Niall O'Riordan

I am just back from spending a lovely few days at the Oxford Flute Summer School, and of course I am inspired as ever. It is always an inspiration see Peter Lloyd giving masterclasses as well as Michael Cox and Kathrine Kemler.

It was very interesting to hear Michael Cox speaking about tone in one class. He mentioned we must no forget what the flute can do naturally-which is to play with a simple, as he put it 'primitive' sound. The haunting flute sound is one of the biggest strengths of our instrument, yet we forget to use it. This natural sound is very important and I think here in the UK many players are too tempted by fullness and volume.