittaker and later William Bennett. She won many awards including the Tagore Gold Medal Prize, the National Federation of Music Societies award, the Mozart Memorial Prize and was a Park Lane Group Young Artist. She was a member of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies’s ensemble Fires of London, and of the ensembles Capricorn and Albion; currently she is part of the Nash Ensemble and London Winds directed by Michael Collins and plays in duo with Jan Willem Nelleke, piano, and with Maggie Cole, harpsichord. She was principal flute with the London Mozart Players, and continues to be a regular guest principal flute with all the main London orchestras. As a soloist, she has taken part in many international festivals since her debut at the BBC proms in 1988. She gives masterclasses, recitals and broadcasts, and performs concertos throughout the world with many orchestras. Philippa’s numerous recordings include Mozart’s entire original concertos and quartets, Bach’s Flute Sonatas, Romance of the Flute and Harp, Poulenc’s Flute Sonata, Giles Swayne’s Winter Solstice Carol with the King’s College Choir and all William Alwyn’s flute music. She is a Professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has a summer International Flute Course in Cubertou, France. 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast recordings by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com 

What makes us tick? With Dr Rik Noyce E:219

"There's something really human about making a mistake!" This week on 'Talking Flutes Extra' Jean-Paul speaks with flute player, Professor and a Life Coach Dr Rik Noyce about nerves, confidence, imposter syndrome and much much more.   Just because you may not have followed the 'usual' route in to something, it doesn't mean you can't succeed! You find out more about Dr Noyce at https://www.riknoycedma.com 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com   

An unconventional musical journey. E: 218 with Abigail Burrows

"We all flourish at different times and I wasn't ready when I was younger!" From musical prodigy to West End shows and orchestras with severe burn out along the way, this week on Talking Flutes, Clare speaks with musician, flute player and founder of the eFlute Festival Abigail Burrows. An enlightening podcast where Abbie speaks openly about the benefits and also difficulties that being a hugely talented and successful flute player at a young age brought upon her. After being completely burnt out after her first year at Music College, Abbie left the flute and music world behind as she dipped her toes in to other ways to earn a living.  However after a couple of years, the desire to get the flute out began to bubble up and she returned to practicing again. Now a very successful musician and flute player, Abbie explains how a career wobble doesn't mean and end to your musical journey and that it's vitally important that you remain authentic at all times, both to your music and also yourself. You can find our more about Abbie and also her eFlutes Festival at www.abigailburrows.com  'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com   

Your Voice! The transformational nature of Podcasting. E: 217 with Jean-Paul Wright & Dr Heidi Kay Begay

"It's not just speaking in to a microphone, its how podcasting can open up your flute playing and performance by enabling you to understand your own unique voice" This week 'Talking Flutes' combines with another flute podcast 'Flute 360'  with podcaster Dr Heidi Kay Begay and 'Talking Flutes Extra' host Jean-Paul Wright. We speak about how podcasting during the past 4 years has changed our own 'voice', and how it has made us better listeners, teachers and musicians. 'We all have something to say in our own unique way.  There's room in this podcasting space for so many more musicians.  What are you waiting for!" 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ Flute Company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com      

Putting one foot in front of the other...literally! with Emma Brown E216

"I'm still a flute player, It's just that I now have funny coloured legs" This week on 'Talking Flutes Extra' Jean-Paul speaks with a remarkable musician and flute player Emma Brown.  After a terrible accident two years ago in which Emma became a double leg amputee, Emma talks about her determination to become the flute player she wanted to be before the accident.  She also speaks about her lows, and also the determination, bloody mindedness and the humour which carries her forward as she builds her new normal. 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com

PlayScore - the app than scans music and then plays it back! with creator Anthony Wilkes E:215

"A brilliant app to quickly hear how a piece sounds!" Take a photo of a piece of music and your mobile will play it back to you! This week on 'Talking Flutes', Clare speaks with PlayScore Creator Anthony Wilkes about his brilliant app. The PlayScore 2 sheet music scanner takes traditional sheet music scanning to the next level, using the latest techniques in Optical Music Recognition. When you try this app you realise how invaluable it is for all musicians.  For example you can photograph a piano score of a piece of flute music and simply 'mute' the flute part.  You can then play along with the piano accompaniment.  Or if you don't know how something sounds, or you're interested in hearing the depths of a score, then simply scan with your phone and then you can choose what to listen to!!  You can also slow down an accompaniment without it losing pitch so you can learn to play a piece slowly!!! For more information on PlayScore visit the app store and download the free version PlayScore 2.   'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com    

”We haven’t chosen to be musicians to become rich!” with Daniela Mars E:214

"In one piece there was 33 Top D's!" The joy of making a crowd funded album and meeting either in person or virtually all the wonderful people who made the project happen!! This week on 'Talking Flutes Extra' Jean-Paul speaks with musician and flute player Daniella Mars about the making of her exciting new flute album.  From initial conception, through to the process of crowd funding to the decision to undertake the recording and videography in Brazil. Daniela also talks about how she made her own Dizi flute headjoint by simply drilling a hole in it! For more information on Daniela and her wonderful new album visit www.danielamars.com where you'll also find all her social media links. 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com  

Teachers, let’s talk flute tone! - with Elizabeth Walker and Clare Southworth E:213

The freedom to discover tone without restrictions! In part 4 of 'The Food For Thought' series with Flute Professors and musicians Clare Southworth and Elizabeth Walker, it's the week to discuss flute tone! From "Green Custard to Blue Custard", looking at air speed, harmonics, whistle tones and even touching on the big subject...Vibrato! "We shouldn't just be playing in monochrome!" An enlightening podcast on a very difficult subject with so many preference! 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com  

’Posture: with a twist’ - With Niall O’Riordan E:212

A 'live' Feldenkrais lesson with flute player, soloist and Feldenkrais teacher Niall O'Riordan. In a first for 'Talking Flutes' we hand our podcast channel over this week to Niall to take you through a 'Live' session. You can find out more about Niall, his popular audio programmes and also more about his Flute Online at https://fluteonline.net 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com 

Let’s Talk Breathing!! - With Clare Southworth and Elizabeth Walker E: 211

"There's a complexity to breathing which belies its simplicity!" A must listen Talking Flutes podcast this week on the important subject of 'Breathing' for a musician. "It's crucial to align breathing with your posture as you whole body is your instrument". In part 3 of their 'Food for Thought' series, Clare Southworth and Elizabeth Walker take a look at 'Breathing' and how "...if your posture is good, your breathing is good, then your tone will also be good!" Please continue to send in your questions and suggestions for future podcasts to flutepodcasts@gmail.com or you can also message is on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @talkingflutes. 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com 

”I’m just going to be me!” - With Elsa Nilsson E:210

"Breath is rhythm - movement is rhythm" This week on 'Talking Flutes Extra', Jean-Paul speaks with the wonderful musician and flute player Elsa Nilsson about her two new albums, and in turn, has a lesson on the beauty and community of the giant Redwood trees.  Following the opening up of the music scene again (post covid) Elsa explains that it was "The communal experience of creativity was the thing that brought us back to life!" In this really enlightening podcast, they explore with a couple of tracks her new album 'Atlas of Sound' which is is a passionate dialogue with giant Redwood trees and also listen to a track called "Let it Burn' from a very creative album by the Esthesis Quartet. For more information on Elsa and also these brilliant new albums, visit www.elsanilssonmusic.com 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com 

Musicians are actually business owners and CEO’s - Elizabeth Walker and Clare Southworth

'Food For Thought' part two for flute teachers.  In 'Talking Flutes' this week, Clare and Elizabeth Walker are back with pt 2 of their 'Food For Thought' series aimed at flute teachers and those thinking of going in to the profession. During the podcast they talk about lesson payments, structuring lesson content and the importance of having lesson and prepared notes for each student.  Also the importance of creating a rapport and positive learning environment.   A fascinating podcast subject and one which I'm sure we'll hear more about from Clare and Elizabeth. Please continue to send in your thoughts and questions for future podcasts to flutepodcasts@gmail.com or @talkingflutes on our FB and IG pages. 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com 

Irish Music on the silver flute - Podcast 208 with Philippe Barnes

"I rarely smile in photos!' "If you see me in a photo and it looks like I'm not smiling, it really is me smiling, it's just me smiling how relatively happy I am!" This week on 'Talking Flutes Extra' recorded in a coffee shop in the centre of London,  Jean-Paul welcomes back the brilliant musician and flute player Philippe Barnes for a catch-up.  With updates to his popular 'Irish Music On The Silver Flute' book as well as  his '102 Session Tunes' book , we also take a few moments listening to a beautiful track from his album 'The Wilderness Yet'. For more information www.philippebarnes.com 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute Company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com

”Teach the easy before the difficult!” - Podcast 207 with Elizabeth Walker and Clare Southworth

Organisation - Preparation - Adaptation! "The role of the teacher is to unlock potential" In 'Talking Flutes' this week, Clare Southworth talks with Elizabeth Walker in a new series of podcasts for flute teachers called 'Food for thought'.  As they both agree "You teach the student and not the flute!" If you've any requests for future podcasts either on subject matter or guests you'd like us to have on, then please email them to flutepodcasts@gmail.com 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute Company.  For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com