Playing Outside the Lines, Volume II

Book excerpt: Volume II of Playing Outside the Lines is the second of a comprehensive four-part Irish flute method book series offering beginning to advanced Irish traditional flute instruction for Boehm and simple system flutists in graduated books, chapters, and exercises. Building on the foundation provided in Volume I and providing the framework for the remaining two volumes of the series, Volume II offers a detailed introduction to Irish traditional flute ornamentation. Volume II contains ornamentation fingering charts, 40 tune versions, 69 accompanying audio tracks, and nearly 200 exercises. Playing Outside the Lines is the first Irish flute method book series of its kind, containing more than 600 technical exercises, rich and nuanced discussions of Irish flute style and cultural context, previously undocumented techniques, side-by-side explanations for Boehm and simple system flutists (as well as information for musicians transitioning between the two instruments), audio excerpts, simple system flute care and purchasing information, and resources for further study. By the end of the four-part series, Boehm and simple system flutists of any background will have the tools necessary to play Irish music with a deep understanding of the tradition as well as with individual creativity. “A fantastic bible of Irish flute playing. Harrison is a very meticulous and thorough author.” —Viviana Guzman, The Flute View Magazine“ An invaluable resource for any flutist.” —Brook Ferguson, Principal Flutist of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra “Leslie Anne Harrison’s Playing Outside the Lines is a marvelous gift to all interested in Irish music. Her clear and detailed writing is a huge boon to those embracing the traditional Irish flute and is truly enlightening to those (like me) who want to delve into this music while playing the Boehm flute. From tiniest detail to largest form, Leslie Anne Harrison is there every step of the way. Playing Outside the Linesis a major contribution to flute pedagogy.” —Robert Dick, Performer and Author of The Other Flute