MusicSmith Flutes | A Native American Style Flute | Handmade by Dave Lusk

Native American flutes were first created and played by Native American people. They are instruments of beauty, magic, ceremony, healing, and entertainment. They bring out the music that dwells in all of us.

This instrument has a full, warm sound. Made from western red cedar, it’s protected with non-toxic waterproofing, inside and out. Each flute is embellished with a unique design handcrafted with a wood-burner. A thumb-rest is offered. This innovation stabilizes and balances the flute while playing by positioning your lower hand correctly. Place the thumb of the lower hand against the bottom of the thumb-rest. The index finger covers the hole right above.

Playing your Flute |There are no wrong notes! All notes harmonize melodically. Reading music is not needed.

• Press your lips against the mouthpiece to gently seal it.
• Cover the holes with the finger pads, not the tips or nails.
• Adjust the air pressure until notes sound clear.
• The note played with all the holes closed is the key of the flute.  It’s called the flute’s fundamental note.
• Use the fingerings shown below. Cover and uncover the holes one at a time in order.
• The third hole down on a 6-hole flute always stays covered to play the minor pentatonic scale and uses all the notes shown on the chart.
• For a major scale, start and land on the second note up from the bottom of the flute.
• Start going up and down the flute, slowly and evenly. Gradually pick up speed. Next, vary the rhythm. Play melodies by playing the basic scale but put intervals between the notes. For example, cover all the holes followed by another finger pattern. Doing so will always sound melodic and harmonic.
• Embellishments and more scales can be added for more musicality once you’re proficient.
• Have fun!

Tip: The third hole down always stays covered in the minor pentatonic scale and uses all the notes shown on the chart. For a major scale, start and land on the second note up from the bottom of the flute. Once proficient, embellishments and more scales can be added.

Caring for your Flute | Keep your flute at a steady temperature. Do not let it get too hot or cold. Temperature variations expand and contract wood. This can cause your flute to crack. If the flute is cold, warm it with your hands and gently blow warm air into it. Do not leave it in a car when it’s either hot or cold. Avoid direct sunlight.

Remove the block after playing to dry the flute out. Wipe off any moisture. To retie the block, position the front edge of the block at the back edge of the sound hole. Tie tightly. Experiment with its placement for the best tone. Push it slightly forward to raise the pitch higher (sharp), move it back to lower it (flat).

Caring for Yourself  with Hand Warm-ups | Here’s an easy 5-minute series of hand movements & mudras to help your fingers, wrists & hands with easy-to-remember names for each one. Great for musicians & anyone with stiff, painful fingers, hands or wrists. Learn the Hakini Mudra, Beak, Bug, Claw, Paw, Seed, Web, Wings, and the Eagle & Hridaya mudras. Thank you Christine Stevens at Upbeat Drum Circles for interviewing me.

Troubleshooting | Fuzzy, unclear, sour, airy, or shrillness

• Cover the holes completely or else it will squeak or sound airy.
• Adjust air pressure. Are you blowing too softly or too much?
• Make sure the block is tied down tightly (see above).
• Poor tone quality occurs when moisture collects inside the flute, especially between the mouthpiece and the block. To remove it, hold the flute tightly and briskly shake the whole flute. Try covering the sound hole with a finger and blow hard to push the moisture out. Release your finger while still blowing. Wipe off.
• The bottom note is the hardest to play. It’s important to make sure all the holes are completely covered. Use a mirror. This note will jump an octave if too much air is used.

MusicSmith Flutes info, tips, etc. (pdf to download/print)

Music Lessons |  Music lesson details and registration

Handy Links

• MusicSmith Flutes Info 
• Store| Native American style wood flutes for sale
• Playing tips, flute care, troubleshooting
• Flute Music | Scales | Embellishments | Lessons
• Musical Sound Bath Tune Up
• Music lesson details and registration
• Contact us anytime.

Contact us anytime about flutes & lessons.

By appointment only ♥ Not a retail store.

Online Yoga Nidra Class  Attend class on Zoom plus get 2 weeks of unlimited streaming of class replays. Register below. 

Yoga Nidra is yoga sleep. It can totally relax and put your physical, mental, and emotional stress to rest. It’s practiced either lying down in the relaxation pose (savasana) or in a comfy chair.  No other yoga postures are needed.

• “By doing Yoga Nidra on Mondays, my Tuesdays are always awesome and joyous.”
• “I slept like an angel.”
• “My pain was 80% better.”
• “It lowered my anxiety and cravings.”
• “It’s like being in class, but I don’t have to drive home after!”
• “What a great class you provide us. I can’t believe it took me this long to get on board.”
• Naturally, results vary.

Register below for single classes or by the month
Get replays for 14 days of unlimited streaming.

Mondays from 7-8:30 pm (ET) ~~
June | 1. 8. 15. 22 | Registration is open
July | 6. 13. 20. 27 |
Aug | 3. 10. 17. 24 |
More | TBA

How it works …

All classes and plans include class audios at no extra charge (attendance not required).  Recordings are emailed to everyone within 48 hours after class for 14-days of unlimited streaming for personal/non-commercial use.  Downloads of your favorite classes are available to buy for keeps.  

• Preregistration is required at least 1 hour before class start time.  Instructions, policies & zoom links are given on payment.  Look in spam or promotions if needed.
• Sign-in instructions are emailed to you 60 minutes prior to every class.
• Schedules are subject to change. Julie may substitute Yoga on Demand for “live” Zoom classes as needed. Non-transferable. No refunds. Scholarships available on request.

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Choose from the weekly or monthly plan below. Use the CART to review your order & check out. Use the cart in the menu bar above or scroll down.

Monthly plan for $50 – Save $30
4 classes held per month

Monthly plan - Online Yoga Nidra Registration

Price: $80.00

Price: $50.00

June 1. 8. 15. 22 at 7 pm (ET)

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Single class for $20 each

Single Class - Online Yoga Nidra Registration

Price: $20.00

June 1 at 7 pm ETJune 8 at 7 pm ETJune 15 at 7 pm ETJune 22 at 7 pm ET♥Personal yoga lesson + video @ $90

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Links to more classes for you and your friends …

• Full Schedule 
• Hatha Yoga Postures, Mindfulness & More: Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm (ET).  
• Yoga on Demand: Get recorded classes to watch anytime | 3 convenient plans to choose from.
• Buy downloads of your favorite hatha yoga + nidra classes to keep.
• Personal Lessons: Get a private lesson to focus on whatever you want! Get a downloadable video for keeps.   
• Gift Certificates are available in any amount for online classes. Contact Julie for details.
• Julie Lusk’s catalog of books, audios, and more, including her book, Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation & Stress Relief.
  

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Contact Julie Lusk anytime.