“The Native American flute classes were the most relaxing and exuberant music experience I’ve had. Combining meditation with this instrument hits a sweet spot. Erica’s approach and manner soothes the musically nervous soul.” — H. Rogers, Durham, NC
NATIVE FLUTE: BE the MUSIC — a series of 4 workshops
Connect with your innate ability to express yourself musically.
Experience the aliveness that comes with playing music and sharing music with others.
New! Workshop #3: Deepen Listening and Supportive Accompaniment
Sunday, March 10, 2:30 – 4:30
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New! Workshop #4: Hear More, Play Authentically
Learn 2 songs. *
Make a recording of your flute playing to take home. **
Get up and move! We put it all together in a finale of movement and song.
Sunday, May 5, 2:30 – 4:30
Flutes available for you during the class.
This workshop is best if you have some experience playing Native American style flutes. If you want a refresher (or intro) class – see below.
Special Review Classes – The 2-hour workshops are preceded by an introductory (or review) class, where we go over the basics of playing the Native American style flute.
If you want a refresher (or intro) class:
Sunday, May 5, 1:30 – 2:30 – Register here
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*Learn 2 songs: Prepare for this by immersing yourself in the following songs:
What we mean by “immersion”: Have the songs playing in the background as much as possible. This creates a learning environment similar to what babies experience when they are immersed in spoken language. They naturally absorb syntax and meaning during the months before they begin to speak.
- Wendayaho sample listening here (youtube)
- R. Carlos Nakai Daybreak Vision, from Canyon Trilogy album
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** Make a recording of your flute playing to take home:
You will have the opportunity to improvise and then recite a short meditation script (to be provided) or favorite poem. Bring a short, favorite poem. At home, you can use your recording to relax or as part of your meditation practice.
Here is an example of a Native Flute and Meditation recording:
Allow yourself 5 minutes to enjoy this moment of calm. Before you listen, you might take a couple of deep breaths……. then, let your breathing be natural……and begin (you may need to turn down the volume on your device) :
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Register here or contact Janet Bell, Registrar. jbell@durhamarts.org 919-560-2726
“Be the Music” workshops include guided meditation, flute technique and musical concepts, group playing, movement and deep listening experiences to expand your understanding of music. The meditative atmosphere helps to quiet our minds, so our creative selves can be free to express themselves.
About the Workshops
What People Say About The Workshops
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The class I participated in was a gentle, sweet, and joyful way to relax, celebrate, and weave music with community. I felt like Erica really took care to welcome everyone and help us be at ease in the class. The mix of energy with other learners fostered a playfulness and harmony. When I play the flute now, I still feel it resonate with that time we were together. — A.L., Durham, NC
Erica did not just teach me techniques for how to play a flute. More importantly, she taught me how to slow down and soften. To simply breathe, tune in, and let the flute play through me, allowing me to open and be an instrument. — B. Moore, Pittsboro, NC
Contact Open Wings Flute School:
Click here for info on ONGOING NATIVE FLUTE CIRCLES – to continue the journey!
ERICA ALEXANDER, flutist and music educator, has taught flute in private and group settings for over 20 years. She has a Masters in Music Education (MME) and all-level music and Suzuki certifications. Marina Raye, Mary Youngblood and Carlos Nakai are among her Native American flute influences. Meditation is an important part of her life. She has studied with Jeff Brantley (founder of the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Program at Duke), is certified in Koru Mindfulness and is currently enrolled in the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. She leads workshops and flute circles on Native American inspired flute. Her flute studio, Open Wings School, offers private lessons which incorporate Suzuki method and meditation.
