Of all the instruments in the world there are some that just naturally connect us to our heart. This is true regardless if we are listening to the instrument being played or playing it ourselves. I have come to love the NAF, for it allows me to express my heart in ways that I could not find any other way. I do pray, but somehow I do not communicate all that is in my soul. There are feelings that at times I cannot find the words to pray. I know that there is a loving God who knows all the subtleties of my heart but there is much to be said for being able to express all of the feelings.
It is when this instrument is played from the heart and our deepest feelings are tapped into the expression becomes sublime. The experience is transforming for the person playing and enlightening for those that may have the opportunity to hear the NAF played in this manner. I find the more that I play the easier it becomes to tap into the depth of my heart. There is a release that comes from the music, as if a prayer is being offered. It is for this reason that I view the instrument as sacred as it allows me to more fully express my heart to my Creator. This kind of communication often occurs when I am alone, but occassionally I find that when my heart is right I can tap into that place in my heart and play for others to hear. It is at these times when I close my eyes and remove my mind from the place I am at that I can find my heart.
I wonder where I would be if I had of discovered this instrument much earlier in my life......but then again, I do not think that I would have been ready for it and the impact that it has on my soul. I love working with the wood and discovering what sort of flute the wood has a desire to become. The experience of being a small part of the creation process is wonderful and brings a joy to my heart. I love the shared feelings that come as people play the flutes and as I help others to learn the beauty and value of this wonderful instrument. The impact tht it has had on me continue to be felt in many aspects of my life and I look forward to being able to share it's beautiful sound with as many who are willing to hear. The Native American Flute is truely a huge help for my heart and I hope for yours as well.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
There is always a beginning......
I have been playing piano for over 40 years....I know hard to believe, but I have always had music in me somewhere. After so many years of playing an instrument that I could not easily take with me I decided it was time to learn a new instrument that I could easily transport.
My blood is Scottish and the pipes do speak to me, but unfortunately if I wanted my wife and children to speak to me I thought that perhaps I should try the Irish flute or perhaps the Celtic flute. There is a warmth and resonance to wooden flutes that I have always loved. In searching out and researching my new instrument I found the Native American Flute. The sound completely captivated my heart and I knew that I had found the instrument that I would be learning to play.
In the course of all this internet surfing I found the kieta manual and I set about learning to make my new instrument. Keith and I have become friends and I have come to know quite a few other flute makers from our online chats. It is a wonderful community and there is a close association between those that make the flutes and those who play them. It certainly seems as though there are certain flutes for specific people. What started out as a journey to play a new instrument has become a voyage of discovery that has lead my life in a whole new direction.
My music now comes more from the heart than it ever has, and even as the arthritis settles into my body my hands are able to move and play the piano like I never have been able to before. I have some keyboard tracks down and as I get time ( and learn how to use my equipment and programs lol ) I will be adding other instruments, particularly the flute and putting out some albums.
This instrument is a gift in it's simplicity, a wonder in it's sound and a joy to the heart to both listen to and to play. May your life be blessed by it's sounds and your soul soothed by it's melodies.
My blood is Scottish and the pipes do speak to me, but unfortunately if I wanted my wife and children to speak to me I thought that perhaps I should try the Irish flute or perhaps the Celtic flute. There is a warmth and resonance to wooden flutes that I have always loved. In searching out and researching my new instrument I found the Native American Flute. The sound completely captivated my heart and I knew that I had found the instrument that I would be learning to play.
In the course of all this internet surfing I found the kieta manual and I set about learning to make my new instrument. Keith and I have become friends and I have come to know quite a few other flute makers from our online chats. It is a wonderful community and there is a close association between those that make the flutes and those who play them. It certainly seems as though there are certain flutes for specific people. What started out as a journey to play a new instrument has become a voyage of discovery that has lead my life in a whole new direction.
My music now comes more from the heart than it ever has, and even as the arthritis settles into my body my hands are able to move and play the piano like I never have been able to before. I have some keyboard tracks down and as I get time ( and learn how to use my equipment and programs lol ) I will be adding other instruments, particularly the flute and putting out some albums.
This instrument is a gift in it's simplicity, a wonder in it's sound and a joy to the heart to both listen to and to play. May your life be blessed by it's sounds and your soul soothed by it's melodies.
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