I read the post about wooden flute players not needing extensive lessons but benefiting from occasional contact with a teacher. This describes my situation. I’m looking to have three or four lessons to look at a few specific things and help me along my pipe journey and wonder if anyone can recommend a teacher in Somerset? It’s a big-ish county and I don’t mind driving north or south and would consider a hike into Dorset for some help from a good flute teacher.
A few suggestions:
- I don’t do a lot of teaching but I’ve been playing wooden flute for around 20 years and would be happy to do two or three sessions with you. I’m in Bruton.
- There’s a very good teacher in Bristol - Catherine something. Can’t remember her another name but could soon get details for you.
- Have you considered Skype lessons? I had a couple with Conal O’ Grada and they were surprisingly effective.
- There is, of course the fortnightly Irish flute class at the Hibernia Centre in Avonmouth but it’s probably a mixed ability group including whistles and may not fit the bill.
PM me.
That’s a kind offer and appreciated. Bruton isn’t so far from where I live, and I’m familiar with the town as until recently I had family there.
I’m new to flute and as a teacher on another instrument I’m aware of not falling foul of my own firm belief (and oft repeated advice!) in having face-to-face tuition when we start to ensure the basics are right. I’m sure skype works for many but I prefer teaching - and being taught - 1:1 in person. I feel I would benefit from a teacher looking at my basics: posture, finger positioning, embouchure and breath control and correct if I have any poor technique that may make things more difficult than they need be.
I think I’ve found the flute teacher you referred to (Catherine Hurley) and will give her a call first as where she is located would make linking up for lessons fairly easy.