Here we are at the start of another New Year, which unfortunately feels the same as the last one!
This awful pandemic is still ruling our lives, but it will not ruin our creativity and motivation. These times need us to be strong mentally. It's so important to plan each day no matter how small a project. 

For me, this New Year is starting with the imminent launch of two new books. Kickstart Flute, which also has an online presence, is about to be available. This is a beginner book, but a very different one from those on the market. 
Kickstart Flute will help you either get started with flute playing or develop the level of flute playing that you already have.
The tutorial is based around 24 duets encompassing all genres of music, written by Andy Scott, one of the most versatile and exciting composers writing today. 
 
There are 24 lessons, one for each duet, spread over 2 books. 
Each lesson will introduce you to all the basics of learning the flute, with special emphasis on the material required to play the duets: notes, rhythms, articulations, fingerings and dynamics. Plus, all the information you need to develop your tone, finger technique, articulation and musicality. As the lessons progress so your knowledge builds.
The flute is one of the easiest wind instruments to learn initially and these are challenging lessons, but rewarding. The duets will help develop your knowledge and love of world music: Pop, Gospel, Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova and Classical. There are also many musical examples throughout the method from the classics.

I'm very excited for the launch, which I hope will be a useful addition to my other original tutors for flute.
Flute Aerobics
Light Aerobics
Sequentials,
The Expression of Colour
Vocalise
Flute Reboot
Kickstart Flute
https://www.astute-music.com/store/p665/Kickstart_Flute_Book_1_(flute_tutor)_by_Clare_Southworth.html#/
 

It's been a very exciting week with the launch of my new book Flute Reboot. This is a complete workbook for players, those established ones looking for new ideas and for those players returning to flute playing after a break. This is the result of years of work and I'm really proud of this addition to the flute repertoire. There are many exercises, melodies and information on all flute technique topics, which have helped me develop my flute playing skills over the years. Take a look and let me know what you think. There is a dedicated Facebook page called Flutereboot. You can get your own copy from my publishers: www.astute-music.com or from any of the flute shops: Just Flutes, All Flutes Plus and Top Wind.
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It really feels like spring has arrived. Lovely and warm outside and I've just spent 3 hours gardening! I so love this time of the year, when the clocks have sprung forward and the days are getting longer.
The latest Talking Flutes podcast has been focussing on how to build your brand. This is such an important part of a performer's career. You can listen on various platforms:

iTunes http://bit.ly/FlutePods  Soundcloud http://bit.ly/  TF4SoundCloud Spotify http://bit.ly/FlutePodcasts  Podbean http://bit.ly/2Podcasts 

Jean-Paul Wright and I discuss many aspects of self-promotion: web site, photos, social media, contacts, recordings and of course PRACTICE!
​Do hope you enjoy our podcast and if you would like me to cover any particular topic, write to: [email protected]

The latest talking Flutes podcast is on stress and mental health. This is such an important topic and one that should concern us all. I'm chatting on the podcast to Dr Roelof Joe Stammeijer, who happens to be my son! He is a psychiatrist in Yorkshire and his comments about daily struggles and most importantly, how to implement coping strategies, are so useful. As musicians, we spend a great deal of time alone, and it's very easy to be over critical and harbour negative thoughts. Talking about these struggles is a sign of strength not weakness and is important for all of us to recognise. I remember clearly that my early years as a student and young professional, were littered with rejections and criticism that was not always constructive. It's part of our profession that we audition or take exams and then are judged - not always fairly - and either we succeed or fail. This is a disaster for our mental health and well-being. So it's OK to acknowledge that you're having a bad day. It's perfectly natural to have off days. Talking to someone can help relieve the stress and the worry and enable you to then continue and progress. So make time to talk and take care of your own mental health!

It's been a while since my last blog, but so much has been happening.
Talking Flutes is my latest project. This is a weekly podcast that you can listen to on iTunes, Spotify or Podbean. I alternate each week with Jean-Paul Wright. There are chats with flute players from around the world, technical advice, interpretation notes on various pieces and other musings.
If you would like me to cover any topic then write in to:
[email protected]
In March I am talking about articulation and will post the text here on my site as it can get quite complex.
recent podcasts have been my Valentine's week pod where I talk and play pieces that I love. Coming up soon March 11th, I am chatting to psychiatrist  Dr Joe Stammeijer, who also happens to be my son! Covering a crucial topic, mental health. This is such an important area, as musicians spend so much time working alone, in an emotional career, with many ups and downs. So the podcast talks about how to keep mentally strong and offers coping strategies.
Do take a listen, we have been on the air for a year now, and let me know your thoughts!
All best Clare