In a Rut?
5 Ways to Get Yourself Out

by Paula Ellis


1. Let nature inspire you. "Play the tree line," was the advice given Twohawks. Here are a couple of other ideas. Charlie "Crow Dog" listened to the birds and used their call as an idea for a song that he shared with our flute circle. His wife charms animals with her music. Listening to a babbling brook helps me. Well, not really a brook. I have a fountain in my back yard that serves as a substitute. It's the middle of winter? A small tabletop fountain from Wal-Mart serves as a reminder of days spent by mountain streams.

2. Listen to other musicians. This advice was given by Scott August at a workshop. Don't just let the music play in the background. Really try to analyze the way they build their song. Look for repeated themes. Listen to all kinds of music, not just flute. Peter Phippen speaks of being influenced by Jimmy Hendrix. He claims one of his embellishments was invented to sound like a wailing guitar.

3. Pick up another flute. Flutes are like potato chips. No one has just one. Do you play all the flutes you own? I have one favorite that I constantly return to. When I do pick up a flute in another key, new songs emerge. Higher flutes sound like birds. Lower flutes are like moaning wind. What do you hear when you change flutes?

4. Record yourself. Record a practice session. I often think I'm playing the same melodies over and over. Listening to myself, I can hear many variations creeping in. Recording myself another day, I hear my songs evolving.

Keep it with you. Ever have a great idea during a traffic jam only to have it disappear long before you get home? Digital recorders are small and easy to carry. Keep one handy to sing into when those songs come. Don't worry about your singing ability. This is only for you. Capture those fleeting moments of inspiration.

5. Play with other instruments. CDs are now available of rhythms for Native American flute. Sometimes just listening to a faster rhythm encourages me to play differently. Playing the flute while my husband beats on the djembe, not only helps me musically, but builds our relationship as we share our hobby.

Now it's your turn. Let us know your favorite way of getting out of your rut. Send us an e-mail and we'll add your suggestion to our site.