hi! Im about to finish my university degree in flute performance, and I would like to continue my education by taking flute repair/technical training. Im from the Toronto area (in ontario canada) and it seems like the only place for me to take training is through a college out in alberta, and the course requires that i take the rest of the comprehensive musicianship courses as well, which is something I already have. does anyone know where I can get this training? I`m interested in becomming a powell flute technitian, and am willing to travel (to the states as well) to get the qualifications. please let me know of anything. thanks!
Hi, we are into Irish flutes, wooden simple system without
keys, often, and these are usually a cottage industry;
the maker working out of a studio at home
or his garage. One might apprentice with
such a person, but I don’t think it will help
with the flutes you wish to work on.
Sorry! and good luck.
yeah, I know this isnt really the right forum, it’s just that I’ve tried other forums, and nobody seems to know. So I thought I’d ask you guys if you’d heard of anywhere I could go.
thanks anyways!
You should probably contact the big names: Haynes, Powell, et al, and Chris Abell as well. Ask them about it. Perhaps you could work out an apprenticeship.
Good luck.
Chris Abell is a very nice fellow
whom you might e mail–good advice
from Dave. Might check
his site, google on Chris Abell
Ask him what you asked us.
In addition to the above, Jon Landell offers courses.
I took the padding course, and learned a lot in one week.
Bill
Having done a bit of “Research” in this area myself, I agree with David, contacting Haynes, Powell and the like are your best bet. Might as well start with Powell since that’s what you’re interested in. The larger the maker’s shop, the better chance you’ll have of getting a foot in the door. Small shops like Abell’s are very difficult, since turnover is low. I tried for a position with Abell several times over the period of a couple of years, but he simply never had an opening, I suspect the same (2) people still work there..
Loren
I should add that persistance is often key in getting one of these jobs. I eventually did get a job in a fine shop, but what I had to go through to get the job was, well…let’s just say my commitment level was severely tested. Take heart though, it can be done, you just have to start knocking on doors.
Best of luck,
Loren
Although not flute technician training, here is a list of jobs with Powell flutes. Don’t see these opportunities very often. Powell does make wooden Boehm flutes, in addition to its fine line of metal Boehm flutes. Wish I lived in MA.
http://www.nationjob.com/alljobs/vepf
Bill
You might also find the FLUTE email list to be helpful.
You can sign up at www.larrykrantz.com
Pink flutist - You would greatly benefit from Mr. Landell’s training. Everyone who has completed his training has went to work for the big 3 flute companies or been very successful in starting their own business. It is worth the cost of the training which will pay itself back in a few years easy.
Regards,
Rich Chiuppi