Flute Workshop 

NAS Flute Making Workshop (or Fujara)

Mt Eliza, Victoria, Australia   +    Other locations
traditional drum workshop _ dates and booking, or check socials 

NAS Flute Making Workshop (or Fujara)

Native American Style Flute Making Workshop

Make 1 or even 2 Native American Style Flutes with a choice of  a range from the highest tenor note to the deepest baritone fundamental notes in 432 or 440hz, for a great price that play easily and sound absolutely divine. Further options include an extra interchangeable sound chamber at a different fundamental note, a Drone or Melody flute (double) and the huge Slovakian Fujara overtone flute.

These NASF are quite unique, made by reviewing traditional techniques with the approach with Brad’s Industrial Design approach and highly flexible Computer Aided Design, they have had extensive prototyping with trial and error to optimize the playability and sound. They’ve had a lot of work to get where they are and are more affordable  as they’re made with a combination of PVC pipe and 3d printing. However they require refinement and finishing to get them really nice. Brad’s even had some people picking them up and saying, “but what timber they are made from”.

Using this technique, an inexperienced participant can learn the skills working with a drop saw, a mitre saw, drills, dremels and other hand tools, and custom jigs to refine these into a beautiful instrument. Given that, an experienced fabricator will pick up plenty of information specific to flute making too.

And for those not familiar with playing a NASF, if made well they are one of the few instruments anyone can pick up and make some beautiful sounds by just moving your fingers over the holes without much experience. However there is a definite skill required to play well, and a it’s a great instrument to learn.

One the day we include:

• Practical ceremony honouring the traditional creators of these instruments, the land, the instruments created, and the importance of spirit woven throughout the day and beyond. 

• A 101 on chromatic scale and your choice of 432 or 440hz tuning

• A 101 on finger hole placement and NASF playing for the 5 or 6 note minor pentatonic scale, also for the Fujara (a huge overtone flute available to make).

• Review of flutes available and a choice of the fundamental note. Including limitations for larger flutes due to the players physical arm and hand size)
  optimal fipple (whistle design)

• A 101 on the elements of a NASF and how each of these affect the sound which is useful for the tuning

• Fundamental tuning approach. Along with a small variable tuning adjustment for the temperature.

• Hole placement and tuning techniques for the 5 or 6 note minor pentatonic scale, (along with an easier template of the same flute or similar as a guideline)

• Practical experience with a Mitre saw or drop saw, battery powered drills, sanding and filing techniques

• Engraving your own custom symbols or pictures on the flute.

• Finishing techniques for a timber style finish for low toxic spirit based dyes, followed with a satin clear enamel spray paint finish, (done by Brad due to PPE limitations)

• Decorative binding techniques and options to further customise by adding crystals or other totems

Costing:  
$150 - $650 paid in cash on the day, with $50 booking fee for comitment (deducted from total)
The total cost is dependent on a combination of the flute size (the Internal bore diameter) you chose and other options as available at checkout and through referring to videos linked in through the website.
Also with the opportunity to make a second flute smaller or one the same size for half the price. If attempting 2 larger sizes this may be time restrictive, Brad may contact you to discuss this.

There is only a limited capacity for each workshop, so please book directly through humanitix or contact me with your intention to join in so I can confirm your place with a deposit and ensure materials are ordered and prepared in time. Booking fees are non-refundable but transferable to the next available workshop for a valid reason.