THE GLISSANDO FLUTE: HANDBOOK FOR COMPOSERS AND PERFORMERS
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The Glissando Headjoint is is a sliding, telescoping tube that extends the overall length of the flute to create a glissando to and from every note. The Glissando Flute is a C flute played with a Glissando Headjoint.
This headjoint offers access to an entirely new sonic vocabulary of glissandi, bends, multiphonics, timbres, microtones, and scales, which dramatically increases the expressive potential available to flutists and composers. THE GLISSANDO FLUTE is a handbook for composers who wish to explore new possibilities, performers who have a Glissando Headjoint and are ready to get started, and anyone curious about new music. In this book, you will find:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the glissando headjoint sound like?
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What does it do? Why should I get one?
The Glissando Headjoint greatly expands the expressivity, flexibility, and timbral possibilities available to the flutist. It offers access to an entirely new sonic vocabulary of glissandi, bends, multiphonics, timbres, pitches, microtones, and scales, which dramatically increases the expressive potential available to flutists and composers.
In addition to playing bends and glissandi, benefits of playing the headjoint include:
For more, check out Melissa's book, THE GLISSANDO FLUTE.
In addition to playing bends and glissandi, benefits of playing the headjoint include:
- extended low range to A3 (when using a B footjoint)
- new multiphonic possibilities
- simple transposition of many multiphonics
- elimination of many alternate fingerings for microtones and quartertones, making them much easier to play
- expanded timbral palette
- ability to play "portamento"
For more, check out Melissa's book, THE GLISSANDO FLUTE.
What does glissando flute notation look like?
Are there any exercises for glissando flute in your book?
Yes! Here is just a sample... there are over 15 exercises in my book!
“One note, three positions” – Glissando Headjoint exercise (excerpt from THE GLISSANDO FLUTE) by Melissa Keeling
“One note, three positions” – Glissando Headjoint exercise (excerpt from THE GLISSANDO FLUTE) by Melissa Keeling
Are there any videos?
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Where can I find more resources about the glissando flute?
- Robert Dick's website includes historical information, a basic fingering chart, and videos.
- Tammy Evans Yonce published this article on her website, and this one on the Sequenza 21 blog, which includes a repertoire list of compositions for the glissando flute.
- New York Times article, "In the Forest of Instruments, Signs of Evolution," by Allan Kozinn (Sept. 3, 2010)
- Melissa Keeling's article, "The Glissando Flute," which includes notation guidelines and basic techniques (published by Flute Specialists).
- Angus McPherson, “The Glissando Headjoint: Expanding the Musical Palette of the Flute through Mechanical Invention,” (master’s thesis, University of Sydney, 2011). http://worldcat.org.nz/title/glissando-headjoint-expanding-the-musical-palette-of-the-flute-through-mechanical-invention/oclc/827778594
Where can I get a glissando headjoint?
Directly from the inventor, Robert Dick: http://robertdick.net/the-glissando-headjoint/
Flute Specialists: https://www.flutespecialists.com/product/glissando-headjoint/
The Flute Center of New York: https://www.flutes4sale.com/products/robert-dick-glissando-headjoint
Flute Specialists: https://www.flutespecialists.com/product/glissando-headjoint/
The Flute Center of New York: https://www.flutes4sale.com/products/robert-dick-glissando-headjoint
Do you offer lessons for glissando flute?
Yes! I offer lessons both in-person and virtually. Please contact me at melissa@melissakeeling.com
