Learning Resources and Flutopedia
Essential links and learning tools for exploring the Native American style flute.
My deepest thanks to Clint Goss and Vera Shanov for their ongoing contribution to the Native American style flute community.
Clint’s website, Flutopedia, is one of the most comprehensive learning resources available for this instrument, offering everything from breath and tone development to music theory, improvisation, and community guides. It’s a remarkable gift of time, care, and knowledge.
You can read about my time with Clint and Vera at Flute Harvest in this reflection. Their teaching and gatherings continue to inspire the spirit of Wind Song Circle.
Below are a few of the Flutopedia pages and related learning materials I most often return to for guidance and inspiration.
For Getting Started
Introduction to the Native American Style Flute – A perfect overview of the instrument, its history, and its spirit.
Playing Techniques – Core techniques for tone, breath, and finger placement.
Scales – Common scales for Native American style flutes
For Deepening Your PracticeBreath and Tone Development – Breath practices for flute players.
Improvisation – Encouragement and exercises for finding your own musical voice.
Tuning and Intonation – Understanding the relationship between tuning, emotion, and expression.
For Musical Growth and Connection
Backing Tracks and FluteCasts – Practice tracks for improvisation and performance.
Flute Circles – A room full of flutes.
Flute Harmony Wheel - Which flutes sound best together?