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Talking Flutes

458 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★ - 19 ratings

Welcome to the dynamic and captivating world of Talking Flutes, the ultimate Flute Podcast Channel that combines simplicity with sensational content. Join us as we unlock the secrets to flute mastery and dive into intriguing conversations with leading flute players, all while sprinkling in mental health awareness, stunning music, laughter, and boundless fun.

Picture this: two extraordinary individuals with a passion for the flute come together to create something extraordinary. Meet Clare Southworth, a renowned flute player, author, golfer, and esteemed retired Professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Add to the mix Jean-Paul Wright, flute player, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Public Speaker, and the Managing Director of the world-famous TJ flute brand. Together, they form a duet that will entertain and inspire you throughout your flute journey.

Prepare yourself for a symphony of engaging conversations as we sit down with some of the world’s most prominent flute players. From the legendary Sir James Galway to the mesmerising Jasmine Choi, Denis Bouriakov, Paul Edmund-Davies, Gareth Davies, and an extensive list of other phenomenal flute-playing guests, our podcast boasts an incredible lineup. And that’s not all – we’ll also be joined by Grammy and Emmy-winning musicians who will leave you in awe.

But Talking Flutes is more than just remarkable interviews. We go beyond the flute to address mental health awareness, featuring advice and insights from Dr. Joe Stammeijer and Forensic Psychologist Dr Beth Wright. It’s essential to nourish not only your musical talents but also your well-being.

Each episode is carefully crafted to provide a delightful blend of entertainment and education. Immerse yourself in captivating discussions, discover insider tips, and witness the magic of music as it intertwines with the stories and experiences of our esteemed guests. Laughter is the secret ingredient that infuses every episode, making Talking Flutes an enjoyable and light-hearted experience.

So, are you ready to embark on this enchanting flute-filled journey? Subscribe to Talking Flutes today and join the vibrant community of flute lovers. Let the music, laughter, and wisdom nourish your passion for the flute and leave you craving more. It’s time to let your flute dreams soar with Talking Flutes as your trusted guide.

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Episodes

Unleashing the Flute's Potential: A Journey with Melissa Keeling! Episode 318

July 17, 2024 23:01 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MB

In the world of music, innovation is the key to keeping the art form alive and evolving. This week, we revisit a transformative episode from 2020 featuring the incredibly talented electric flutist and author, Melissa Keeling. Join us on a journey that will forever change the way you perceive flute performance. Melissa Keeling, a New York-based flutist, has been making waves with her unique approach to the flute, incorporating a specialised glissando head joint and various effect pedals to ...

Flute Mastery: Drawing Inspiration from Sports Coaching! E:317 with Ryan Fenwick

July 07, 2024 23:01 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MB

Are you passionate about your flute study and want to know more about what we can learn from sport to develop our skill? Then you won't want to miss the latest episode of 'Talking Flutes Revisited,' where host Clare interviews PGA golf professional Ryan Fenwick. In this episode, Ryan shares his journey from a touring professional PGA golfer to successful coach. He delves into the essence of teaching, emphasising the parallels between coaching in sports and music. With anecdotes from his exp...

Breaking Boundaries: Greg Patillo’s Beatbox Flute Revolution! E:316

June 26, 2024 23:01 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MB

In the world of music, innovation is key to keeping the art form alive and engaging. One such innovator is Greg Pattillo, a name synonymous with the unique blend of beatboxing and flute playing. In a special 'Revisited' episode of "Talking Flutes," hosted by Jean Paul Wright, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with Greg, who has over the years taken the world by storm, starting with his viral Super Mario video and over 150 million YouTube views. The episode takes us back t...

Life in the LSO: A Personal Flute Playing Journey E: 315 with Gareth Davies

June 16, 2024 23:04 - 39 minutes - 54 MB

Have you ever been mesmerised by the lilting sound of a flute in an orchestra? On this week's Talking Flutes 'Revisited' podcast episode, Clare had the pleasure over a dodgy Zoom line with Gareth Davis, the principal flautist of the London Symphony Orchestra. His candid conversation takes us on a journey through the high notes and low notes of a professional musician's life. Gareth Davis is not just a master of his craft; he's also a storyteller whose early days were filled with music and f...

"Metronomes and Tuning Forks Should Be Banished to Outer Space!" E:314 with Paul Edmund-Davies

June 05, 2024 23:05 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MB

In the realm of music, the flute holds a special place, weaving melodies that can be both hauntingly beautiful and strikingly powerful. In the latest episode of Talking Flutes, we revisit a gem from our archives featuring none other than the renowned flute player Paul Edmund-Davies. His insights into the world of flute playing are as refreshing as they are provocative, challenging the norms and urging us to look forward rather than backward for inspiration. The conversation plunges into the...

Crafting Your Musical Brand in a Crowded World! E:313 with Clare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

May 25, 2024 23:02 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MB

Are you a musician looking to carve out your unique space in the industry? Do you ever wonder how you can stand out in a sea of talented performers, teachers, and writers? If you're nodding your head, then the latest episode of Talking Flutes is a must-listen for you! In this insightful 'Revisited' conversation, Clare Southworth and Jean-Paul Wright revisit an archived episode 63 from a few years back, where they delve deep into the nuances of brand building for musicians. They discuss what...

The Harmonious F** word : Exploring Music's Playful Side. E:312 with José Valentino & Gualo

May 15, 2024 23:01 - 40 minutes - 56 MB

Are you ready to discover the 'F word' in music? No, it's not what you think. It's something much more exhilarating – it's FUN! In a delightful episode of Talking Flutes revisited, hosts Jean Paul Wright takes us on a musical journey with the exceptional talents of Jose Valentino (flute) and Gualo (guitar). The podcast revisits a gem from March 2019, which deserves a second listen (or perhaps your very first). Recorded in a hotel room in Los Angeles, this episode is brimming with laughter, ...

Flute Alchemy: A Golden Symphony with Sir James & Lady Galway E:311

May 05, 2024 23:05 - 45 minutes - 62 MB

If the sound of a flute has ever captivated you, our latest podcast episode is one you cannot afford to miss. in October 2020 we had the immense pleasure of welcoming Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway, a couple who have not only mastered the art of flute playing but have also dedicated their lives to the education and continuation of this enchanting instrument's legacy. Sir James & Lady Jeanne are more than just accomplished musicians; they are trailblazers in the flute community. In this in...

Unmasking the Impostor: Overcoming Self-Doubt in Music. E:310 with Dr Beth Wright

April 28, 2024 23:01 - 27 minutes - 37.3 MB

In this week’s enlightening episode of Talking Flutes Extra, host Jean Paul welcomes back Dr. Beth Wright, forensic psychologist and his daughter, to tackle a question that hits home for many musicians – dealing with impostor syndrome and self-doubt. With her expert insight, Dr. Beth Wright demystifies the concept of impostor syndrome, describing it as the nagging feeling of not belonging or undeserved success, despite evidence to the contrary. Dr. Beth guides us through the psychological r...

Stage Fright Unmasked: Conquering Anxiety in the Spotlight! E:309 with Dr Beth Wright

April 21, 2024 23:02 - 26 minutes - 36.5 MB

Stress vs Anxiety in our musical performance! As musicians, the stage is not only a platform for showcasing our art but also a battleground for our inner demons of stress and anxiety. In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve deep into this subject with forensic psychologist Dr. Beth Wright, who offers a compelling analysis of the psychological challenges that musicians face. Dr. Wright distinguishes between stress and anxiety, two terms that are often mistakenly used interchangeably....

Judgement Vs Opinion in Music. E:308 with Dr Beth Wright

April 14, 2024 23:01 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MB

The Complex Dance of Judgment and Opinion in Musical Performance In this captivating episode of Talking Flutes Extra, host Jean Paul Wright is once again joined by his daughter, forensic psychologist Dr. Beth Wright to delve into the intricate relationship between judgment and the mental and performance outcomes for musicians. The discussion kicks off with two thought-provoking listener questions about the effects of internal and external judgment and strategies to alleviate the burdens the...

Are You A Procrastinator? E:307 with Dr Beth Wright & Jean-Paul Wright

April 07, 2024 23:01 - 16 minutes - 22.1 MB

Navigating Procrastination with Dr. Beth Wright In this enlightening episode of Talking Flutes, host Jean Paul Wright is joined by Dr. Beth Wright, a flute player and forensic psychologist, to unravel the complexities of procrastination, especially as it relates to musicians. As the first in a short series focused on musician mental health and awareness, this discussion delves into the voluntary inaction that plagues many of us, exploring its triggers and consequences, and offering strategi...

Uncovering the secrets of a revolutionary new flute pad! E:306 with Jean-Paul Wright

March 31, 2024 23:01 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MB

The Flute Pad Revolution: A Symphony of Sustainability Are you a flute enthusiast always on the lookout for the next big thing in instrument care and maintenance? Well, prepare to be blown away by a recent innovation that's been the talk of the flute world, albeit in hushed tones until now. Welcome to the world of Poriflola, a groundbreaking padding system that's set to transform flutes globally. In this week's episode of Talking Flutes, we delve deep into this hush-hush topic that's been ...

How To Unleash Your Own Musical Voice! - E: 305 with Steve Cole and Jean-Paul Wright

March 25, 2024 00:01 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MB

"People don't respond to what you do, they respond to why you do it." This is a brilliant sax player perspective for every instrumentalist! Unleashing Creativity: The Musician's Perspective! Episode 306   In this captivating episode of the 'Talking Flutes' Podcast this week, Jean-Paul Wright ventures outside the realm of flutes to sit down with the multi-talented Steve Cole, the acclaimed composer, recording artist, saxophonist and educator.   Jazz, improvisation, and the quest for one's ...

From Doubt to Dynamo: Elevating Musicians' Self-Worth. E:304 Bitesize with Jean-Paul Wright

March 18, 2024 00:01 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MB

As musicians, we often find ourselves caught up in a whirlwind of rehearsals, performances, and the pursuit of perfection. But have you ever stopped to consider where your sense of self-worth lies amidst this relentless chase? This is the heart of our latest podcast episode. In a candid conversation, Jean Paul Wright guides us through the often-overlooked aspect of a musician's life: the intrinsic value that goes beyond the applause and external validation. He addresses the pressures of the...

Into The Beyond! E: 303 with Dr Mary Matthews & Nicole Chamberlain

March 11, 2024 00:01 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB

Spicing up your relationship with the flute! Extended techniques expand the palette of flute learning and playing. "The benefits of using extended techniques to improve your flute playing This week on 'Talking Flutes' Jean-Paul speaks with Dr Mary Matthews and Nicole Chamberlain about their latest publication 'Into The Beyond', a method book for flutists looking to develop their extended techniques such as beatboxing, jet whistles, singing and playing, multiphonics, which is a follow on t...

Note to Self: Escaping the Comparison Trap in Music : E302 with Jean-Paul Wright

March 04, 2024 09:02 - 18 minutes - 26 MB

How to break free from the shackles of comparison! In the intricate tapestry of musical expression, the quest to be true to oneself often encounters a formidable obstacle—comparison. The impulse to measure one's musical journey against others can hinder creativity, stifle growth, and erode the joy of making music. In this short podcast recorded on the banks of a stream in the north of England on a cold day in March, Jean-Paul delves into the critical importance of freeing ourselves from sel...

Rhythms of Resilience: Transformative Playing and Stories from the Edge : E 301 with Elsa Nilsson

February 26, 2024 01:01 - 1 hour - 72.1 MB

Transformative Notes from Death Row! In Talking Flutes Extra podcast this week Jean-Paul has a fascinating discussion with musician, composer, flute player and activist Elsa Nilsson. We start with the power of improvisation. The podcast then moves on to a composition using the voice of 'Maya Angelou' with 'The Band of Pulses' and we end with the story, voice and music of Keith LaMar, currently fighting his innocence from Death Row where he has an execution date set for 13th January 2027.  ...

Unveiling the Secrets Behind Our 300th Flute Podcast Episode!

February 19, 2024 00:05 - 26 minutes - 24 MB

Gosh we made it! Join us as we celebrate our 300th episode of Talking Flutes! In this special podcast, we'll reveal the secrets behind our success and share some behind-the-scenes stories from our journey as flutists and podcasters. Whether you're a flute player, a musician, or just a fan of podcasts, you won't want to miss this episode! When we began the Talking Flutes podcast over 6 years ago, we initially had a target of getting to 10 pods and then see what the reaction was. After all,...

Taming The Musical Control Freak! E: 299 with Jean-Paul Wright

February 12, 2024 00:01 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MB

Taming the Musical Control Freak: Unleashing Creativity and Achieving Musical Excellence! As we all know, music, a universal language that transcends boundaries and stirs the soul, has the power to evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and connect us on a deep level. For many musicians, even if you don’t do if professionally, it becomes a lifelong passion, demanding dedication, practice, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. However, in this pursuit of musical perfection, which if we take ...

Deep Thoughts From A Flute Nerd! Episode 298 Dr Keith Hanlon

February 05, 2024 00:05 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

To make the contrabass sound when you want you sometimes have to hit the notes two measures away 😂 This week at a very noisy NAMM Show, the worlds biggest musical instrument and technology show in Anaheim, California, Jean-Paul speaks with flute player, educator, repairer, maker and self confessed flute nerd Dr Keith Hanlon about 'The Flute Examiner' free resource for all flute players along with talking piccolo making, flute playing and his love for the contrabass flutes. You can find out...

Teachers, Hobbies & Mentorship! E: 297 with Clare Southworth

January 29, 2024 00:02 - 9 minutes - 8.62 MB

"Failure is feedback - feedback is knowledge - knowledge is power!" This week Clare is talking about the role of teachers, hobbies and mentorship. Listen to the complete 8 minute podcast and you'll hear Clare (retired Flute Professor at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London) making you a wonderful offer!! 'Talking Flutes', Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

Debunking The Myth Of Mindfulness! E:296 with Jean-Paul Wright

January 22, 2024 00:04 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

Welcome to an exploration into the profound world of mindfulness. This practice, celebrated as a remedy for the strains of our modern lives, has gained significant popularity. But, as musicians, it's crucial to scrutinise the claims surrounding mindfulness and discern how it seamlessly intertwines with our musical journeys. In this Talking Flutes 'Bitesize' podcast, we embark on a quest to demystify the lore of mindfulness, unravelling its genuine benefits, delving into potential misconcepti...

Have we lost the beauty and enjoyment of our flute playing : E 295 with Hadar Noiberg

January 15, 2024 00:01 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MB

"Tension and release draws the audience in and unlocks the narrative of the piece you're playing..." This week on 'Talking Flutes Extra' Jean-Paul speaks with the fabulous musician, flute player, composer and educator Hadar Noiberg. During this nearly hr long podcast they cover so many areas of performance and practice from 'Finding your authentic flute voice' through to the need to "open your heart and thoughts to different genres.  Do that and your sound and colours in your musical world...

The flute players secret to avoiding comparison ! E:294 ’Bitesize’ with Jean-Paul Wright

January 08, 2024 00:01 - 11 minutes - 16 MB

The joy of being a flute player! Being a flute player is a journey filled with joy, self-expression, and personal growth. As musicians, we embark on a unique path that allows us to create beautiful melodies and connect with the world through our music. However, the joy of being a flute player can sometimes be overshadowed by self-doubt and the temptation to compare ourselves to others. In this bitesized Talking Flutes podcast, we will explore the immense joy of being a flute player, the si...

Why We Should Banish New Year Resolutions! E:293 with Clare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

January 01, 2024 12:01 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MB

Take action! DO NOT simply have plans and dreams!   As a musician it's vitally important that we are specific when we're setting new goals and intentions for our flute playing.  Having ideas and dreams remain just 'ideas & dreams' unless you 'Take Action'!  This week on our 7th Annual New Year episode, Jean-Paul is summoned (with a post NY eve party headache) down to Clare's family home to record an on-the-day pod.  Jean-Paul asks why anybody is still listening after 292 podcasts spread ov...

Your festive flute questions answered! Podcast 292 with Clare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

December 18, 2023 16:00 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MB

How much should I practice over the festive period? In this 7th Festive episode (Podcast #292), gosh this is actually the 7th annual Christmas Talking Flutes podcast that we've made, Jean-Paul and Clare cover some of the flute playing questions that you've sent in.  They also speak about what they will be doing over the festive period, including the obligatory jigsaw. The opening and closing 'Jingle Bells' track is played by the brilliant Barry Griffths aka Grizzlyflute on social media. W...

Are you an over thinker? Podcast 291 with Jean-Paul Wright

December 11, 2023 00:01 - 15 minutes - 21.9 MB

The pitfalls and solutions to over thinking! As musicians, it really easy to fall in to the trap of setting up a recursive loop pattern of over thinking.  It could be about a difficult piece or passage that is causing us issues, a past performance or something that's happening in our lives outside of music, which is then having a major impact on it! In this short podcast, which includes a short creative visualisation, Jean-Paul looks at what we can do to break the thinking chain to enable ...

Your flute playing questions answered! E:290 with Clare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

December 04, 2023 00:02 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MB

Revamp your flute journey by diving into the latest episode of "Talking Flutes" with Jean-Paul and Clare down in Hove (south of England), unraveling the many mysteries of setting up your very own flute studio. Join the conversation with them both as they tackle more intriguing questions from fellow enthusiasts. Discover the liberating yet occasionally frustrating aspects of establishing your flute teaching practice. Uncover the secrets behind the invigorating experience of incorporating gro...

Staying Connected With The Audience. E:289 Talking Flutes ’Bitesize’ with Jean-Paul Wright

November 27, 2023 00:02 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MB

The importance of being in the moment! Music has the remarkable ability to transcend time and space, inviting us to journey through emotions and stories crafted by composers. When a musician steps onto the stage, they become the conduit through which these emotions flow, seeking to communicate with their audience on a profound level. However, achieving this connection requires more than technical prowess. It demands a deep and unwavering link between the performer and the music, a connectio...

Is there a flute playing G.O.A.T? Talking Flutes Episode 288 with Josh Johnson & Jean-Paul Wright

November 20, 2023 00:02 - 1 hour - 84.3 MB

Is Josh the ultimate flute nerd? This week Jean-Paul meets up with flute player and multi-instrumentalist Josh Johnson who has traded New York for London, to ask him flute questions that have been sent in by listeners. 1. Is there a G.O.A.T? 2. What makes a flute nerd? 3. What's the most special flute you've played? 4. Who are your five favourite flute players? 5. Why do people get upset with vibrato? 6. What are your favourite makers of piccolo, C flute, alto and bass? 7. Why should...

Musical Liberation and Freedom! E:287 with Jean-Paul Wright

November 13, 2023 00:03 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MB

Don't listen if you're driving!! This week is a very different podcast and one that whilst it has been requested quite a few times by listeners, we have been at a loss as to how to actually work it in. You see, many of our listeners catch-up each week on their way to work in the car, train or walking.  This podcast should not be listened to if you are driving or walking as we've succumbed! This week we have a creative visualisation exercise on the subject of ‘Liberation & Empowerment’ whi...

Finger Technique for Flute Players! E: 286 with Elizabeth Walker and Clare Southworth

November 06, 2023 00:03 - 43 minutes - 60.3 MB

"Don't be stuck to the music stand!" This week on Talking Flutes Clare speaks once again with the fabulous Elizabeth Walker about finger technique.  Amongst many important topics, they explore why technique is only as good as your sound, correct hand positioning, discuss open vs closed holes and speak about the why controlled relaxation allows movement. A really important and interesting pod which covers a large swathe of flute study questions that we often get asked! Don't forget to foll...

How to elevate your performance! Podcast 285 with Jean-Paul Wright

October 30, 2023 00:02 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MB

Exploring Tonal Colours & Expression!  Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, evokes emotions, and communicates feelings that words often struggle to convey. At the heart of this communication lies the concepts of tonal colours and expression, essential elements for musicians to effectively communicate their musical narratives. For flute players, mastering tonal colours and expression is not just a technical feat; it is a transformative journey that leads to profound mus...

Would you ask a plumber to work for free? E:284 with Clare Southworth& Jean-Paul Wright

October 22, 2023 23:04 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

Why you should always ask for a fee and ignore the "It will be good for your profile line!" This week on 'Talking Flutes', Clare and Jean-Paul are walking along a windy Brighton Beach in the south of England answering more questions from listeners. Subjects such as: 1. Respecting yourself and your craft = asking for a fee! 2. Is it possible to become a good flute player if you start later in life? 3. What is the measure of a good musician? 4. How much flexibility do we have with a piec...

Flight of the Bumblebee! E: 283 Talking Flutes Bitesize with Jean-Paul Wright

October 15, 2023 23:02 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MB

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Flight of the Bumblebee' stands as one of the most recognisable and enduring compositions in classical music. This frenetic and virtuosic piece, originally part of his opera "The Tale of Tsar Saltan," has captured the imagination of both musicians and audiences for over a century. Its rapid tempo, intricate melodies, and technical demands showcase the composer's ingenuity while offering a captivating musical experience that transcends time and genre. In this shor...

Do flute players have unrealistic expectations? E:282 withClare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

October 08, 2023 23:03 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MB

Is honesty the best policy? In Talking Flutes this week, Jean-Paul and Clare are sitting outside the coffee shop in the seaside town of Hove in Southern England answering more questions from listeners. They look at 'False Expectations' and the role of teachers in guiding, the inclusion of popular music in a recital performance and ask the question "Can you tell if a young flute player has the X factor?" 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the...

Improving performance and inspiring change in our Music! E: 281 Talking Flutes Bitesize with Jean-Paul Wright

October 01, 2023 23:02 - 11 minutes - 16.2 MB

How cultivating happiness improves performance and inspires change. For musicians, the pursuit of excellence often takes centre stage, but equally important is the ability to find happiness in the musical journey. In this essay, we will explore strategies to cultivate happiness among musicians, enabling them to derive greater enjoyment from their performances. By understanding the link between happiness and musical expression, practicing mindfulness, nurturing well-being, and fostering a po...

The Power of Creative Visualisation For Musicians E:280 with Jean-Paul Wright

September 24, 2023 23:02 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MB

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 vari...

The pitfalls of positive thinking! E:279 Bitesize with Jean-Paul Wright

September 17, 2023 23:04 - 8 minutes - 11.9 MB

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...

If it’s not broken then don’t try and fix it! Episode 278 with Clare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

September 10, 2023 23:01 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MB

"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 in...

The Virtuosic Power Of Curiosity! Episode 277 Bitesize with Jean-Paul Wright

September 03, 2023 23:02 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MB

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 uncov...

The Narrative of ’Syrinx’ the iconic solo flute piece! E:276 with Jean-Paul Wright

August 27, 2023 23:02 - 12 minutes - 16.6 MB

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 Griffit...

The transformative nature of non-comparison! Talking Flutes Bitesize E: 275 with Jean-Paul Wright

August 20, 2023 23:03 - 8 minutes - 11 MB

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 ...

Stimulating the mind to create the habit! E:274 with Ryan Fenwick& Clare Southworth

August 13, 2023 23:02 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MB

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 t...

Let’s Make Tonguing Easy! How to Double and Triple Tongue on the Flute. Podcast E:273 with Jean-Paul Wright

August 06, 2023 23:05 - 11 minutes - 16.3 MB

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, howev...

The Chameleon Effect for flute players! E:272 with Catriona Ryan & Jean-Paul Wright

July 30, 2023 23:03 - 1 hour - 84 MB

"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 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 no...

Three cheers for Theobald Boehm! Bitesize 15 Podcast 271 with Jean-Paul Wright

July 23, 2023 23:02 - 7 minutes - 11 MB

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...

Is there a ’Lizzo Effect” going on in the flute playing world! E:270 with Clare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

July 16, 2023 23:02 - 24 minutes - 34.2 MB

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 s...

Unlocking Fear: How Musicians Can Perform to Their Full Potential - Episode 269

July 09, 2023 23:02 - 11 minutes - 16.3 MB

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 performanc...