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Native American flutes are enjoyed and played in many cultures around the world. I have always loved Native flute music for its delightful sound quality and ability to bring a tranquil calm to the environment where it is played. Hearing Native flutes always take me back to my mother's kitchen where she often played flute music to bring a peaceful calm to her home. The soothing flute music heals the soul and produces a soothing affect on the spirit of all who hear it. If you read about the history of Indian musical instruments, you will find that like the drum, the flute plays a big role in the daily lives, customs and traditions of many Indian Tribes. Native American flute music takes you to a place where generations look to their forefathers for guidance, and rely upon their instruments to unite them with the Spirits. Flutes of many different kinds have been around for centuries and have been part of many Indigenous cultures around the world. The study of flute instruments in the past shows us that they did exist in ancient Tribes. The origin and design of the Native American flute is a little more difficult to research due to the fact that North American Tribes did not have written languages. It wasn't until explorers documented their discoveries, that the Native American flute is reported. You can't appreciate the true value of Native flute music until you realize that men came close to destroying this fascinating art with rigid assimilation rules. The 1900's brought with it oppressive rules for Native Americans that almost succeeded to suffocate their culture and people. Together with many other American Indian rituals, these rules greatly affected the advancement of Native flute music. It wasn't until the mid-1900's that assimilation laws started to alleviate and Native rituals were able to be practiced within the Tribe and out in the open once again. Over time, the appreciation of the Native American flute grew to the extent that flute makers began generating these instruments in large quantities to sell, and not just for individual use. The materials used to make the flutes also turned from undeveloped crude instruments to more refined, with the use of modern power tools and the greater availability of various types of woods, plastics and metals. These days, there are various options available when choosing a Native style flute, and it is just a matter of personal preference. There are some recommendations you should follow when shopping around. There are various styles of flutes, but all have one of two different sound qualities. The sound style of the flute is based on whether it is a Plains style or a Woodlands style. A Plains style flute produces a buzzing type sound while a Woodlands style will produce a bell sound. No matter which sound style of flute you purchase, it is essential to look at the quality of each individual instrument, including the mouthpiece, size, shape and number of holes, in order to buy one that you like. Native American flutes are also made of different kinds of wood ranging from extravagant, rather expensive woods, to simple pieces of pine, cane or bamboo. Because of the popular interest in flute music, you can now buy Native American flutes online, in various music stores, and in specialty shops that sell Indian musical instruments and southwest home decorating accessories. If you are searching for an uncomplicated instrument to learn to play, or are looking for authentic Indian musical instruments for use in Native rituals and powwows, consider keeping the traditions and instruments of Indian people alive with the soothing harmony of Native American flutes.
Article Source: http://www.phalenes.org/articles
Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use Native American Flutes for playing in Indian powwows and ceremonies. For more information visit www.missiondelrey.com
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