Just a quick invitation at the start of the year, to add more improvisation into your practice! Some words of encouragement, and tips to get you started. Enjoy!

Practicing is more than technique and tone. As an end of year virtual hug, I encourage you all to practice and explore ideas that can help through the stress and anxiety - like tapping into your core values.

Camilla Hoitenga has worked with some of the most important composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. In our conversation we talk about her approach to improvisation, collaborating with composers: in particular her long friendship-collaboration with Kaija Saariaho, and the importance of trusting in, and following your curiosity.

I highly recommend listeners to check out her website, and you can find a growing set of masterclasses on Hoitenga's youtube channel.

6:00 Collaborating with Artists: Improvisation

11:10 Collaborating with Composers

13:42 Working with Kaija Saariaho

17:45 Teaching comtemporary music

22:06 Connections to Finland

23:46 Coaching: helping musicians pursue their own path

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Laura Raudaskoski, lector of Flute from the Lapland Institute of Music and Dance.

I asked Laura about how she motivates her eager class, in spite of living way up north, a long distance away from most other flute activities in Finland. We talk about teaching, practicing, and motivating students through collaborations and building a sense of community. Laura's lovely puppies also added to our conversation!

Here we are at the end of this series - but maybe the foundation of everything. Just some ideas to add to your practice on how to become curious about your tone and intonation. Happy fluting - and please, I'd love to hear how the ideas in this series have changed your own practice.

Need some help on how to face technical challenges? In this episode I give you some things to think about in your technical practice, how to apply that to challenges in your ensemble and solo pieces, and help you remember the importance of knowing where you are right now (and how that's fine!!)

Let me explain how I practice Awareness in my studio and practice room. Examples of how to stay present in the practice room, and how to create a safe space for your students to learn how to be aware and present in their work.
Awareness helps us become better learners: more motivated, less likely to cause injury, and that leads to more confident performances!

This is the start of a short series on things you can do to find more confidence in ensemble rehearsals and performances.

This series is targeted more towards students and adult amateurs- but teachers and ensemble directors stay tuned! Maybe you can pick up ideas, or pass this on to someone you think can benefit.

This first episode focuses on how to up your rhythmic confidence. I share some exercises - and mention one great book: A Rhythmic Vocabulary by Alam Dworsky and Betsy Sansby, published by Dancing Hands Music.