subject: The Native American Style Flute Is An Instrument For All [print this page] With its pure and haunting sound, the Native American flute has captured the imagination and soul of contemporary culture. From a revival of the this flute in the late 1960s to the captivating music of R. Carlos Nakai from the 1980s to today, this flute has grown in popularity for both listening and playing pleasure throughout the world. It's distinctive, plaintive tones are featured in a variety of music styles including New Age and World sounds.
This flute is a wonderful instrument for those with little or no musical experience. Anyone can learn to play and benefit from the peaceful, meditative, and spiritual qualities renowned in this simple instrument. It does not require the difficult-to-master mouthing techniques, or embouchure, needed to play conventional symphonic wind instruments. Instead, simply blowing gently into the flute's mouth hole will result in a clear, lovely sound from the first try.
Today's Native American flutes are tuned to a minor pentatonic scale, consisting of five notes, in concert keys to enable them to be played with other instruments. There is no worry of hitting a wrong, or sour, note on the instrument allowing even one who has never played a musical instrument of any kind to instantly begin making beautiful music. It does not require long hours of practice to develop technique, so it can be enjoyed by anyone of any age and background.
Another great advantage offered by this flute is its soft, mellow volume that allows it to be played most anywhere without disturbance. Even if it is overheard, it's sweet, calming tones are almost universally welcome and enjoyed. For those looking for a social connection, there are flute circles that can be found in many cities in the world where people interested in this flute gather to share their talent and learn from others.
Only Native American flute makers can refer to their instruments as "Native American flutes." Non-native makers must use the term "Native American style flutes" to be in accordance with the law. There are a number of excellent and knowledgeable native and non-native makers hand-crafting these distinctive two-chamber flutes in a variety of woods, including cedar, juniper, redwood, cherry, walnut, and more exotic woods. Though non-native flutes are mass produced by some manufacturers, a flute that has been lovingly hand-crafted by an artisan is without compare.
For a child or an adult, a Native American style flute is a delightful gift of music, exploration, and revelation. Discover the peace and joy that can be found in creating beautiful music with a flue in the Native American style.
