I've been crafting North American Indian style flutes with simple hand tools for 18 years, and several years ago recorded some flutemaking videos for the web.  So many folks have watched the videos and emailed for more information that for the first time, I've decided to schedule several workshops to teach this skill in depth.

When I started making flutes in 1991 my goal was simple (and challenging): to bring to this primordial flute the sound and tuning characteristics of a fine classical instrument.  After all these years I now feel I'm there.  Many of my best flutes have come along in 2009.

I will be offering three workshops in 2010 to pass along these insights and skills.  For each 3-1/2 day intensive I'm inviting 2 to 4 people to join me in my small shop in Leverett, MA.  For a cost equal to one of my larger flutes each participant will choose an instrument to make for him/herself with my guidance.  After demonstration of each step all will be free to jump in and try the step or have me do it on their flute.

Each person will leave with a high quality, beautiful looking and sounding instrument and comprehensive training in how to create more.  One caveat, though: I've learned much of what I do through direct experience with the elements of wood, water, earth and air and not through a tradition.  This has been my preferred mode of learning; it means that what I share won't be from a particular culture.  My flutes and some of my methods are different from anyone else's.  But the other side of this coin is the hard won discoveries I've made that others don't know and will never teach you.... discoveries in the realm of beautiful rich sound.

So if you've been wanting to learn to make these flutes... to have the full experience all the way from a board to an instrument you'll love playing every day... here's your chance.  Join me this winter and we'll embark on a type of human activity that has been recently shown to date back over 40,000 years.... evoking our roots and the timeless human quest for beauty.  It's rewarding work.

Workshop dates are

JANUARY 15-18, 2010 (long weekend) 1 spot open (special price $500)

MARCH 2-5, 2010 (weekdays) 3 spots open

APRIL 2-5, 2010 (long weekend) 3 spots open

TIMES: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM three days and 9:30 AM - 12 noon last day; evenings 8:00 - 10:30 PM if needed

Fee for Werner John's complete intensive hands-on workshop in creating Native American style flutes with simple tools:   $625   This includes all materials and instruction required to build, complete and take home one of these flutes.       A deposit of $75 will hold your place

You can pay the deposit near bottom of ORDER PAGE and tell me which dates work for you in the NOTES section during ordering.

Balance is due three weeks before workshop begins.

I hope to meet you soon!

Werner John