Life on the Drawing Board

When I wake each morning, I pretend I know nothing.

The world is waiting to be discovered...again and again...

More about the day I took this photo.



The academic year is winding down and I am looking forward to having time to reinvent my playing, once again.

To assume I know everything is to automatically limit myself, and exploration is a precursor to discovery.

Those of you know me personally, know that I have an enormous repertoire of ways to work on things--to work on that difficult passage or to view a problem—and that I find great joy in new insights and discoveries.

As I allow myself to try a new way of doing something or to immerse myself in a new context or challenge, whether it be cultural (travel to an exotic place), work-related (music festival or new performance venue or repertoire) or home surroundings (even rearranging the furniture), I learn new things about myself; what motivates me and what fulfills me, and how I can best inspire others to discover their best selves, both as individuals and as artists.

I invite you to try out some new ideas this summer, whether in your music-making, or in your life. Check out the Library portion of my website for some inspiring resources, and visit the Playground for fun, creative play to encourage connecting your thoughts in new ways.

Life (as is art) is a process.

Happy exploration! I welcome hearing about your discoveries.
Catherine

How It's Made - Flute

I am often asked why flutes cost so much. This five-minute documentary on how a flute is made shows the steps which go into making a flute by hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHSu0trGkRg

The prices they mention in the video are for a top-end handmade flute. Hand craftsmanship allows for the ultimate attention to every detail in how the flute works, so, in general, the more hand finishing a flute has (especially important is the headjoint), the better it plays.

The factory appears to be the Brannen Bros. factory in Boston, though I cannot make out the engraving on the flute. I played a custom-made Brannen, a beautifully crafted instrument, for about a year in the 1990's.

FYI: I have played on handmade old scale Powell flutes (made in 1971 and 1940) with a David Williams silver headjoint for about 12 years now. I love the many expressive possibilities this combination offers.

Hope you find the video enlightening.
Catherine