Check out the flute scene in Saint Louis the weekend of April 16, 17, 18 - two teachers this year - www.tionol.org
Mike Mullins
Hurrah for you, Mike! Well done.
Decision time…Paul Smyth and John Wynne are the flute teachers. Can anyone comment on classes they’ve had with either?
Never had classes with either, but I’ve never had a class with anyone there who didn’t teach more
than I could learn. are you medium or advanced?
Of course, good classes abound at the Tionol. According to the Tionol website, I’m advanced, but I’m open to all the options…
There are elements of both players’ styles I admire and would like the opportunity to examine more closely.
I share your pain, M! I’ve gone back and forth as they’re two of my favorite players. I’m acquainted with several people who’ve taken a class with Paul Smyth; one person in particular who thinks very highly of him and makes Paul’s class at the Feakle Festival an annual event (he occasionally posts on this board, so we’ll see if he chimes in). I signed up for John Wynne’s class but I can’t say that’s my final answer; I’m going down early for the reedmaking so who knows what crazy ideas I’ll have in the meantime. Meanwhile, I can’t wait to hear Paul and Michael Cooney play together at the concert (hint, hint, hint Mr. Mullins) …
Speaking of, the concert should be a roof-raiser!
Seriously, everyone – if you’re interested in Irish music and within a day’s drive of St. Louis, you really ought to come to this. It’s becoming a first-class event that’s well worth the trip, and if you record your classes and pay attention, you can take home enough good music and info to keep you going all the next year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3txUKS_Frq4&feature=related
Perhaps someone can find something for Paul Smyth.
Mike Mullins organizes one of the best gatherings, period!
Simply put, GO!!!
Thanks for the kinds words.
Paul is a cousin, I believe, of Sean Smyth who’s with Lunasa. Paul has one album - Up and Away. He lives down in Tipperary and is a really good solid flute player from a musical family. He’s been out to Saint Louis twice before but hasn’t taught. He’s come out to tour with Ged Foley and Michael Cooney.
Mike
Also meant to mention that Paul is a regular teacher at the Douglas Hyde Summer School in Ballaghdarreen.
IMO, every flute player should own “Up and Away.” I think it’s one of the more enjoyable, and accessible, flute recordings I’ve ever heard. Paul’s a phenomenal player, and he’s a genius at showing every tune to its best advantage. Michael Cooney and Ged Foley put in appearances on the recording as well; IIRC Ged produced it.
First-class. (Not that I’m, like, a fan or anything. 
)
heard a trackof paul from his cd on clare fm (trad archive) tonite…lovely set of jigs, i’m goona gitme a copy
I’m sure he’ll be bringing a few copies in April. Good stuff!!!