NAS Flute Making Workshop (or Fujara)_Mount Eliza _1hr Melb

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 soprano 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 (in my heritage).

These NASF are quite unique, made by reviewing traditional techniques with Brad’s Industrial Design approach and 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. This brings accuracy and consistency, but they require refinement and finishing to get them really nice, and why not do this in a workshop. In terms of appearance, Brad’s even had some people picking them up and saying “but what timber they are made from”.

In this workshop 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. Also, an experienced fabricator will pick up plenty of information and hints specific to flute making too.

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. The smaller 2 Fujara’s are also easy to play, However the big ones are challenging and require a lot of air.

On 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 non standard overtones of the Fujara (a huge flute available to make).

• Review of flutes available and a choice of the fundamental note to tune to based on the flute type which must be decided in advance. Including limitations for larger flutes due to the players physical arm and hand size)
  optimal fipple (whistle design)

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

• Tuning approach to achieve the fundamental note (the note played with all holes covered). 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, (limited time for this if doing 2 or a larger flute)

• Finishing techniques for a timber style finish with 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. (limited time for this if doing 2 or a larger flute)

Costing and Flute type: 
$150 - $600 depending on the flute type paid in cash on the day, with $50 booking fee for commitment (deducted from total)
The total cost is dependent on a combination of the flute size (the Internal bore diameter also labelled by the fundamental voice range) 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.

For examples of the flutes, and notes on them including video’s see 'Flutes for sale', and 'what size flute is right for me' on the website