Baroque Flutes

Step into the world of traverso (baroque) flute. Led by renowned baroque flautist Georgia Browne (Ensemble Pygmalion, The English Concert), this course is designed to help you improve you technique through a blend of group workshops, chamber music activities and masterclasses in a friendly, low-pressure environment. 

You'll explore performance practice and historical style alongside gaining tips for improving your tone and technique. You'll have the opportunity to work on your own choice of accompanied and unaccompanied sonatas as well take part in group music making. 

Come and join the lively community of traverso flute players and share your love of this wonderful instrument. 

By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

• adjust your intonation to tune pure intervals.
• find ways to improve your practice and your technique at home.
• understand and apply some key stylistic performance practices.  
• perform a movement of a sonata or suite in front of your peers.
• be more at ease with ensemble playing, including leading skills, rhythm and intonation.
• not be terrified by the words improvisation and ornamentation.

The course will be taught in variety of sessions and will be taught at A=415. 

One-to-one tuition will take a masterclass format (with the option to have the lesson privately if preferred). 

You will have the opportunity to play your favourite repertoire with harpsichordist Benedict Williams. 

Using Bach chorales and other simple music, the group sessions will focus on technical aspects of sound production, breathing, dynamics, ornamentation and intonation. 

You'll also have the opportunity to chamber music can be explored independently outside of course sessions.

The course is designed for players who already have some experience playing traverso flute. Players should be at the Improver, Confident or Skilful levels. Please see our Ability Levels Explained for further information. 

You will will need to know all of the fingerings of a two-octave chromatic scale starting on low D and be able to play through one or two movements of a flute suite or sonata by composers such as Hotteterre or Handel. Sightreading skills will be a help you get the most from the course. 

A baroque (traverso) flute at A=415 is essential. You are welcome to bring historical flutes at other pitches (e.g. A=392) for unaccompanied or duet playing opportunities. 

Music for group sessions will be provided during the course. Please bring your own copies of the music you wish to present in lessons. Feel free to bring along any other (clearly labelled) sheet music you’d like to try out. Some additional music will be provided for exploring independently and the Benslow Music Library has a range of music that can be borrowed during the course in advance by Benslow Music Members.