Setting the Stage
I attended the Scottish International Flute Summer Course in Perth this past summer. As a flautist myself, I was eager to enhance my performance skills, learn from world-renowned flautists, and be immersed in a week of music. The opportunity to learn from the likes of Ian Clarke, Ruth, and Adam Walker was something I couldn’t pass on.
Why Did I Undertake This Opportunity?
The chance to study with some of the finest flautists in the world, while also working on performance psychology, really appealed to me. I knew this experience would help me build confidence and tackle nerves that sometimes affect my performance.
The Experience: From Start to Finish
I arrived on Sunday in Perth and stayed at Glenbrae accommodation. I was lucky to get a car ride from the train station with Ian Clarke, an incredible flautist! The week started with an amazing recital by Ruth and Scott (flute and piano).
Monday began with a group warm-up led by Lee, who was excellent in coaching us through complex exercises to improve our playing for the day. My 1-to-1 coaching session with Lee on performance psychology was particularly valuable, as it helped me gain confidence and turn my nervousness into a strength. Throughout the week, we had various technique classes with Ian Clarke and Adam Walker, where I learned about tone colours and advanced techniques like vowel shaping for flute sonority.
I also had several one-on-one lessons throughout the week, including one with Ruth, who helped me refine my embouchure and overall playing technique. Watching masterclasses, particularly with Ian Clarke and Adam Walker, was incredibly eye-opening. It was my first time attending a masterclass, and I learned so much by observing how they coached other flautists, offering personal advice and technique adjustments.
On Wednesday, I had a transformative lesson with Wissam Boustany, who gave me what was probably the best flute lesson I've ever had. His approach to teaching was inspiring, and I left feeling like I had made significant progress in my playing. Recitals were another highlight of the course—Ian Clarke, Ruth, and Wissam all gave beautiful performances, and Wissam’s recital even inspired me to add one of the pieces he played to my own repertoire. Throughout the week, I also formed a small chamber group with some of the friends I made, where we practiced Bozza’s 'Jour d'été à la montagne,' where we ended up performing in a chamber concert on Friday.
Friday was the final day, filled with memorable highlights. I started with a piano coaching session with Scott, focusing on Bach, followed by a technique class with Ruth where we explored new extended techniques on the flute. Our chamber group then performed Bozza’s Jour d'été à la montagne in the chamber concert, which was a great way to showcase our progress. Later, I had a masterclass with Wissam, where I performed Bach’s Partita and received invaluable feedback. I felt much more confident thanks to the practice and exposure to performance, and I received invaluable advice from Wissam that I’ll carry forward in my playing. The week concluded with a final concert, where everyone performed a solo piece.
Positive Takeaways
The most valuable lesson I took away was the ability to manage my performance anxiety. Lee’s coaching helped me turn my stress into a positive, which improved through frequent performance opportunities, like masterclasses with Ian Clarke and Adam Walker. The technique classes were also really valuable where I learned about tone production, extended techniques, and performance strategies.
Why Did You Undertake This Opportunity?
Music has always been a significant part of my life and I want to use my talent to bring joy to others through performance and teaching. When my current teacher highly endorsed this course she shared how transformative it had been for her and I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't miss. The only drawback was the cost, but thanks to the GSP fund, I was able to attend. This experience has reinforced my passion for music, and after university, I plan to pursue a diploma, take extra lessons with some of the flautists I met, join an orchestra, and start teaching.
Would I Recommend This Opportunity?
I highly recommend the Scottish International Flute Summer Course to anyone serious about improving their playing. Additionally, I strongly encourage taking advantage of the opportunity fund to pursue something you’re passionate about—it’s a worthwhile investment in personal and professional growth. I’m incredibly grateful for the support that allowed me to attend this course, as it has had a lasting impact on my confidence and flute playing.
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