Overview

The Zion Canyon Native Flute School is a one-week intensive workshop for people who play (or wish to play) the Native American Flute. It is a chance to deepen our experience with our music in general, and Native Flutes in particular.

Flute players of all levels of experience are welcome! We encourage the sounds of all players in a supportive and non-critical environment.

The school takes place in the unparalleled beauty of Zion Canyon, and is just South of the entrance to Zion Canyon National Park.

Workshop sessions throughout the week focus on building confidence playing the flute in many settings and styles and expressing your inner voice. Topics include:

• The elements of music - melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and silence;
• Basic Native Flute modes, techniques, and ornaments;
  
• Basic improvisation techniques such as call-and-response, solo over drone, and repeated patterns;
  
• Song forms such as A/B/A contrast, blues, and rounds.

Philosophy

We believe that expressing yourself though music is as natural a means of communication as speaking, and often more joyful and healthy. We also believe that all people are musical and that each person's level of musicality depends only on their level of experience in music-making.

We also believe that participants learn the most when they are actually playing the most. Participants will be playing most of the time! You will get an opportunity to play solo and in ensembles in many settings, and work with facilitators from many different corners of music.

Regardless of your current level of experience, if you want to bring your flute playing to a new level, this is the workshop to attend!

Location

The Native Flute School is located in the small town of Springdale, Utah, adjacent to the South entrance of Zion National Park. It is easily accessible from major airports in Las Vegas, NV (2½ hours by car, with frequent bus service) and Salt Lake City, UT (4½ hours by car).

Dates

We are planning an event for March, 2026 ... you can inquire by sending an email to threehummingbirds@yahoo.com, or visit this web site for updated information.

Tracks recorded at the 2012 event by Dave Jorgensen:

“Exceptional opening ceremony at registration orientation. Lots of subjects covered. Great for a full immersion. I got my money's worth the first day.”

“What fun to listen to such outstanding musicians in an informal setting! The Jazz class was awesome-a blast! I don't have any prior experience with jazz.I want to continue to explore. ”
— Advanced Student, 2008

“Thank you! What a blessing this has been for me!!! The outstanding presenters, varied and diverse curriculum, good organization & scenery made this a life changing experience!”

“Vince's passion for life, the flute, nature, people and teaching really shone through. He presented a wealth of information in an interesting way. His knowledge, talent and patience made this an experience I'll always remember.”
— Beginner Student, 2008