Talking Flutes

Music, a universal language that transcends boundaries, has the power to evoke emotions, connect people, and ignite the imagination. Musicians, the creators and conduits of this expressive art form, often find themselves grappling with the paradoxical impulse to compare their work to that of others. In a world inundated with constant stimuli and comparisons, embracing a mindset of non-comparison can be transformative for a musician's artistic journey. In this Bitesize pod Jean-Paul takes a quick look into the profound effects of adopting a non-comparative outlook, exploring how it nurtures creativity, enhances authenticity, and cultivates a sense of fulfilment within the musical experience. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

What musicians can learn from golf pros! In Talking Flutes this week, Clare Southworth speaks with PGA golf professional Ryan Fenwick about his journey from player to top coach and how there are many similarities with Clare's own path from performer to flute professor. Not only personal similarities but also ways in which musicians and golf professionals approach their work and practice. There are however obvious differences as golf players have a large supportive and active team behind them whilst musicians in effect, have only themselves. Are we damaging our profession by not offering the supportive environment that sports people have around them? Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

How to fast tongue on the flute plus an easy hack! The flute as we know (this is a flute podcast after all) is such a beautiful and versatile instrument. One important aspect of flute playing is articulation, which involves controlling the initiation and termination of notes to create distinct and precise musical phrases. Now I know that we’ve done some pods on the subject of tonguing, and why articulation is not an easy one sized fits all technique for every piece and musical genre, however we’ve received several questions on how to tongue fast in the past couple of weeks and this next 10 mins whilst it is by no mean definitive as let’s face it, it’s a bitesize short pod, that said, let’s jump in to the world of fast tonguing and see where it takes us: Double and triple tonguing are techniques used in flute playing to articulate repeated or rapid notes in a musical passage. They involve using the tongue to create a sequence of articulated sounds, allowing for clear and precise execution of fast passages. T We may have made 273 Talking Flute podcasts over the past 6 years, however we still need to you to like and rate the podcast on whatever provider you are listening to this on! Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and Bitesize are podcasts by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

"Making musicians human to non musicians!" "It's vital that flute players understand the importance of blending" This week on Talking Flutes, Jean-Paul speaks with the brilliant Catriona Ryan - Principal Flute and flute section leader of the National Symphony Orchestra based in Dublin, Ireland. During the podcast they speak about many subjects including the interest of the pre-concert talk to the audience, diversity within orchestras, the pressures of being an orchestral player and why non-musicians don't understand why musicians need to be paid a fee when they are asked to do an event. Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

The flute genius that was Theobald Boehm! This week we’re going to take a very brief look at one of the most influential figures in the evolution of the modern flute, Theobald Boehm. The flute as we know is an ancient instrument. A musical instrument that has a rich history, with various advancements and innovations over the centuries. Among the many influential figures in its evolution, Theobald Boehm stands out as one of the most prominent and impactful. Boehm was a German flute maker and flute player who made significant contributions to the design and construction of the flute, revolutionising its key system, embouchure, and overall playability. His innovative ideas and inventions have had a lasting impact on the flute world, making him a pivotal figure in the history of flute making. In this brief bitesize pod , we’ll delve into the life, work, and legacy of Theobald Boehm, exploring his important contributions to the flute and his lasting influence on flute making. Theobald Boehm was born on April 9, 1794, in Munich, Germany. He grew up in a musical family, with his father, a goldsmith and amateur flutist, exposing him to music from a young age. Boehm showed prodigious talent as a flutist and quickly gained recognition as a virtuoso performer. He made his debut as a flutist at the age of 16, and his exceptional playing skills earned him a reputation as one of the leading flutists of his time. Apart from his musical talent, Boehm also had a keen interest in mechanics and engineering. He possessed a deep understanding of the physics of sound and the mechanics of wind instruments. This combined knowledge of music and engineering would later serve as the foundation for his ground-breaking work in flute making. During his life he made significant innovations in flute key system design, embouchure, and it’s overall construction, which have had a lasting impact on flute playing and performance. 'Talking Flutes', 'Bitesize' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Lizzo vs Sir James Galway In 'Talking Flutes' this week Clare and Jean-Paul go walkabout in the seaside home town of Clare. Subjects on the discussion table this week include the effect that Lizzo is having on the flute world and raising the profile of the instrument compared go the stratospheric effect that Sir James Galway had on the flute back in the 70's & 80's. They also catch-up on the listener feedback from a subject they spoke about on a previous podcast when they looked at the subject of increasing diversity on the flute world. 'Talking Flutes', 'Bitesize' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Fear is a natural human emotion that can affect anyone, including as many of us would have experienced…musicians. It can manifest in various ways, such as stage fright, fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of not meeting expectations. When left unchecked, fear can hinder us from performing to our full potential and limit our growth as an artist. However, by understanding and addressing the underlying causes of fear, we can all begin to unlock our potential and thrive in our performances. In this talking flutes bitesize, we will briefly explore the concept of fear in the context of musical performance, examine its effects on musicians, and discuss strategies for unlocking fear to perform to our full potential. Understanding Fear in Musical Performance Fear can arise from various sources in the context of musical performance. One common form of fear is stage fright, which refers to the anxiety or nervousness experienced before or during a performance. Stage fright can result from factors such as the pressure to meet high expectations, fear of making mistakes, fear of being judged by others, or fear of failure. Other forms of fear in musical performance may include fear of rejection or criticism, fear of not being good enough, or fear of losing control. Fear can have both physical and psychological effects on us. Physically, fear can manifest as symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweaty palms, tense muscles, shallow breathing, or trembling. These physical symptoms can affect musicians' performance by impairing their technical skills, vocal abilities, or overall comfort on stage. Psychologically, fear can cause negative thoughts, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence, which can further impact musicians' performance by affecting their mental focus, emotional expression, and connection with the audience. The Effects of Fear on Musicians The effects of fear on us as performers can be detrimental to our performance and overall well-being. Fear can limit our ability to ourselves fully, explore our artistic potential, and connect with our audience on a deeper level. It can create a barrier between us and our audience, preventing us from fully engaging in the moment and delivering our best performance. Fear can also erode our self-confidence, leading to self-doubt and a negative cycle of performance anxiety. Furthermore, fear can impact our mental and emotional well-being, leading to stress, burnout, and even avoidance of performance opportunities. As a result we may avoid challenging performances or shy away from taking risks due to fear of failure or rejection. This can limit our growth and prevent us from reaching our full performance potential. Fear can also affect a musicians' overall enjoyment of their craft, leading to a diminished sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in their performances. 'Talking Flutes', 'Bitesize' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit https://tjflutes.com

Liberating Your Power of Individuality and Why Musicians Should Embrace Their Unique Journey The world of music is a diverse tapestry, woven with countless individual threads, each carrying its own unique expression and style. However, amidst this rich tapestry, musicians often find themselves trapped in the relentless cycle of comparison. In this podcast Jean-Paul will briefly explore the detrimental effects of comparing oneself to others and highlight the transformative benefits of embracing individuality. By delving into the psychological, creative, and professional aspects, he'll also try to shed light on why musicians should resist the temptation to compare themselves and instead cultivate an environment of self-acceptance and personal growth. Talking Flutes, Bitesize and Talking Flutes Extra are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit https://tjflutes.com

Performance anxiety is a common experience among musicians, regardless of their skill level or stage of career. The pressure to deliver a flawless performance in front of an audience or examiner can trigger a range of physical and psychological symptoms that hinder musicians from reaching their full potential. In this bitesize pod, we’ll explore the nature of performance anxiety, its impact on musicians, and effective coping strategies to manage and overcome this challenge. By understanding and addressing performance anxiety, musicians can unlock their true artistic potential and find fulfilment in their musical journey. Performance anxiety is an intense fear or apprehension associated with performing in front of others. It stems from the fear of judgment, making mistakes, or not meeting one's own expectations. This anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, trembling, and mental symptoms like negative self-talk, self-doubt, and racing thoughts. Understanding the roots and manifestations of performance anxiety is essential for developing effective coping strategies. Performance anxiety can significantly impact musicians' performance, confidence, and overall well-being. It may hinder technical proficiency, impair memory recall, and disrupt the flow of expression. Additionally, the fear of performance anxiety itself can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety in subsequent performances. It is crucial to acknowledge the emotional and psychological toll performance anxiety can take on musicians' lives. This week Jean-Paul briefly explores what Performance Anxiety is and looks at some coping Strategies to help you navigate through, around and past! 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Do you move too much when you are playing? This week on Talking Flutes, Clare and Jean-Paul look at three questions which have been sent in by listeners. 1. What do we think about musicians moving around when playing? 2. Blind or open auditions to increase diversity 3. Flute sustainability Please rate and like Talking Flutes with whatever provider you are listening on and keep sending in your flute or performance related questions to us on our socials @talkingflutes on Instagram and Facebook or via our email [email protected]

This week we’re taking a very brief look at the iconic Louis Lot Flute Company and their legacy of excellence and innovation. The first Lot flutes were made in 1855 and over 168 years later, Louis Lot flutes have earned a reputation for their exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite tonal quality, and outstanding performance capabilities. In this brief pod, we’ll very briefly delve into the fascinating story of the Louis Lot Flute Company, exploring its origins, its contributions to the development of modern flutes, its notable achievements, and its enduring legacy in the world of flute manufacturing. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions buy the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

What does a Monty Python, London Cockney, Shakespeare, a French composer, a pirate, an alien, a member of the British aristocracy, Star Wars, and the Talking Flutes Podcast all have in common? This week on Talking Flutes Extra, Jean-Paul has really gone off at a tangent and must have had too much rain on his head when he was on holiday last week! You're going to have to listen if you want to find out...WARNING...this Episode is ridiculous! Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and Bitesize episodes are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Do you cause your own performance, practice and goal setting problems? In Talking Flutes Bitesize podcast this week, Jean-Paul briefly looks at the importance of getting out of our own way to succeed in our musical life. Many of us have faced situations in our lives where we have felt stuck, unable to move forward or achieve our goals. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle standing in our way is ourselves. We often hold ourselves back with limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and fear of failure. In this podcast, we will explore the importance of getting out of our own way and the strategies we can use to achieve success. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Bringing Berio's Sequenza to Life! This week on Talking Flutes, Clare and Jean-Paul will be addressing additional questions sent in by podcast listeners. To cultivate and enhance your musical growth, it is crucial for you to consistently venture beyond classical music and delve into the diverse music of other cultures and styles. The profound impact of this exhilarating exploration into different rhythms, melodies, and musical expressions on your own music and interpretation cannot be underestimated. Do not confine yourself to being solely a flute player. Embrace the essence of being a musician! Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and Bitesize pods are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

As musicians, we all want to deliver the best possible performance, but sometimes nerves or distractions can get in the way. Creative visualisation is a technique that involves using mental imagery to create or recreate experiences in our minds. By visualising a particular scenario or outcome, we can help prepare ourselves for it and increase the chances of it happening in reality. Creative visualization is a powerful tool that can help us overcome inner obstacles and give us an additional tool to ensure that we have the chance to perform at our best. One of the key benefits of creative visualisation is that it can help build confidence in our abilities as musicians. By visualising ourselves performing at our best, we can create a positive mental image of ourselves as capable and skilled musicians. This can be especially helpful for musicians who struggle with self-doubt or negative self-talk. When we believe in ourselves and our abilities, we're more likely to take risks and perform with conviction. Another way to use creative visualisation is to mentally rehearse challenging performance situations. For example, if you're nervous about playing a solo in front of an audience, you could visualise yourself playing the solo flawlessly and receiving a positive response from the audience. By doing this, you're preparing your mind and body for the actual performance and increasing your chances of success. Visualisation can also be used to improve our physical technique on our instrument. By mentally rehearsing difficult passages, we can help train our muscle memory and make it easier to execute those passages accurately and effortlessly. This can be especially helpful for musicians who struggle with tension or physical discomfort while playing. In addition to using visualisation on our own, we can also use it in collaboration with our teachers or coaches. For example, a coach might guide us through a visualisation exercise that helps us overcome a specific technical challenge or mental block. Alternatively, a teacher might ask us to visualise ourselves performing a piece in a particular style or with a specific musical expression, helping us to better understand the musical intent and communicate it through our playing. When using creative visualisation, it's important to make the mental imagery as vivid and detailed as possible. Try to engage as many senses as you can - imagine the feel of the instrument in your hands, the sound of the music, the sensation of the stage lights, and so on. The more vivid the mental image, the more effective the visualisation will be. It's also important to practice visualisation regularly, ideally incorporating it into your daily practice routine. This will help you build up a strong mental image of yourself as a confident and skilled musician, and make it easier to access that mental state when you need it during a performance. One of the main benefits of creative visualisation is that it can help reduce anxiety and nerves before a performance. If we can mentally rehearse the scenario and feel confident in our abilities, we're much more likely to feel calm and collected when the time comes to perform. Visualisation can also help us develop a sense of control over the situation, which can be especially helpful in high-pressure performance situations. In the case of musicians, this might mean visualising ourselves performing flawlessly on stage or nailing a difficult passage in a piece we're working on. But creative visualisation isn't just about reducing anxiety. It can also help us improve our technical skills and musicality. By visualising ourselves playing a piece with perfect technique and musical expression, we're training our brains to recognise and replicate those qualities in our actual playing. Visualisation can also help us identify areas where we may need to focus our practice, such as difficult technical passages or tricky musical phrases. Another benefit of creative visualisation is that it can help us stay focused and present during a performance. By mentally rehearsing the piece beforehand, we're better able to stay in the moment and react to any unexpected changes that may occur. This can be especially important in ensemble playing, where we need to be aware of our surroundings and respond to the other musicians around us. So, how do we actually go about using creative visualisation as musicians? There are a few different approaches you can take. One is to simply close your eyes and visualise yourself performing a piece from start to finish, imagining every detail from the way your fingers move on the instrument to the sound of the audience applauding at the end. You can also focus on specific aspects of the performance, such as a difficult passage or a particular musical phrase that you want to improve. Another approach is to use guided visualisation exercises. These can be found online or in books on the topic, and typically involve listening to a recording or re

Yes you too can fall in love with playing the piccolo! This week on Talking Flutes, Jean-Paul speaks with Egor Egorkin, the Principal Piccolo player of the Berliner Philharmonika. In this insightful episode, Egor speaks about the process of creating a balance of pitch and emotion, how practicing whistle tones can really help your piccolo practice, and the importance of finding the right colour in the intonation process. For Egor, being constantly curious with the piccolo and searching for new sounds, colours and feelings keeps him excited about the instrument. Talking Flutes and Talking Flutes Bitesize are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Creativity is a key component of human experience. It enables us to approach problems and challenges in unique and innovative ways, to see the world from different perspectives, and to express ourselves through various forms of art and self-expression. Unfortunately, many of us believe that creativity is a rare talent reserved for artists and musicians, or that it's something we're born with or without. However, research shows that creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and developed over time. In this Talking Flutes bitesize pod we will briefly explore some of the strategies and techniques for unlocking our inner creativity and cultivating a creative mindset. Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Memory, tablet or sheet music? Do you need to study music theory or can you focus solely on your practice? In 'Talking Flutes' podcast this week, Clare and Jean-Paul begin a 5 part discussion around many questions which have been sent in by listeners over the past few months. Follow us on social media at FB and IG @talkingflutes and please give us a 'Like' and a rating on whatever podcast provider you're listening to this on. After nearly 6 years of doing this very popular weekly podcast, we still need your help in getting these pods out to an even bigger audience. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Do you need some strategies to unlock your musical creativity or are you experiencing a block? Creative blocks can be caused by many factors including stress, fatigue, lack of inspiration or even interest in what you are doing! In this short Bitesize podcast this week, Jean-Paul talks about how basic self-care strategies can help to break down any block you are experiencing. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

"Make everybody you meet be curious about you!" "Everything in life that we do, we should do with intention!" In this episode, Jean-Paul speaks with flute player, author, managing agent and marketeer Morgan Pappas about her change of career. From flutist to Artist Agent and what made her make such a leap in to a new world! We also cover her brilliant new e-book 'How To Be Your Own Agent' and why you can totally do this on your own! 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Do you have any external or internal self-limiting factors that may be preventing you from achieving your musical goals. A growth mindset is a belief that your abilities can be realised through dedication and hard work. In this short 'Bitesize' episode, Jean-Paul looks at how developing a structured and realistic growth mindset will help to point you in the right direction to success. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' Episodes are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Tension stops resonance! In this insightful episode, Clare Southworth and Elizabeth Walker speak about three of the fundamentals of flute playing. Projection - Resonance - Dynamics. How projection and loudness do not corollate and how projection is about using our bodies, as singer do! If you want your music to come alive, then the correct use of dynamics will make your music come alive! Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and Bitesize are podcasts productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Embrace imperfection: No performance is ever perfect This week on this Bitesize episode, we’re going to be looking at a few solutions and strategies for musicians who suffer from performance anxiety. If you're a musician who experiences nervousness or fear when performing in front of others, you're not alone. Performance anxiety is a common experience for many musicians, but the good news is that there are strategies and techniques that can help you manage and overcome these feelings. Sadly there isn’t a one-size fits all technique or strategy as we all experience these feelings in different ways and therefore require almost a unique strategy tailored to ourselves. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute Company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

"Being present in the moment is where I am" Be open, flexible and not stuck in the "This is the only way I play this song" attitude! "You can't just jump in the water...you first have to figure out how to get to the water!' This week on Talking Flutes Extra, Jean-Paul speaks with the brilliant multi-instrumentalist, composer and member of Grammy Winning collective 'Snarky Puppy' during a break he was was enjoying in Brazil. Insightful as always, Chris also speaks about how age shouldn't define a musician and how running helps him 'chill' when on the road with Snarky. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

The power of positive thinking in our musical lives! This week on Talking Flutes 'Bitesize', Jean-Paul takes a look a how positive thinking can impact on our lives. There is also a specially composed and beautiful soundscape meditation included for all those who wish to explore the joy that being in the present brings. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

"If one is aware of vibrato, it is either unnecessary or too deep!" This week on Talking Flutes, Clare talks flute and flute study with flute player, adjudicator and one of the UK's most respected flute teachers Carolyn Kelly. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' pods are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

In today's episode, we'll be talking about the relationship between happiness and success. The definition of ‘success’ is also very personal, different for each and every one of us. If we must measure any perceived success, then it should always be based on our own ‘values’ and passions and not on how others see us. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ Flute Company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

"Your voice is all that matters in this world!" "Make your own choices rather than them being made by others!" This week on Talking Flutes Jean-Pau speaks via Zoom with the brilliant musician and sax player Andy Snitzer who following a suggestion from Amy Kilkain, a doubling musician in Texas. Amy suggested that flute players can learn so much more if they opened their ears and eyes to other instrumental influences, and as a flute player herself, suggested we get a 'Big Hitter' on to the podcast to an answers some of the insightful questions that are sent in from listeners. From playing with the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Sting and many other huge names and bands, Andy Snitzer remains totally grounded in his desire to have his musical voice heard and not to be a clone of any other musician before. He is passionate in his desire to make everybody feel unique with their instrumental voice "at whatever stage they are at"..."We all have our place...we are all unique" More information on Andy Snitzer can be found at https://andysnitzer.com Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and Bitesize Podcasts are made by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

What makes us happy? In Talking Flutes 'Bitesize' this week Jean-Paul looks at the areas of happiness and how we must make conscious decisions and changes to experience happiness in our music making. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Talking Flutes Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

The power really is in your hands! This week Jean-Paul and Clare muse around on subjects such as how to get back to structured practice, the flute players sound, warming up, the influence of teachers and asking the question..."Why do we have to play scales?" Without good posture your sound will never reflect you full potential. Have good posture and then learn to shape your sound to create a multi-coloured world. The you'll be the best representation of you as a musician! 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' episodes are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Mindfulness for musicians and staying in the zone! In this bitesize episode, Jean-Paul look at the benefits that being 'Mindful' can help our practice and performance. How it can help to prevent that negative feeling coming in to unwelcome focus when a hard part is coming up in a piece of music. How being mindful is very simple and yet totally transformative! 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Limitation breeds creativity! This week on Talking Flutes Extra Jean-Paul speaks with flute player, arranger and social media influencer Barry Griffiths about his love for video game and film music. During the podcast we listen to performance of 6 of his favourites pieces from Star Trek II through to Harry Potter. 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

What is happiness to you? Hello and welcome to these new ‘Talking Flutes’ bite-sized podcasts, where over the next few weeks, and sandwiched between the usual and longer ‘Talking Flutes’ pods that Clare and Jean-Paul record, we are going to briefly explore the fascinating world of human psychology and behaviour, and specifically the areas of happiness and relaxation for musicians as a counter balance to the eebejeebies, nerves and many anxieties that we have all suffered, or continue to suffer with our music making. Today, and in this first episode, we're going to start by asking …what is happiness to you and… in the coming weeks in these bite-sized pods we are going to break this down further and also include some short exercises? Talking Flutes and Talking Flutes Bitesize are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Anti-Resolutions! This week on Talking Flutes and the first one of 2023, Clare and Jean-Paul speak about why they don't make NY resolutions and how small changes in mindset and practice routine can make so much difference to your flute playing. Let's try once a week breaking the stranglehold of the dots, which can often create pressure and frustration by simply 'Noodling'! Talking Flutes and Talking Flutes Extra are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

It's good for our wellbeing to take a break! It's the Festive Edition where Clare and Jean-Paul speak about Christmas activities and practice routines. During this episode we listen to Clare playing the Martinu Sonata and are also serenaded with flute choir music by the brilliant Barry Griffiths. Clare and Jean-Paul return with a New Year Special on January 2nd so until then, wishing you Seasons Greetings and in advance...a Happy New Year!

Understand the composers narrative and your performance will come alive! In this podcast, Clare takes a look at the beautiful 'Sonate en Concert' by the prolific composer Jean-Michel Damase and two movements, the 'Rondeau' and the 'Aria' from the beautiful and haunting flute piece Suite Antique by John Rutter Of the ‘Sonate en Concert’ Clare says "in my opinion, Damase doesn't get the credit amongst flute payers that he deserves!' Composed in 1979, 'Suite Antique' is a concertante work by John Rutter and is written for harpsichord, flute and string orchestra. Rutter composed the piece, in six movements, for a concert at which Bach's fifth Brandenburg concerto was to be performed, and so decided to write the piece for the same ensemble. In this podcast Clare looks at two movements in particular, the 'Rondeau' and the 'Aria' Please 'Rate - Like - Follow' Talking Flutes 'on whatever podcast provider you are listening on as it helps others to find us! 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcasts by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.trevorjamesflutes.com

Using chocolate instead of tonal colours! Is there an easy way to learn how to double and triple tongue? Are specialist flute stores actually a kind of 'Tinder' for flute players? This week on Talking Flutes Extra, Jean-Paul is flying solo answering some questions received from listeners. He certainly has some interesting theories around new ways to improve the speed of your double and triple tonguing along with using chocolate to describe tone! He also follows up on a listeners question from the podcast last week where he speaks about opinion vs facts! 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes' Extra are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Being your own self critic and not letting criticism define you! This week on Talking Flutes Clare and Jean-Paul speaks about the difficulty in being honest with yourself and also with other musicians. We have to change the inner narrative of the word 'critique' to 'observation' as this can then be one of the important elements of our development. Talking Flutes & Talking Flutes Extra are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

"Understanding your emotional hook unlocks so much magic in your practice music and performance." This week on Talking Flutes, Jean-Paul speaks with Founder of 'Etude of the Week' and 'For the Love of Flute' Katy Wherry about her journey and her determination to facilitate a positive and loving 'voice' to every flute player online. "Growth happens in the hard parts so let's take it on. Let's show up and break that wall down." 'Talking Flutes' is a podcast production by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

We've all got performance skeletons! This week on 'Talking Flutes', Clare and Jean-Paul speak about their performance nightmares from getting on the wrong train to the wrong city, to tackling extremely hard pieces. If you've got any questions or suggestions for future podcast topics or guests, then please send them to us [email protected] 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions sponsored by the TJ Flute Company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

No flute player should be a guru!!" "It was really hard when I started out on my flute playing journey in the provinces" This week on a very open and without holding back, the fabulous musician and outspoken flute player Atarah Ben Tovim MBE speaks to Clare about how nobody in London was interested in flute players in the provinces when she started out on her journey. How as a woman she had to literally break down doors to get heard and taken seriously..."You're just a bulldozer Atarah was often mooted to me!" 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

The flute with magic powers? This week on Talking Flutes, Jean-Paul speaks with the brilliant flute player and musician Dr Noemi Gyori about the importance of explaining colours to enable fluidity of sound. As Noemi explains, "changing note colour is an art form!" 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

The importance of setting achievable goals for your music and study. In the 'Talking Flutes' podcast this week Clare and Jean-Paul also look at the importance of emotional communication, playing in technicolour, communication as a flute player and after 233 weekly flute podcasts spread over nearly 5 years, we need your help! 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

"Spend time with your monsters!" Creating emotional freedom to perform. Making friends with the inner critic, that invisible parrot that appears on your shoulder and offers unwelcome thoughts. This week on 'Talking Flutes Extra' Jean-Paul speaks with the ever happy and positive creative musician, artist and flute player Rozalind MacPhail. A very happy and insightful interview covering many areas such as how she found her true self beyond the classical genre, composing for films, being a singer as well as a flute player, and introducing a looping piccolo in to an album! Check out more at https://www.rozalindmacphail.com 'Talking Flutes' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

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

'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

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

"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

"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

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