Talking Flutes

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 company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

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 podcasts over six years, it really does still help! 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

"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 flute, also known as the Syrinx. Debussy's "Syrinx" captures the essence of this myth through its music. In this podcast Jean-Paul adds a modern day narrative to this music as to why this piece remains important today! We may have been making this weekly podcast for six years (276 pods!) however and always need our listeners to rate and like Talking Flutes on whatever provider they are listening to this on. If you could do this then we would be extremely happy! 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

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 We may have made 273 Talking Flute podcasts over the past 6 years, however we still need to you to like and rate the podcast on whatever provider you are listening to this on! Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and Bitesize are podcasts by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

"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, 1794, in Munich, Germany. He grew up in a musical family, with his father, a goldsmith and amateur flutist, exposing him to music from a young age. Boehm showed prodigious talent as a flutist and quickly gained recognition as a virtuoso performer. He made his debut as a flutist at the age of 16, and his exceptional playing skills earned him a reputation as one of the leading flutists of his time. Apart from his musical talent, Boehm also had a keen interest in mechanics and engineering. He possessed a deep understanding of the physics of sound and the mechanics of wind instruments. This combined knowledge of music and engineering would later serve as the foundation for his ground-breaking work in flute making. During his life he made significant innovations in flute key system design, embouchure, and it’s overall construction, which have had a lasting impact on flute playing and performance. 'Talking Flutes', 'Bitesize' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

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 pressure to meet high expectations, fear of making mistakes, fear of being judged by others, or fear of failure. Other forms of fear in musical performance may include fear of rejection or criticism, fear of not being good enough, or fear of losing control. Fear can have both physical and psychological effects on us. Physically, fear can manifest as symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweaty palms, tense muscles, shallow breathing, or trembling. These physical symptoms can affect musicians' performance by impairing their technical skills, vocal abilities, or overall comfort on stage. Psychologically, fear can cause negative thoughts, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence, which can further impact musicians' performance by affecting their mental focus, emotional expression, and connection with the audience. The Effects of Fear on Musicians The effects of fear on us as performers can be detrimental to our performance and overall well-being. Fear can limit our ability to ourselves fully, explore our artistic potential, and connect with our audience on a deeper level. It can create a barrier between us and our audience, preventing us from fully engaging in the moment and delivering our best performance. Fear can also erode our self-confidence, leading to self-doubt and a negative cycle of performance anxiety. Furthermore, fear can impact our mental and emotional well-being, leading to stress, burnout, and even avoidance of performance opportunities. As a result we may avoid challenging performances or shy away from taking risks due to fear of failure or rejection. This can limit our growth and prevent us from reaching our full performance potential. Fear can also affect a musicians' overall enjoyment of their craft, leading to a diminished sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in their performances. 'Talking Flutes', 'Bitesize' and 'Talking Flutes Extra' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit https://tjflutes.com

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 and manifestations of performance anxiety is essential for developing effective coping strategies. Performance anxiety can significantly impact musicians' performance, confidence, and overall well-being. It may hinder technical proficiency, impair memory recall, and disrupt the flow of expression. Additionally, the fear of performance anxiety itself can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety in subsequent performances. It is crucial to acknowledge the emotional and psychological toll performance anxiety can take on musicians' lives. This week Jean-Paul briefly explores what Performance Anxiety is and looks at some coping Strategies to help you navigate through, around and past! 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

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

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 development of modern flutes, its notable achievements, and its enduring legacy in the world of flute manufacturing. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions buy the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

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 episodes are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Do you cause your own performance, practice and goal setting problems? In Talking Flutes Bitesize podcast this week, Jean-Paul briefly looks at the importance of getting out of our own way to succeed in our musical life. Many of us have faced situations in our lives where we have felt stuck, unable to move forward or achieve our goals. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle standing in our way is ourselves. We often hold ourselves back with limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and fear of failure. In this podcast, we will explore the importance of getting out of our own way and the strategies we can use to achieve success. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Bringing Berio's Sequenza to Life! This week on Talking Flutes, Clare and Jean-Paul will be addressing additional questions sent in by podcast listeners. To cultivate and enhance your musical growth, it is crucial for you to consistently venture beyond classical music and delve into the diverse music of other cultures and styles. The profound impact of this exhilarating exploration into different rhythms, melodies, and musical expressions on your own music and interpretation cannot be underestimated. Do not confine yourself to being solely a flute player. Embrace the essence of being a musician! Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra and Bitesize pods are podcast productions by the TJ flute company. For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

As musicians, we all want to deliver the best possible performance, but sometimes nerves or distractions can get in the way. Creative visualisation is a technique that involves using mental imagery to create or recreate experiences in our minds. By visualising a particular scenario or outcome, we can help prepare ourselves for it and increase the chances of it happening in reality. Creative visualization is a powerful tool that can help us overcome inner obstacles and give us an additional tool to ensure that we have the chance to perform at our best. One of the key benefits of creative visualisation is that it can help build confidence in our abilities as musicians. By visualising ourselves performing at our best, we can create a positive mental image of ourselves as capable and skilled musicians. This can be especially helpful for musicians who struggle with self-doubt or negative self-talk. When we believe in ourselves and our abilities, we're more likely to take risks and perform with conviction. Another way to use creative visualisation is to mentally rehearse challenging performance situations. For example, if you're nervous about playing a solo in front of an audience, you could visualise yourself playing the solo flawlessly and receiving a positive response from the audience. By doing this, you're preparing your mind and body for the actual performance and increasing your chances of success. Visualisation can also be used to improve our physical technique on our instrument. By mentally rehearsing difficult passages, we can help train our muscle memory and make it easier to execute those passages accurately and effortlessly. This can be especially helpful for musicians who struggle with tension or physical discomfort while playing. In addition to using visualisation on our own, we can also use it in collaboration with our teachers or coaches. For example, a coach might guide us through a visualisation exercise that helps us overcome a specific technical challenge or mental block. Alternatively, a teacher might ask us to visualise ourselves performing a piece in a particular style or with a specific musical expression, helping us to better understand the musical intent and communicate it through our playing. When using creative visualisation, it's important to make the mental imagery as vivid and detailed as possible. Try to engage as many senses as you can - imagine the feel of the instrument in your hands, the sound of the music, the sensation of the stage lights, and so on. The more vivid the mental image, the more effective the visualisation will be. It's also important to practice visualisation regularly, ideally incorporating it into your daily practice routine. This will help you build up a strong mental image of yourself as a confident and skilled musician, and make it easier to access that mental state when you need it during a performance. One of the main benefits of creative visualisation is that it can help reduce anxiety and nerves before a performance. If we can mentally rehearse the scenario and feel confident in our abilities, we're much more likely to feel calm and collected when the time comes to perform. Visualisation can also help us develop a sense of control over the situation, which can be especially helpful in high-pressure performance situations. In the case of musicians, this might mean visualising ourselves performing flawlessly on stage or nailing a difficult passage in a piece we're working on. But creative visualisation isn't just about reducing anxiety. It can also help us improve our technical skills and musicality. By visualising ourselves playing a piece with perfect technique and musical expression, we're training our brains to recognise and replicate those qualities in our actual playing. Visualisation can also help us identify areas where we may need to focus our practice, such as difficult technical passages or tricky musical phrases. Another benefit of creative...