I'd like to try something like this... a weekend away for concentrated flute learning/playing. Having never been to anything of this sort I was wondering if anyone on here has? It says it's for Adults players of ALL levels, but would it actually be a bit of a problem for someone who's never done an exam? Can anyone advise me?

Thanks

I have forwaded your question directly to Atarah (who is my teacher) let you know what she says

I've never been on one of Atarah's courses but have done a day thing with her. She's very inspirational. I can't imagine Atarah would be bothered about having taken an exam. If it says Adults of all standards then you surely come under that catagory.

Are you a member of the British Flute Society? If not you should be. You pay a yearly membership fee (only something like £25). You get a waurterly magazine which gives you loads of flutey info, reviews, stuff on new music and cds, and also about any flute days and courses that are happening. There are always loads of week long courses in the summer.

Just had an email from Atarah, she gives the following reply -
say YES we cater for ALL LEVELS - we were the first course to do this, and in 12 years hundreds of adults have been motivated and inspired-
She includes the following also for info
ATARAH AND JULIE’S FLUTES EN VACCANCES 2006
12th AND FINAL Conspiracy of Flutes EASTER Friday 14th -16th
at Bloxham School, nr Banbury, Oxford
Host Atarah Ben-Tovim MBE Director Julie Wright
The twelth Conspiracy is an inspiring long weekend
for adult flute-players of ALL levels beginner to advanced
As much playing as you want! Free wine! Party atmosphere! Great food! Good company and simultaneous guitar course for duo partners! Details from phone 0208 2417572 or write 41 Devon Ave, Twickenham TW2 6PN
Atarah’s Advanced Adventure no 4 in France May 10th- 14th Post-Diploma
Held at.Atarah’s House/flute/Musuem near BERGERAC
Flights to Bergerac from Bristol/Birmingham/Stanstead/ outhampton/Liverpool
Inclusive accommodation / pianist /food at home and restaurants /wine and ATARAH of course –no extras Pickup from Bergerac Airport
--------------------------------------------------------- CZECH IT OUT JULY 9th-12th Students and Adults all level
PLAY-IN-DAYS- IN- PRAGUE with Atarah and Julie
Accommodation in beautiful monastery under the Catle in the centre of Pargue of Prague


www.atarah.tv

You should go - you'd have a super time

Thanks Truddi

I certainly fancy it. Wonder why she didn't answer my email? Could it have landed in her junk mail box by mistake do you think? Filters for junk are great at sifting out rubish, but they do occasionally catch the wrong thing.

Never been on one - don't play the flute - but I know people who have. They say she is fantastic.

Steve

I took up the flute as my second instrument largely due to Atarah ben Tovim and James Galway, having been to concerts by both of them. (Don't play it now though - lack of time, so I've got a beautiful flute plus my still trusty Yamaha beginner flute both sitting idle on a shelf, which is a crying shame. I can't bring myself to part with them yet, in case I do get time to start up again! Probably won't but you never know!!!)

She tells me that she answers all her emails, perhaps, like you say it landed in her junk mail by mistake, she was most concerned to know you had written to no avail !!
She is always buzzing around the world, so if her junk mail is disposed of quickly, she would never have received it . Going to be preparing my diploma with her over the next two years. She's such an inspiration to me !!

Steve - thanks for that.... it sure sounds good

Chocolatedog - you never play I can't imagine not playing.... I'm addicted I think, I soooo love it!

Truddi - I just sent Atarah another email, with a copy of the first one, so I'm hoping she'll get it this time. Thanks

Unfortunately not - piano teaching, piano practice, the real chocolate dog and the house take up all my time, so I don't get time to play the flute anymore. It was always my second instrument though, much as I enjoyed it I never felt the same towards it as I did towards the piano.

That's why I have never taken up a second instrument even though I have toyecd with the idea from time to time. I played clarinet and then cornet at school but all I ever really wanted was to play piano. The other instruments were, in some ways, compromises. I was able to learn them in school and at the time never really thought that I would get a chance to take up piano.