Holiday Flute
Holiday Flute
The Practice Flute
Last year I commissioned a flute from Ken La Cosse, Mujitsu Shakuhachi. I wanted a lightweight flute to carry and fit in my bag, to have available for opportunistic practice, perhaps 10 minutes here and there.
The 1.6 that arrived is great for practice!
When I first got the flute my level of accomplishment was the main issue; it was easier to play the 1.8 and 2.0 and achieve some flexibility alternating between. Last week I took the 1.6 on holiday and I had a great time exploring.
What I liked most is the way more was demanded from my practice, especially in the somewhat public environment of my holiday accommodation. Playing quietly is not easy but there was a lot in there to reward the effort.
It is possible that in the process of commissioning the flute there was a happy misunderstanding; I wanted a flute I could pick up with ease. I got a flute that is unique and one that provided an excellent practice session, and with the new flute, perhaps a re-connection with beginner's mind.
Last year I commissioned a flute from Ken La Cosse, Mujitsu Shakuhachi. I wanted a lightweight flute to carry and fit in my bag, to have available for opportunistic practice, perhaps 10 minutes here and there.
The 1.6 that arrived is great for practice!
When I first got the flute my level of accomplishment was the main issue; it was easier to play the 1.8 and 2.0 and achieve some flexibility alternating between. Last week I took the 1.6 on holiday and I had a great time exploring.
What I liked most is the way more was demanded from my practice, especially in the somewhat public environment of my holiday accommodation. Playing quietly is not easy but there was a lot in there to reward the effort.
It is possible that in the process of commissioning the flute there was a happy misunderstanding; I wanted a flute I could pick up with ease. I got a flute that is unique and one that provided an excellent practice session, and with the new flute, perhaps a re-connection with beginner's mind.
Hi Fiona,
Sometimes the fate decides to bring small changes to what we had planned.
And it is sometimes better that for what we waited.
I'm happy for you.
Sometimes the fate decides to bring small changes to what we had planned.
And it is sometimes better that for what we waited.
I'm happy for you.
Interesting outcome to your commission request, Fiona. So, in what way was the 1.6 that you received different from what you expected?
I get the impression that it turned out to be 'harder to play' than you first envisioned. Of course, harder to play is so relative to where we are at in our practice and skill level. Over time, what was once harder to play for me sometimes turns out to be more interesting and a broader textured sounding flute than it seemed to be when I first got the instrument.
I get the impression that it turned out to be 'harder to play' than you first envisioned. Of course, harder to play is so relative to where we are at in our practice and skill level. Over time, what was once harder to play for me sometimes turns out to be more interesting and a broader textured sounding flute than it seemed to be when I first got the instrument.
Hi Erin,
It was a good outcome, a good experience! When I commissioned the flute I could not justify buying another flute; based on my commitment to practice and the number of pieces I have committed to memory, 1.
How to buy a new flute? You can see my dilemma.
So I asked a flute maker, Ken La Cosse (...it was cheeky), to make a low cost flute with entirely functional specifications, easy to carry, easy to have to hand... So I guess there was a lot of room for surprise. The fact that it was harder to play was not surprising, it was like you say, the revelations of texture, especially in the quiet notes that I found surprising.
It was a good outcome, a good experience! When I commissioned the flute I could not justify buying another flute; based on my commitment to practice and the number of pieces I have committed to memory, 1.
How to buy a new flute? You can see my dilemma.
So I asked a flute maker, Ken La Cosse (...it was cheeky), to make a low cost flute with entirely functional specifications, easy to carry, easy to have to hand... So I guess there was a lot of room for surprise. The fact that it was harder to play was not surprising, it was like you say, the revelations of texture, especially in the quiet notes that I found surprising.
I like cheeky justifications for getting another flute!
Good story; good outcome!
So how short is the flute then... 1.6... or is it longer with a joint built in? I may have a reason to buy a short portable flute from Ken too! LOL! But I know now that it might come with its own shakuhachi sergant built in!
Good story; good outcome!
So how short is the flute then... 1.6... or is it longer with a joint built in? I may have a reason to buy a short portable flute from Ken too! LOL! But I know now that it might come with its own shakuhachi sergant built in!
Erin,
I would agree with you but have had my lesson today and now, I know nothing.
Having said that,
I gather that you have a new flute! The traditional tunings present another challenge.
Long tones….
Regards.
I would agree with you but have had my lesson today and now, I know nothing.
Having said that,
I gather that you have a new flute! The traditional tunings present another challenge.
Long tones….
Regards.
What I mean to say...
When I had my lesson with Riley I learned that I was essentially 'cruising' on the uta guchi . Perhaps a practice habit I developed, so a lot of whistling tones while I settled into the phrase and breath instead of no sound- sound.
So I dispensed with the idea that any particular flute could be instructive. I do like my 1.6.
Bows
When I had my lesson with Riley I learned that I was essentially 'cruising' on the uta guchi . Perhaps a practice habit I developed, so a lot of whistling tones while I settled into the phrase and breath instead of no sound- sound.
So I dispensed with the idea that any particular flute could be instructive. I do like my 1.6.
Bows
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