1 - 3 PM Saturday June 20, 2026        The Cabin, Fredericksburg VA

$59

Ever have the desire to play a musical instrument that sounds like the wind, to make beautiful sound with ease, to be in touch with the most peaceful part of yourself that harmonizes with Nature? Well, this is the place to start! Learn the gentle practice of Native American Flute playing: the foundational scales, how to make birdsounds, use in meditation, how to breathe, how they are constructed, where to buy one, and how to enjoy total delight with this instrument! 


 

 

 

 

NA Flute Fingering Chart - 6 hole flute

Kokopelli - Mischievous Spirit of Fertility and Music

The beauty and simplicity of the Native American Flute, unlike other musical instruments, stems from the ability to play a pleasing tone with minimal effort; it's done naturally by its design.

The top photo shows the construction of Native American Flutes. The bottom diagram displays the flow of air from the breath hole to the outer exit below the sound chamber.

Construction and Inner Airflow of Native American Flute

What will I learn in this playshop?

    

 

  • Differences between NA and other flutes
  • Construction - two chambers and a birdie
  • Breathing, use of one's diaphragm
  • Minor Pentatonic Scales - 5 notes within an octave
  • 5 or 6 holes?
  • Why different keys? Different sizes of flutes for higher or lower tones
  • Tounging - enunciate a “Ta” when blowing into the flute. This creates the birdlike articulation, which is a higher overtone or harmonic of the note
  • Trills - fingering the note above or below for effect
  • Vibrato - a variation in pitch caused by the pulse of breath from the diaghram or throat which intensifies and lends interest to a note
  • Pitch bending - done by decreasing the amount of wind pressure and altering the head position downward while holding the flute stable
  • Birdsounds - chirping, overtones/harmonics
  • Care of the flute - heat, dryness, dampness are the enemies of a well cared for flute; dampness insert
  • Recording the NA Flute - cell phones, portable recorders, laptops, condensor mics
  • Cases - wool, cotton, fleece
  • Where to Purchase
  • Ongoing practice or tutoring?

     

Preparations for Class

The only preparation for this playshop is an earnest desire to learn.

There will be several flutes to try if you do not own one.

If you are thinking of purchasing a flute,

attend the training first to understand the best direction to go.

Carolos Nakai, NA Flutist

Native American Flute in Nature

Native Flute & Angel Harp