Talking Flutes!

Exploring Tonal Colours & Expression!  Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, evokes emotions, and communicates feelings that words often struggle to convey. At the heart of this communication lies the concepts of tonal colours and expression, essential elements for musicians to effectively communicate their musical narratives. For flute players, mastering tonal colours and expression is not just a technical feat; it is a transformative journey that leads to profound musical interpretations and deeply resonant performances. This short bitesize pod delves into the significance of tonal colours and expression for flute players, examining how these aspects are created and harnessed to captivate audiences and convey emotions. Please continue to rate and like our Talking Flutes podcast channel.  After 6 years of these weekly pods we really do appreciate you showing your support this way ❤️ 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company

Why you should always ask for a fee and ignore the "It will be good for your profile line!" This week on 'Talking Flutes', Clare and Jean-Paul are walking along a windy Brighton Beach in the south of England answering more questions from listeners. Subjects such as: 1. Respecting yourself and your craft = asking for a fee! 2. Is it possible to become a good flute player if you start later in life? 3. What is the measure of a good musician? 4. How much flexibility do we have with a piece of music? Six years and 284 podcasts later we still need you to rate and like 'Talking Flutes' on whatever podcast provider you are listening to this on.  Thank you so much for being with us on this podcast journey. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com   

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Flight of the Bumblebee' stands as one of the most recognisable and enduring compositions in classical music. This frenetic and virtuosic piece, originally part of his opera "The Tale of Tsar Saltan," has captured the imagination of both musicians and audiences for over a century. Its rapid tempo, intricate melodies, and technical demands showcase the composer's ingenuity while offering a captivating musical experience that transcends time and genre. In this short podcast Jean-Paul briefly delves into the nuances of "Flight of the Bumblebee," exploring its historical context, musical structure, technical challenges, and enduring legacy.  'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

Is honesty the best policy? In Talking Flutes this week, Jean-Paul and Clare are sitting outside the coffee shop in the seaside town of Hove in Southern England answering more questions from listeners. They look at 'False Expectations' and the role of teachers in guiding, the inclusion of popular music in a recital performance and ask the question "Can you tell if a young flute player has the X factor?" 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

How cultivating happiness improves performance and inspires change. For musicians, the pursuit of excellence often takes centre stage, but equally important is the ability to find happiness in the musical journey. In this essay, we will explore strategies to cultivate happiness among musicians, enabling them to derive greater enjoyment from their performances. By understanding the link between happiness and musical expression, practicing mindfulness, nurturing well-being, and fostering a positive mindset, musicians can create a harmonious balance between technical mastery and emotional fulfilment. This Bitesized pod with Jean-Paul Wright delves in to some of the areas which prevent us from being happy and appreciating our performance. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by teh TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

Creative visualisation is a potent mental tool that allows individuals to harness the power of their imagination to achieve their goals and aspirations. For musicians, this practice can be transformative, leading to enhanced performance, improved creativity, and heightened self-confidence. By engaging in guided visualisation techniques, musicians can tap into their inner potential and unleash their full musical capabilities. In this Talking Flutes extra podcast, Jean-Paul explores the various ways in which creative visualisation can empower musicians and contribute to their artistic growth and success. At the end of this short pod, there is a 7 min creative visualisation exercise with accompanying soundscape for you to use to practice. Please continue to send in your comments and suggestions for future podcasts to flutepodcasts@gmail.com or you can send them via our Facebook page and Instagram pages @talkingflutes 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute

This might be quite contentious however the process of positive thinking may be an anchor when you've done the work, however it's certainly not the panacea! Positive thinking, often championed as a cornerstone of personal development and success, has gained widespread popularity as a tool for overcoming challenges and achieving goals. For musicians, maintaining a positive mindset might seem essential to navigate the ups and downs of a creative journey. However, a closer examination reveals that the unbridled embrace of positive thinking can have detrimental effects on musicians' growth, creativity, and overall well-being. This short pod briefly delves into the complexities of the "positive thinking" paradigm, exploring its potential pitfalls and advocating for a more balanced approach that acknowledges the value of embracing both positive and negative aspects of the musical experience. Please continue to like and rate this podcast on whatever provider you're listening to it on as despite us having made 279 po

"Wearing red socks is the least of your problems!" Natural movement Vs waving around? In the part two of the podcast recording where Jean-Paul and Clare meet in a coffee shop in the seaside town of Hove, they catch up with more questions and comments from listeners.  Can there be 'excessive' movement on the flute and what's the correct angle to have the flute when playing? 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com   

Curiosity is a powerful driving force that fuels the creative endeavours of musicians. As a musician, cultivating and embracing curiosity can lead to a plethora of benefits, from personal growth to artistic exploration. In this bitesized pod, we will delve into the profound ways in which curiosity can enhance the musical journey. By examining how curiosity fuels musical creativity, fosters innovation, encourages interdisciplinary exploration, and cultivates lifelong learning, we will uncover the transformative power of curiosity for musicians. Please don't forget to 'Like' and 'Rate' us on the provider you are listening to this on.  We may be 6 years old and 277 podcasts later, but your likes and ratings really do help! 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

The iconic "Syrinx" by Claude Debussy is a piece for solo flute that has captivated audiences and flute players alike since its composition in 1913. It is one of the most iconic and frequently performed works in the flute repertoire, known for its hauntingly beautiful melodies, rich harmonies, and innovative use of the flute as a solo instrument. But what is the narrative behind this piece? What story does it tell? In this podcast, which includes a performance by flute player Barry Griffiths, I’ll attempt to delve into the narrative of "Syrinx" and explore its musical and cultural significance. At its core, "Syrinx" is a musical representation of the mythological story of Syrinx from ancient Greek mythology. In the myth, Syrinx was a nymph who caught the attention of the Greek god Pan, the god of nature, shepherds, and rustic music. As Pan pursued her, Syrinx sought refuge from him by transforming herself into a reed. Pan, unable to capture her, instead fashioned the reeds into a musical instrument - the Pan

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

"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 RTÉ 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,

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 press

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 an

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 flutepodcasts@gmail.com