Unleashing the Flute's Potential: A Journey with Melissa Keeling! Episode 318

In the world of music, innovation is the key to keeping the art form alive and evolving. This week, we revisit a transformative episode from 2020 featuring the incredibly talented electric flutist and author, Melissa Keeling. Join us on a journey that will forever change the way you perceive flute performance.

Melissa Keeling, a New York-based flutist, has been making waves with her unique approach to the flute, incorporating a specialised glissando head joint and various effect pedals to create sounds that are nothing short of revolutionary. In our conversation, Melissa introduces us to the glissando head joint, an invention by Robert Dick that has opened up new realms of possibilities for flutists.

Imagine hearing a flute that mimics the expressiveness of an electric guitar, complete with slides and bends. That's exactly what the glissando head joint allows. Melissa describes it as doing for the flute what the whammy bar does for the electric guitar, and the analogy couldn't be more accurate. This head joint consists of two tubes that slide in and out of each other, enabling the flutist to lower the pitch and create a variety of expressive sounds.

But Melissa's innovation doesn't stop there. She pairs the glissando head joint with looping and effect pedals, adding layers of complexity and depth to her performances. These tools allow her to create a rich tapestry of sound, transforming the flute from a monophonic instrument into a multi-dimensional powerhouse. In the episode, we get to hear some of Melissa's chosen works performed with this setup, showcasing her incredible versatility and creativity.

One of the highlights of our conversation is Melissa's discussion about her new book, "The Glissando Flute Handbook for Composers and Performers." This comprehensive guide is a must-have for any flutist looking to explore the capabilities of the glissando head joint. It covers everything from basic techniques to advanced applications, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Melissa's journey with the glissando head joint began in a moment of serendipity. Inspired by a performance from Robert Dick, she knew she had found her musical voice. This head joint has not only expanded her musical expression but also inspired her to create original compositions that push the boundaries of what the flute can do.

In this episode, we also delve into the impact of social media and YouTube in spreading the word about such innovations. Melissa acknowledges that these platforms have been instrumental in allowing musicians to share their work with a global audience, thus accelerating the adoption of new tools and techniques.

So, whether you're a flutist, a music educator, or simply a lover of innovative music, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge. Tune in to hear Melissa Keeling's mesmerising performances and insightful discussions, and prepare to see the flute in a whole new light.

Listen to this full episode now and let the magic of the glissando head joint and effect pedals inspire you to explore new horizons in your musical journey.

Talking Flutes, Talking Flutes Extra, Bitesize & Revisited are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit https://tjflutes.com