Price: € 17,50–

Introduction to the Traverso
David Westcombe

For: anyone, no previous experience required
Maximum amount of participants: 15

This workshop is kindly sponsored by The Early Music Shop.

We will be sharing an introduction to the traverso on Friday July 7th, 2023. Wooden flutes have been played in all cultures of the world, throughout the history of human civilisation. From the bansuri of India to the dizi of China and the tambin of the Fula people of West Africa, the combination of air and wood has created a tone that’s captured human imagination across the ages. The traverso is one of Europe’s contributions to that heritage. It’s an instrument that achieved fame in the 17th and 18th century, being used in the music of Bach, Vivaldi and Rameau.

During the workshop we will learn:

• How to produce sound using our embouchure, or lip shape

• How to position our hands - and bodies - in conjunction with the flute

• Four or five note fingerings

• Dynamics! How to play loudly and softly to produce contrast

We will also practise some basic rhythms, and learn how to use our tongue while playing, to achieve different sounds and articulation. If we get time, we will also play in harmony, meaning some of us will play one note while the rest play another.

The traverso is a very versatile instrument, and can be used to further your love of music in multiple ways . If you’re interested in learning a little bit about how to approach one of the oldest styles of instrument, then don’t miss this workshop.