Is Josh the ultimate flute nerd? This week Jean-Paul meets up with flute player and multi-instrumentalist Josh Johnson who has traded New York for London, to ask him flute questions that have been sent in by listeners. 1. Is there a G.O.A.T? 2. What makes a flute nerd? 3. What's the most special flute you've played? 4. Who are your five favourite flute players? 5. Why do people get upset with vibrato? 6. What are your favourite makers of piccolo, C flute, alto and bass? 7. Why should somebody...

Don't listen if you're driving!! This week is a very different podcast and one that whilst it has been requested quite a few times by listeners, we have been at a loss as to how to actually work it in. You see, many of our listeners catch-up each week on their way to work in the car, train or walking.  This podcast should not be listened to if you are driving or walking as we've succumbed! This week we have a creative visualisation exercise on the subject of ‘Liberation & Empowerment’...

"Don't be stuck to the music stand!" This week on Talking Flutes Clare speaks once again with the fabulous Elizabeth Walker about finger technique.  Amongst many important topics, they explore why technique is only as good as your sound, correct hand positioning, discuss open vs closed holes and speak about the why controlled relaxation allows movement. A really important and interesting pod which covers a large swathe of flute study questions that we often get asked! Don't forget to follow...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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 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,...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...