Talking Flutes!

If the sound of a flute has ever captivated you, our latest podcast episode is one you cannot afford to miss. in October 2020 we had the immense pleasure of welcoming Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway, a couple who have not only mastered the art of flute playing but have also dedicated their lives to the education and continuation of this enchanting instrument's legacy. Sir James & Lady Jeanne are more than just accomplished musicians; they are trailblazers in the flute community. In this insightful conversation, they delve into the origins of their passion, the importance of always maintaining excellence, and the joy of sharing their knowledge through the Galway Flute Academy.  Sir James, often referred to as 'The Man With the Golden Flute,' reveals the discipline behind his seemingly effortless performances. From his early days to his rise as an international world leading soloist, he emphasises the importance of a solid technical foundation, sharing anecdotes of his rigorous training and practice routin

In this week’s enlightening episode of Talking Flutes Extra, host Jean Paul welcomes back Dr. Beth Wright, forensic psychologist and his daughter, to tackle a question that hits home for many musicians – dealing with impostor syndrome and self-doubt. With her expert insight, Dr. Beth Wright demystifies the concept of impostor syndrome, describing it as the nagging feeling of not belonging or undeserved success, despite evidence to the contrary. Dr. Beth guides us through the psychological roots of impostor syndrome, explaining how it's intertwined with our self-worth and past experiences. She reassures us that it can strike anyone, regardless of their confidence level, and often feeds on our deepest insecurities. But there's hope, as she shares practical strategies for challenging and reframing negative thoughts, highlighting the importance of seeking evidence against our self-doubts and recognising that our thoughts are not always facts. The conversation takes a deep dive into the power of thought challengin

Stress vs Anxiety in our musical performance! As musicians, the stage is not only a platform for showcasing our art but also a battleground for our inner demons of stress and anxiety. In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve deep into this subject with forensic psychologist Dr. Beth Wright, who offers a compelling analysis of the psychological challenges that musicians face. Dr. Wright distinguishes between stress and anxiety, two terms that are often mistakenly used interchangeably. Stress, she explains, is an acute, fight-or-flight response to a triggering situation, while anxiety is a more prolonged state of overthinking and excessive worrying. Understanding the difference is crucial for musicians who are constantly under the pressure of performance and perfection. The conversation then shifts to the concept of stressors, which, according to Dr. Wright, are not self-induced but rather natural responses to situations that signal danger to our primitive instincts. However, when stress morphs into anxie

The Complex Dance of Judgment and Opinion in Musical Performance In this captivating episode of Talking Flutes Extra, host Jean Paul Wright is once again joined by his daughter, forensic psychologist Dr. Beth Wright to delve into the intricate relationship between judgment and the mental and performance outcomes for musicians. The discussion kicks off with two thought-provoking listener questions about the effects of internal and external judgment and strategies to alleviate the burdens they impose. Dr. Beth Wright takes us on a journey from our primal roots to the modern-day, explaining how our evolutionary fight or flight response has shaped our perception of judgment and its significance in our lives. She eloquently differentiates between judgment and opinion, illuminating how the latter can be a source of growth despite its potential discomfort. Throughout the conversation, the pair tackle the elusive concept of perfection, the role of self-worth in musicianship, and the importance of embracing imperfecti

Navigating Procrastination with Dr. Beth Wright In this enlightening episode of Talking Flutes, host Jean Paul Wright is joined by Dr. Beth Wright, a flute player and forensic psychologist, to unravel the complexities of procrastination, especially as it relates to musicians. As the first in a short series focused on musician mental health and awareness, this discussion delves into the voluntary inaction that plagues many of us, exploring its triggers and consequences, and offering strategies to overcome it. Dr. Beth Wright, who happens to be Jean Paul's daughter, brings her personal and professional insights into why we delay essential tasks and how this behaviour impacts our performances, practice sessions, and ultimately, our self-worth. The conversation touches on perfectionism, intrinsic motivation, and the weight of expectations, providing listeners with a deep understanding of the psychological underpinnings of procrastination. Listeners will discover practical tips for becoming self-aware, tackling t

The Flute Pad Revolution: A Symphony of Sustainability Are you a flute enthusiast always on the lookout for the next big thing in instrument care and maintenance? Well, prepare to be blown away by a recent innovation that's been the talk of the flute world, albeit in hushed tones until now. Welcome to the world of Poriflola, a groundbreaking padding system that's set to transform flutes globally. In this week's episode of Talking Flutes, we delve deep into this hush-hush topic that's been quietly making waves among the flute community.   For too long, flutists have faced the perennial problem of sticky pads and the annual ritual of servicing. But the Poriflola padding system promises to put an end to these woes. Crafted from a unique composite material made from recycled fruit skins and olive oil, these pads are not just waterproof, but they also offer the perfect combination of resilience and flexibility.   Imagine playing your flute with pads that guarantee a perfect hermetic seal every time. That's what Po

"People don't respond to what you do, they respond to why you do it." This is a brilliant sax player perspective for every instrumentalist! Unleashing Creativity: The Musician's Perspective! Episode 306   In this captivating episode of the 'Talking Flutes' Podcast this week, Jean-Paul Wright ventures outside the realm of flutes to sit down with the multi-talented Steve Cole, the acclaimed composer, recording artist, saxophonist and educator.   Jazz, improvisation, and the quest for one's unique musical voice—these are just a few of the themes explored in the latest episode of Talking Flutes. As a saxophonist, composer and educator, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering insights that resonate with musicians of all stripes.   In this episode, Steve discusses the journey of finding one's voice, not just in music, but in life. He delves into the importance of inspiration and exemplars in shaping one's artistic identity. By sharing his own experiences, Steve illustrates ho

The Pursuit of Perfection: A Double-Edged Sword As performing musicians, the pursuit of excellence is ingrained in our very essence. The relentless drive to improve, the ceaseless study, and the desire for validation from others can create a challenging landscape for our self-worth. In this short podcast we’ll explore the pressures that musicians face in their quest for improvement, the impact of external measures on self-worth, and provide practical exercises to help musicians discover and appreciate their intrinsic value. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com   

Spicing up your relationship with the flute! Extended techniques expand the palette of flute learning and playing. "The benefits of using extended techniques to improve your flute playing This week on 'Talking Flutes' Jean-Paul speaks with Dr Mary Matthews and Nicole Chamberlain about their latest publication 'Into The Beyond', a method book for flutists looking to develop their extended techniques such as beatboxing, jet whistles, singing and playing, multiphonics, which is a follow on tutor book from their first highly successful method flute book 'Beatboxing & Beyond'. Check out these fabulous flute methods books via your favourite flute store. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit https://tjflutes.com 

How to break free from the shackles of comparison! In the intricate tapestry of musical expression, the quest to be true to oneself often encounters a formidable obstacle—comparison. The impulse to measure one's musical journey against others can hinder creativity, stifle growth, and erode the joy of making music. In this short podcast recorded on the banks of a stream in the north of England on a cold day in March, Jean-Paul delves into the critical importance of freeing ourselves from self-limiting factors, particularly the pervasive influence of comparison.   'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

Transformative Notes from Death Row! In Talking Flutes Extra podcast this week Jean-Paul has a fascinating discussion with musician, composer, flute player and activist Elsa Nilsson. We start with the power of improvisation. The podcast then moves on to a composition using the voice of 'Maya Angelou' with 'The Band of Pulses' and we end with the story, voice and music of Keith LaMar, currently fighting his innocence from Death Row where he has an execution date set for 13th January 2027.   https://www.elsanilssonmusic.com 'Talking Flutes', Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com

Gosh we made it! Join us as we celebrate our 300th episode of Talking Flutes! In this special podcast, we'll reveal the secrets behind our success and share some behind-the-scenes stories from our journey as flutists and podcasters. Whether you're a flute player, a musician, or just a fan of podcasts, you won't want to miss this episode! When we began the Talking Flutes podcast over 6 years ago, we initially had a target of getting to 10 pods and then see what the reaction was. After all, talking about flutes each week was potentially limiting in how many subjects within the flute sphere we thought we could think about. When we reached 52 podcasts a year later we set a new target of 100 and the we'd stop! Well "Ahem" (he clears his throat) we have finally hit 300 and are still going

Taming the Musical Control Freak: Unleashing Creativity and Achieving Musical Excellence! As we all know, music, a universal language that transcends boundaries and stirs the soul, has the power to evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and connect us on a deep level. For many musicians, even if you don’t do if professionally, it becomes a lifelong passion, demanding dedication, practice, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. However, in this pursuit of musical perfection, which if we take a step back for a moment… we’ll know that perfectionism doesn’t exist due largely to us being at the behest of audience and teacher judgement and validation, yet even though we know deep down that finding genuine perfection isn’t possible, some of us may still find ourselves trapped in the clutches of perfectionism which may lead to the occasional transformation into a musical control freak. This mindset manifests in various ways, often fuelled by an underlying fear of making mistakes or falling short of one's own demanding

To make the contrabass sound when you want you sometimes have to hit the notes two measures away

"Failure is feedback - feedback is knowledge - knowledge is power!" This week Clare is talking about the role of teachers, hobbies and mentorship. Listen to the complete 8 minute podcast and you'll hear Clare (retired Flute Professor at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London) making you a wonderful offer!! 'Talking Flutes', Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

Welcome to an exploration into the profound world of mindfulness. This practice, celebrated as a remedy for the strains of our modern lives, has gained significant popularity. But, as musicians, it's crucial to scrutinise the claims surrounding mindfulness and discern how it seamlessly intertwines with our musical journeys. In this Talking Flutes 'Bitesize' podcast, we embark on a quest to demystify the lore of mindfulness, unravelling its genuine benefits, delving into potential misconceptions, and understanding its limitations. Through a deeper comprehension, we aim to unlock its true potential for personal growth and well-being in the realm of music. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

"Tension and release draws the audience in and unlocks the narrative of the piece you're playing..." This week on 'Talking Flutes Extra' Jean-Paul speaks with the fabulous musician, flute player, composer and educator Hadar Noiberg. During this nearly hr long podcast they cover so many areas of performance and practice from 'Finding your authentic flute voice' through to the need to "open your heart and thoughts to different genres.  Do that and your sound and colours in your musical world will come alive". You can find out more about Hadar Noiberg at www.hadarnoiberg.com  'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

The joy of being a flute player! Being a flute player is a journey filled with joy, self-expression, and personal growth. As musicians, we embark on a unique path that allows us to create beautiful melodies and connect with the world through our music. However, the joy of being a flute player can sometimes be overshadowed by self-doubt and the temptation to compare ourselves to others. In this bitesized Talking Flutes podcast, we will explore the immense joy of being a flute player, the significance of embracing our individuality, and the detrimental impact of comparison. By understanding the value of our unique musical voice, we can nurture our passion for the flute and cultivate a lifelong love for the instrument. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com 

Take action! DO NOT simply have plans and dreams!   As a musician it's vitally important that we are specific when we're setting new goals and intentions for our flute playing.  Having ideas and dreams remain just 'ideas & dreams' unless you 'Take Action'!  This week on our 7th Annual New Year episode, Jean-Paul is summoned (with a post NY eve party headache) down to Clare's family home to record an on-the-day pod.  Jean-Paul asks why anybody is still listening after 292 podcasts spread over nearly 7 years whilst Clare speaks about the impact and input that our lovely listeners continue to make! 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com   

How much should I practice over the festive period? In this 7th Festive episode (Podcast #292), gosh this is actually the 7th annual Christmas Talking Flutes podcast that we've made, Jean-Paul and Clare cover some of the flute playing questions that you've sent in.  They also speak about what they will be doing over the festive period, including the obligatory jigsaw. The opening and closing 'Jingle Bells' track is played by the brilliant Barry Griffths aka Grizzlyflute on social media. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to being back with our next podcast on New Year's  Day. 'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra' and 'Bitesize' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit www.tjflutes.com