Playing the Native American Style Flute First Lesson Psychology
How to Play the Native American Style Flute
First Lesson for Beginners
Introduction
Hello, my name is John Stillwell. I am going to help you get started playing your new Native American style flute.
I have been making and playing Native American style flutes for more than twenty years. In many ways I taught myself to play. Or you could say the flute taught me.
Looking back, I realize that if I had received even one or two simple lessons early on, my progress would have been much faster. Because of that, I decided to put into writing what I have learned over the years so that your path may be smoother.
First Lesson Psychology Before Technique
In this first lesson we are not going to talk about notes, scales, intervals, tempo, or music theory.
The most important thing you will learn today is how to make beautiful sounds with your flute.
That is where real music begins.
A Simple Instrument
The Native American style flute is a simple folk instrument. Its simplicity makes it ideal for beginners and for anyone who does not consider themselves a musician.
So relax.
Let go of any anxieties or inhibitions you may be feeling. Those feelings often come from earlier musical experiences where things felt complicated or pressured.
This time it will be different.
You can learn to play this instrument. You will enjoy playing it.
Relax and Enjoy the Experience
If this is your first experience with the Native American style flute, you may feel both excited and a little nervous.
Many of us tried other instruments in school. Perhaps you studied piano or another complex instrument developed for professional musicians. At some point you may have put it aside.
The Native American style flute is different. It was not designed to be complicated. It was designed for expression.
It often helps to begin alone. When you are by yourself you are free from concern about how others may react. This allows you to relax more fully into the sound.
At first your fingers may not move exactly the way you want. That is normal. Your hands are developing muscle memory. Be patient.
Your fingers and nervous system actually enjoy learning new movements. Do not struggle. Do not try to accomplish too much in one sitting.
Play around. Explore.
The Meaning of the Word Play
Consider the word play.
Play is not the same as work, study, or practice.
Play suggests relaxation and enjoyment. That is what making music should feel like. That is what playing your new flute can become.
When you approach the instrument with a playful spirit, progress happens naturally.
A Playful Enjoyment
If you allow yourself to enter this relaxed state, playful enjoyment will continue to grow as long as you play the flute.
Try not to be judgmental or frustrated. If negative feelings arise, pause and take a few slow breaths. Let them go.
Those feelings often come from earlier conditioning. They do not belong here. They only slow your learning.
If needed, set the flute down for a while and return when you feel calm again.
Getting to Know Your Native American Style Flute
Understanding how the flute works will help you produce a clear and beautiful tone.
The Anatomy of the Native American Style Flute
The flute is a hollow wooden tube divided into two sections by a solid piece of wood inside. This solid section is called the plug.
The plug separates the slow air chamber near the mouthpiece from the sound chamber at the far end of the flute.
The sound chamber is also called the bore or barrel. This is where the six tone holes are located.
On top of the flute you will see a small piece tied in place. This is called the bird, block, or totem.
Proper Bird or Totem Position
The bird should be centered over the sound hole.
The front edge of the bird should sit just slightly behind the back edge of the sound hole. A good starting distance is about the thickness of a credit card.
Proper placement helps produce a focused and steady tone.
Understanding the Two Chambers
If you gently loosen the tie and slide the bird toward the mouth end, you will expose two holes.
The hole closest to the mouthpiece is the exit of the slow air chamber. This is where the air you blow into the flute gathers before being directed forward.
The second hole opens into the bore or sound chamber of the flute.
Between these two holes is a shallow groove cut into the body of the flute. This groove is called the flue.
What Is the Flue and How Does It Work
The flue connects the two chambers when the bird is in place.
When covered by the bird, the flue directs air from the slow air chamber in a focused stream toward the splitting edge of the sound hole.
Without the bird properly covering the flue, the flute will not produce a clear sound.
How Sound Is Created
When the focused stream of air strikes the splitting edge of the sound hole, it begins to vibrate in and out of the flute.
That vibration becomes sound.
This is the simple and elegant design that makes the Native American style flute so accessible and expressive.
After examining the chambers, slide the bird back into position and tie it firmly. The bird must be snug. If air leaks along the sides of the flue, the sound will be disturbed.
When properly positioned and secured, the flute is ready to sing.