North House Folk School - Courses, Classes, Workshops

Exploration of Nordic Folk Music - The Norwegian Overtone Flute

Music

Arna Rennan

The overtone flute, or "seljefloyte," is one of the most ancient instruments still in use in northern European countries. Its idiosyncrasies of tonality and ornamentation lend itself to a variety of musical styles from traditional Nordic folk to jazz improvisations. The course will consist of constructing your own flute, hand-carving the mouthpiece, and learning to play traditional melodies. Arna will provide a thorough background in "nature tonality" and how it influenced Nordic folk music. A variety of archival and recent recordings, and some musical notations will shed light on the versatility of this instrument. Patience and a reasonably good ear are the only requirements for this course.

The overtone flute was originally made in the springtime while the sap flowed freely through the willow branch. By tapping and twisting a branch off, a tube was formed, then with a notch and adding the mouthpiece, voila!

Dates

No classes currently scheduled

Course Details

Length in days:

Hours:

9am-5pm

Tuition:

$75.00 per student (May 1-Oct 31)
$75.00 per student (Nov 1 - Apr 30)

Materials:

$10.00

Levels:

Beginner to Advanced

Making it happen:

When should I enroll?
We can't hold classes without students! Decisions regarding course cancellations (as related to minimum enrollment) are made three weeks before the class starts--so if you've got a course in mind, plan ahead and sign up at least three weeks in advance! That way we'll know you're coming, courses are more likely to meet minimum enrollment numbers, and then they'll actually take place.
Also watch for the words "nearly full" next to course dates. When that notation appears it means there are only one or two spots left--so sign up soon!
Do you take last minute registrations?
Of course! Although it's important that courses meet minimum enrollment three weeks before their scheduled start dates, we know that life doesn't always allow for prior planning. As long as there are still spots left in a course we're happy to accept your registration last minute.
When will new course dates be posted?
New course dates are posted both in the spring and fall to coordinate with our course catalog release dates. All the new dates are opened for enrollment on the same day and at the same time, so that everyone gets a fair crack at a spot in the courses they're interested in. As that time rolls around we announce when the new dates will "go live" in our e-newsletter. (sign up here!)

Exploration of Nordic Folk Music - The Norwegian Overtone Flute