Professional Custom Flutes

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Head Joint Class

The Head Joint class is special workshop apart from the others. For a whole week, students take simple materials: a tube, a flat sheet of silver, a few castings... and turn them into a beautiful head joint. Usually scheduled directly after the Overhaul & Mechanical class, we see many students stay on to enjoy the slower meditative pace of this seminar. It is less intense than our other classes, and for good reason - head joints, like fine wine, can be long in the making. We take time to explore the secret geometries and patterns passed down by generations of European and American flutemakers. We delve into the work of such great masters as Louis Lot, examining the photographs and scientific research on what made their head joint so marvelous. And then we sit down and make some of our own.

Many consider this class to be our most rewarding emotionally, especially for those who play the flute and know the difference between a good head joint and an amazing one. It is a thrill for anyone to practice and perform on an instrument made with your own hands, and engraved with your own custom logo. Yes, you do keep the head joint you will make, and most people discover that their new head plays much better than the old one.

FAQs:

What will I do in this workshop?
You will make your own head joint from silver extrusions, a rough-cast embouchure, and a partially finished crown. Mr. Landell will hand-engrave your head joint with a logo designed by you.

Where do I stay?
See our Housing Information page for complete details.

What are the application deadlines?
The application deadline for each class is 1 month prior to the Monday on which the class begins.

Who will teach my class?
All classes are taught by Jonathon Landell Sr., except in exceptional circumstances where other highly trained professionals who meet our standards may be brought in to assist.

Do I need any special tools for this class?
Yes. You will need a well made, quality scraper; if you have already taken the overhaul class, you will have made one yourself. Otherwise you'll make one of your own in class.

How much does it cost for this class?
Tuition is $1,000 for the week, and material cost is $300.

Apply
Limited to 3 participants - register early!