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: flutepodcasts@gmail.com

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:
flutepodcasts@gmail.com
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