If you’re a flute teacher or an intermediate flutist looking for a fresh, fun, and highly effective way to elevate your playing, The Magical Flutist – Exercises for Tone and Technique by Katri Rehnström is a must-have! Inspired by the brilliant pedagogy of esteemed Finnish flutist Rainer Risberg, this book is packed with imaginative exercises that bring joy and creativity to flute practice, making it an exciting new addition to any flutist’s toolkit.
This book doesn’t just present exercises – it invites flutists to explore new ways of connecting with their instrument. Each exercise is crafted to build essential skills, from embouchure flexibility to tone color and rhythmic sensitivity. The exercises are notated in a way that allows players to easily transpose them into various keys, encouraging a comprehensive approach to technique that’s both intuitive and challenging.
One of the book’s most exciting aspects is its flexibility. Players can customize practice sessions by selecting exercises from different chapters, allowing for a focused yet varied routine tailored to individual needs. With exercises like “Lips Follow the Flute” for embouchure refinement and “Butterfly Wings” for light, precise finger technique, flutists can develop their technical foundation while staying engaged and motivated.
The book also features exercises that emphasize the mind-body connection essential to flute playing. “Balanced Posture” and “Flying Flutist,” for example, guide players toward relaxed, tension-free playing, fostering greater freedom of movement and sound. For breathing, “Scent of Flowers” incorporates mindfulness, encouraging players to control airflow while remaining centered and calm.
Rehnström’s preface gives insight into the origin of this work, highlighting her dedication to preserving Risberg’s teaching legacy after the closure of Lahti University’s Music and Drama Department. This legacy lives on in The Magical Flutist, designed as both a teaching material for flute lessons and an invaluable self-study tool for intermediate players. The book’s unique approach reflects Rehnström’s own musical journey and the invaluable lessons she learned from her mentor, Rainer Risberg, offering a touch of personal warmth and authenticity.
With its detailed instructions, imaginative exercises, and fun illustrations, The Magical Flutist is more than just a practice book. It’s a journey into the art of flute playing, designed to make technique building an enjoyable exploration rather than a chore.
As Cindy Ellis of NFA Flutist Quarterly notes, “With many fresh and creative approaches to familiar issues in pedagogy, this volume would be a fantastic new addition to every teacher’s bookshelf.” The combination of structured guidance and creative freedom makes this book an exceptional tool for both teachers and students.
Whether you’re seeking fresh material for your teaching studio or you’re a flutist aiming to elevate your tone and technique, The Magical Flutist offers a wealth of resources.
For those interested in exploring this unique approach to flute technique, The Magical Flutist is available at The Flute Wizard website. It’s a tribute to Rainer Risberg’s pedagogy and an inspiring guide to flute playing that’s sure to bring magic to every practice session.
