Product Description

A comprehensive step by step guide for learning how to play Native American Flute as well as the "basics" of making music. Interactive with 39 track audio CD demonstrating all instruction. You will learn: Proper finger and breath control, how to ornament melodies, how to understand Pitch and Rhythms, How to practice successfully, How to creat your own songs, Useful scales to develop technique and How to read printed music and Nakai Flute Tablature

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #100214 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 104 pages

Review
"This is the missing piece of work that the NAF community needed...this is the first system/book/cd" --Bob Bellus Sweet River Sounds

"Understanding the Gift" by John Vames is the "best book on the planet" for learning to play the Native American Flute. I have tried and carried numerous other method books and have decided to carry this Book exclusively. There is none better in my opinion. If you are looking for lessons that you can see, hear and understand, this is the resource for you. You learn everything from proper finger placement, breathing, embellishments, and vibrato (the techniques to create those wonderful sounds you hear the best artists use). John explains and plays these techniques on the accompanying CD perfectly. You will also learn improvisation and you have the opportunity to learn and understand how to read "Nakai" Tablature for NAF. . John makes everything perfectly clear in the book and on the accompanying CD. Tap into the knowledge and 40 + years of experience of a master musician and instructor. You will not find a better Book to learn the Native American Flute with. **Once you have taken advantage of John's teaching acumen and have become proficient with the NAF, I highly recommend "Song For Koko: JAZZ", also by John. This resource will further reveal to you the art of improvisation (which is the essence of the NAF) using Jazz as the vehicle to further your performance skills. Do yourself a favor and pick up these Books today. You will be pleased with the results, and so will your audience." Richard Maynard, Flutemaker LAUGHING CROW FLUTES --Richard Maynard, Flutemaker Laughing Crow FLutes

Native American flute music has become an important aspect of the New Age and World music genres. What was once used by young warriors to sound out, quite literally, potential mates, is now used to produce haunting musical albums. In the past, many of the flute "how-to" manuals were written by musicians with little or no formal European music training. This manual closes that gap as the author, a highly experienced music educator, explains the instrument in both Native American terms and notation systems, as well as Western music theory analysis. It does a great job of explaining an almost mystical primitive musical instrument and system in a way that all cultures will understand. The accompanying audio CD is an absolutely necessary teaching aid which aptly demonstrates each lesson line upon line, precept upon precept. We rated this manual and CD a high four hearts. Bob Spear Publisher & Chief Reviewer HEARTLAND REVIEWS Leavenworth Kansas --Bob Spear, Publisher & Chief reviewer Heartland Reviews

About the Author
John Vames has been playing and teaching music professionally for over 40 years The focus of his teaching is not only to develop professional musicians but also to show students how to create and enjoy music the enrichment of their own lives. With his help hundreds of people of all ages have learned to play clarinet, sax, transverse flute, Native American Flute, Jazz and Classical piano. His friendship with the Native American Flute began in 1995 when he heard the sound. As an educator he realized how easy it was for almost anyone to play. Unlike piano or guitar that take years of study, this instrument could be mastered in a short time. What followed was his initiation of Flute classes at Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, Arizona and the first 16 week credited program for Native American Flute on a Community College level In February 2005, his 2nd book Song for Koko:Jazz for Native American Flute was presented for the advanced player.

Customer Reviews

From Heartland Reviews
Title: The Native American Flute: Understanding the Gift

Author: John Vames

Native American flute music has become an important aspect of the New Age and World music genres. What was once used by young warriors to sound out, quite literally, potential mates, is now used to produce haunting musical albums. In the past, many of the flute "how-to" manuals were written by musicians with little or no formal European music training. This manual closes that gap as the author, a highly experienced music educator, explains the instrument in both Native American terms and notation systems, as well as Western music theory analysis. It does a great job of explaining an almost mystical primitive musical instrument and system in a way that all cultures will understand. The accompanying audio CD is an absolutely necessary teaching aid which aptly demonstrates each lesson line upon line, precept upon precept. We rated this manual and CD a high four hearts.

Bob Spear
Publisher & Chief Reviewer
HEARTLAND REVIEWS
Leavenworth Kansas

Worth the money!
The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that it is not spiral bound, which would make it much easier to use. Otherwise, it's an excellent learning aid, especially the CD that comes with it. The songs included are easy enough for a beginner, but the CD demonstrates what can be done with the same song when you get to be a better player. Plus, you can hear what they're supposed to sound like, instead of just reading the music. The music is in Nakai tab, so it's quite easy to learn and use. Highly recommended!

Native American Flute: Understanding the Gift
We highly recommend this book for the beginner. This is the best beginning Native American flute book to get you started. It is easy to follow and has you playing quickly, so you do not become discouraged. Then you can graduate up to R. Carlos Naki's The Art of the Native American Flute.