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Historical Flutes Committee

Our Mission

The Historical Flutes Committee promotes the playing and study of historical flutes. From the Renaissance to the nineteenth century, we celebrate the flute's diversity through the ages in terms of playing styles, aesthetics, and instrumental design

Activities 

Online Events
Committee members regularly host NFA online events, which are educational sessions that introduce various aspects of historical flute playing. Sessions are one-hour in length, free and open to all. Visit the NFA online event calendar for current listings and registration.

 

Presence at NFA Conventions
From the popular "Getting Started with the Baroque Flute" to the "Historical Flutes Petting Zoo", from lecture recitals to committee concerts, the committee presents a variety of events which engage flutists of all levels and backgrounds.

Resources

Fingering Chart
Click here for a basic baroque fingering chart to get you started!

Contributions by Committee Members
Tips on sound production and interpretation on the baroque flute during high-pressure performances, by Teddie Hwang 

Oberlin professor Michael Lynn demonstrating flutes from the baroque period to the late 19th-century at the 2024 Early Music America Summit.

Betty Bang Mather and Roger Mather Baroque Flute Study Program
In the spring of 2016, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, past president and longtime NFA member, Betty Bang Mather, shared her interest in donating to the NFA some of the baroque flutes belonging to her and Roger. First and foremost, she wanted her flutes to be well cared for and to be used by aspiring historical flutists, under the supervision of the Historical Flutes Committee. The Mathers have generously donated six professional quality Baroque flutes to the NFA. All of the flutes are playable at A=415. In addition, one flute will play at A=440 and three will play at A=392. The Historical Flutes Committee has created a mentorship program which allows NFA members to borrow flutes for a period of nine months (September to May) to study Baroque flute.

Specifics are as follows:

  • The study period is nine months, September—May.
  • Students must be members of the NFA.
  • Students must commit to regular lessons with a member of the Historical Flutes Committee, or a teacher approved by the committee. Skype lessons are acceptable.
  • Participating students will sign a contract that outlines the proper care and terms for use of the instrument.
  • At the conclusion of the program in May, students agree to pay to ship their flute (approximately $60.00) to Boaz Berney Historical
  • Flutes for its annual inspection and maintenance.
  • Should repairs be needed beyond routine care and maintenance, students will be responsible for those costs. Instrument insurance will be required, and has been generously donated by Anderson Instrument Insurance Solutions, LLC – the NFA endorsed Instrument Insurance Company.
  • Historical Flutes Committee member Michael Lynn serves as curator of the donated flutes, completing a biannual inventory.

For further information, please contact any Historical Flutes Committee member.

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