My blogvlog

zelda’s lullaby, the legend of zelda: ocarina of time

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 13:02:17 -0500

I thought I would finally jump on the Zelda train and upload some cool Zelda tunes on flute. Here is my first attempt. I am also learning how to use Final Cut Express so I used this video as an experiment to practice several editing techniques.

If this Zelda video receives more than 3,000 views before March 21st, I promise to record more Zelda songs. So if you want more, pass this video along to all your friends.

The sheet music I used can be downloaded here.

The backing track I used can be downloaded here.

selecting the right audition pieces

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:57:56 -0500

I recently received the question below from a YouTube viewer and since I get variations of this question frequently, I thought I would post my reply on my blog.

QUESTION
Hello Nina,
I started learning the flute back in July (I used to play the Clarinet before that) and I would like to thank you for really making this process easier. I learned quickly following your videos. I should add I am self taught and that's why I found your videos so helpful....I've decided to audition on the flute and would really appreciate it if you could suggest a piece. I am somewhere around Grade 5-6 ABRSM standard.

REPLY
Picking the right audition piece is a question of knowing your individual playing and selecting a piece that emphasizes your strengths without putting too much focus on your weaknesses. The grade level alone is not enough information. I can't make suggestion without really knowing your playing. If you don't have a teacher, I suggest you play through several possible pieces and try to find one that you think will make you sound the strongest, NOT the piece that sounds the hardest. If you need help and want to arrange an online lesson with me, we can do that.
Good luck,
Nina

Fantasy for flute, piano and chamber ensemble

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:03:13 -0500

A new piece dedicated to me, that is a great way to start the day! Thanks, Robert!

I recently discovered a cool project by composer Robert Winstin to compose a piece every day for 28 days. I was delighted to wake up on the 18th morning of his project and see that he had decided to dedicate his newest piece for flute to me! I am hoping I’ll be able to play it sometime.

gariboldi etude No. 7 from melodious and progressive studies

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:50:32 -0500

Pre-concert forum

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:59:02 -0500

I have recently launched a totally innovative new way for me to interact with audiences before an upcoming performance and I would love for you to participate. I created a private website where I will post exclusive, behind the scenes videos of me preparing for my upcoming concert at the University of Louisville. You can send me comments and feedback on my preparations. There is already an interesting discussion underway on how I should play the trills in one passage of the Telemann Sonata in G major so I am really excited about how this tool can actually enhance my upcoming performance. Here is how you join.

Go to this link.

click "enroll now." It is FREE!

Create your log-in account and join the forum. There are different topics posted on the menu to the left of the page. Please send a welcome message, reply or comment on a video or discussion, and let me know what you think of this new format, since this is the first time anyone has ever done anything like this!