
Workshops 2023
Workshops are held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Flutestock in Elkton, OR.
Hover over the classes for descriptions. Download the workshop schedule (PDF).
FRIDAY
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Tommy Graven
SLIDING SCALE
$20 - $30

The Very Basics of Music Theory,” to break down & demystify the
subject- uses basic scale
Tommy will use his looper and guitar to break down, demystify, and make useful a subject that otherwise intimidates all too many flute players. The workshop will be based on the pentatonic minor scale. Participants will need a flute in the key of A, but Tommy can make anything work if you just bring a flute. He plans to have 2 flutes for sale in the key of A if someone needs one.
1:30 -2:30 pm
Pamela Mortensen
DONATIONS OF $20 & UP
​
Up to 18 people

Circular Breathing 101, for didge & others
We’ll explore the mysteries, myths and mechanics of circular breathing. How to close the gaps, and what some of the things to be aware of while learning circular breathing. We’ll also cover some simple rhythms that incorporate circular breathing to make the journey fun. Bring your own didgeridoo if you have one. There will be a few didgeridoos available to borrow if you don’t have one.
3:15 - 4:00 pm
Geri Littlejohn
FREE-WILL DONATION

Silent Walking Meditation
Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. After a short gathering to clarify the Practice, we will walk for 25 minutes with deep intention, single-file, in silence, repeating a mantra inwardly. Walk with your hands free or bring a single flute to play in communion with a tree at the end of the walk. All welcome.
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Mary Youngblood
$50

Basic Flute Embellishments & Techniques
Students will learn basic flute embellishments and techniques, good breath control, and even how to pick out the “right” flute for themselves. If you’ve ever wondered how flute players bend their notes so nicely or make the flute bark, Mary says this workshop’s for you!
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Mary-Beth Nickel
SUGGESTED DONATION
$20
​
Up to 20 people

How to Play the NAF, for beginners
The basic steps of flute playing, making music, & giving voice to one's heart song.
SATURDAY
10:00 - 11:00 am
Pamela Morensen
DONATIONS OF $20 & UP
​
Up to 18 people

Circular Breating 101, for didge & others
We’ll explore the mysteries, myths and mechanics of circular breathing. How to close the gaps, and what some of the things to be aware of while learning circular breathing. We’ll also cover some simple rhythms that incorporate circular breathing to make the journey fun. Bring your own didgeridoo if you have one. There will be a few didgeridoos available to borrow if you don’t have one.
11:30 am - 1 pm
Johnny Lipford
DONATIONS OF $20 & UP
​
Up to 12 people

Enhance to Excel: Personalized Flute Guidance
Let's take your flute playing skills to the next level with a personalized guidance session that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered! I understand that seeking feedback on your artistry can be intimidating, but this hands-on work is worth it for those who want to dig deep and grow as musicians. In this group workshop, we'll create a supportive environment where everyone can learn from each other's playing styles and techniques.
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Pamela Morensen
DONATIONS OF $20 & UP
​
Up to 18 people

Didgeridoo for Beginners
Perfect for people who have never played before and want to learn or if you do play and want to take your playing to the next level. In this fun and informative class, we will cover the basics of getting and clarifying the drone, using vowels to shape the sound, vocals, simple rhythms, circular breathing, building good practice habits and more! Bring your own didgeridoo if you have one; there will be a few didgeridoos available to borrow.
2:30 - 3:30 pm
Mary-Beth Nickel
SUGGESTED DONATION $20
​
Up to 20 people

How to Play the NAF, for Beginners
The basic steps of flute playing, making music, & giving voice to one's heart song.
3:15 - 4:00 pm
Geri Littlejohn
FREE-WILL DONATION

Silent Walking Meditation
Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. After a short gathering to clarify the Practice, we will walk for 25 minutes with deep intention, single-file, in silence, repeating the mantra inwardly, "I Am the Earth, the Earth is Me. I feel the Earth, the Earth Feels me. I love the Earth, the Earth loves me. I heal the Earth, the Earth heals me." Walk with your hands free or bring a single flute to play in communion with a tree at the end of the walk. All welcome.
10:30 - 11:30 am
Tommy Graven
SLIDING SCALE $20 - $30

The Very Basics of Music Theory, to break down & demystify the subject- uses alternative scale
Tommy will use his looper and guitar to break down, demystify, and make useful a subject that otherwise intimidates all too many flute players. The workshop will be based on an alternative scale.
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Timothy J.P. Gomez
$25
​
Up to 18 people

Flute Workout: Excersices, Patterns & More
This will be a fun and very interactive workshop where all participants will definitely be playing their flutes! Timothy will provide all attendees with various exercises and techniques to assist and encourage them to evolve and further develop their flute-playing and songwriting methods.This workshop will accommodate all levels of players. Bring your G flutes!
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Mary Youngblood
$50
​
​

Flute Embellishments & Techniques for Intermediate & Advanced Players
Students will learn more advanced embellishments and techniques — such as playing with accompaniment, tonguing methods, other scales, and vibrato.
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Ellen Saunders & Friends
Donations go to Flutestock

Ensemble Playing for Intermediate & Advanced Players
This is a class on ensemble playing, for intermediate and advanced players. They will demonstrate ensemble techniques as well as have attendees play with them and each other. There will be handouts for those in attendance. Bring E, G and A flutes.
SUNDAY
9:30 - 11:00 am
Rona Yellowrobe
$50

Caterpillar & Butterfly: Storytelling through Song
Designed to teach players how to effectively use storytelling as an introduction to a song, how to engagingly use embellishments of notes and phrases within the basic scale, and how to transition from a major scale back to the basic scale — while keeping it simple and having fun.Rona will be sharing her "Caterpillar & Butterfly" story as well as providing the composition, in tablature format. Rona will then guide you in how to play the song, "Caterpillar & Butterfly." You will be provided a downloadable backing track.
10 - 11:30 am
Geri Littlejohn
DONATION
​
Up to 30 people

Sound Immersion in Theory & Practice
We will gather and explore the topic of the importance of building a personal foundation in sound and frequency and how they impact the body, mind and spirit of attendees, the importance of creating and supporting a container, and how to offer sonic support in Service to Life. This will include a 30-45 minute sound offering. Can be experienced seated or bring a blanket/pillow if you prefer.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Pamela Mortensen
DONATIONS OF $20 & UP
​
Up to 18 people

Get Your Groove On: Exploring Rhythms Through the Didge
Rhythm is the heartbeat of life and in this fun and informative class we will explore rhythm from different world traditions as well as rock and roll, funk and blues. We will also go over rhythms that don’t require circular breathing and cover good practice habits so you can start building your rhythmic skills and confidence. Bring your didgeridoo if you have one. There will be a few didgeridoos to borrow for the class if you don’t have one.
9:30 - 10:30 am
Pamela Mortensen
DONATIONS OF $20 & UP
​
Up to 18 People

Vocals Through the Didge
Vocals are some of the most fun and innovative sounds you can make on didgeridoo. In this class we will cover animal calls such as dog and dingo bark, wolf howls, frogs, and more. We will also cover singing into the didgeridoo to create harmony or dissonance to create your own rich and unique palette of sounds you can draw from. Bring your own didgeridoo if you have one.
10:15 - 11:45 am
Jonny Lipford
DONATIONS OF $20 & UP
​
Up to 12 people

Enhance to Excel: Personalized Flute Guidance
Let's take your flute playing skills to the next level with a personalized guidance session that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered! I understand that seeking feedback on your artistry can be intimidating, but this hands-on work is worth it for those who want to dig deep and grow as musicians. In this group workshop, we'll create a supportive environment where everyone can learn from each other's playing styles and techniques.