Flute

Flute Classes at Cascadia

If you have questions about these classes or how to place yourself, email Randal Bays.

Advanced - The actual content of our advanced classes is left up to the individual instructor, but you can expect to learn some good tunes, get into the playing and ornamentation of various kinds of dance tunes, etc. Remember that in the advanced classes you'll be expected to play on your own in front of the class, sometimes referred to as a "master class" approach. If you're uneasy about that you will do well to go for the intermediate classes instead.

Intermediate - Similar to the advanced classes, but you won't have to worry about playing in front of the class. Also the pace of the tune learning as well as the tempos of the tunes themselves will be slower.

Introductory - If you're new to the instrument and want to get a good start with an excellent teacher, here is your golden opportunity. The class will cover the basics of finding the notes, getting a good tone, fingering, breath control, etc. Plus a few good tunes to start you on the way.

Guidelines for placement in flute and whistle classes

Advanced - You should be comfortable performing an Irish reel solo, can learn by ear, have a pretty good repertoire of Irish tunes that you can play at a good clip with solid rhythm and with proper ornamentation, can execute all of the basic forms of Irish flute ornamentation in playing (e.g. cuts, long and short rolls, cranns). You should have mastered the basics of tuning, breathing, and playing at pitch so as to be able to concentrate on nuance and style. You should be comfortable playing in front of the class.

Intermediate - You should have mastered beginning skills, be able to tune your instrument to play with others, keep steady time, play the principal scales cleanly (D and G major), and know how to play a few tunes with confidence. Ideally you'll have been playing traditional Irish flute music regularly for a while and are comfortable playing in any octave with smooth control of air flow.

Introductory - This class is for students who seek an introduction to the instrument and want to gain fundamental skills in getting clear notes, the ability to move between upper and lower octaves, and mastery of a few starter tunes.

Flute Teachers at Cascadia

Eamonn Cotter

Advanced Flute

Intermediate Flute

Catherine McEvoy

Advanced Flute

Intermediate Flute