In the summer I got a brand new keyed flute from George Ormiston. It was like learning a completely new instrument having never played a flute with keys before. I’ve enjoyed working hard at the new instrument and absolutely love playing the flute with keys now.
I’ve had a few classes so far with flute player Tom Oakes which have been great at getting me to use these new, and somewhat alien, keys. They’re starting to feel more normal now and I’m really enjoying playing in keys that were previously inaccessible on my old flute. My little fingers do, however, still have a mind of their own sometimes but I’m starting to get it under control.
In the second week of December I will be heading over to Limerick for a flute workshop with Niall Keegan, Course Director of the BA Irish Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. Having studied on the BA for 2 1/2 years myself I already know Niall and have had the odd flute lesson with him. This will be completely different though having the keys now and I’m really looking forward to going over. If I’m completely honest I wish I had a better grasp of the keys by now before going over but I’m sure this will come in time. I’m certainly enjoying exploring new avenues on the flute.
I want to say a massive thank you to Arts Trust Scotland who provided me with funding to help towards the cost of buying the new flute. This has made life so much easier for me as instruments are very expensive but I was in dire need of an upgrade. Another huge thank you goes to Creative Scotland who have funded the tuition with Tom and Niall through the Professional Development Fund they offer. Also a thanks to Simon Thoumire who suggested applying for funding – I might not have thought of applying for any if Simon hadn’t suggested it.