Soaring Spirits Workshop 2018

Songwriting & Transcribing for Native Style Flutes


Learn to write your own songs for NAF and how to convert your favorite tunes
Date:
Location:
Instructor:
Level:
Description:
May 2 - 5, 2018
Santa Fe, NM
Scott August
Intermediate and Above
Songwriting for NAF and Transcribing Songs for NAF
Workshop Description
Learn how to write out your musical ideas and create full length tunes. Explore the different ways to vary your ideas, notate your music and record your songs. Learn how to convert your favorite song to be playable on a NAF. *

Songwriting Topics will cover:
  • Creating a main melody
  • How to writing contrasting melodies to your song
  • Working with rhythm. Discover how simple rhythms can make your song catchy and exciting
  • Simple steps to getting out of ruts when looking for song ideas
  • Add variation and development to your tunes to spice them up
  • Record your song!

Transcribing Topics will cover:
  • Learning how to figure out if a song is playable on a NAF?
  • Arrangement choices when making songs playable.
  • Finding the range of a song
  • Converting a song to Number TAB, then to NAF TAB (music TAB)

This will be an small workshop to give participants more personalized instruction. Space is Limited!

* Not all songs can be converted to play on a NAF. This will also be part of the workshop.
Date and Location

The Sage Inn Santa Fe: The Official Hotel for Ancestral Spirits

Sage InnThe 2018 Soaring Spirits Songwriting workshop will be held at the Sage Inn Santa Fe, the official hotel for the workshop. The Sage Inn is close to the historic plaza and walking distance to many restaurants and shops and they have an hourly shuttle to the plaza.
Soaring Spirits Songwriting Workshop Flashbacks
Photos from past Soaring Spirits workshops. Everyone always writes and records a song, and has fun!

Scroll down to see some of our favorite photos from past Soaring Spirits workshops.

The 2014 Soaring Spirits Songwriting Workshop Graduation Dinner Photo
We had participants from all over the country and Canada!

Tom M. performs his song

“This class was excellent.  It was exactly what I wanted and needed.  It integrated and clarified the many “How to write a song” concept and idea fragments that were floating around in my head.” – Dave S., CO.

Marcia and Scott talk about her song

“Being in the Santa Fe Flute School workshops has been the best experiences of my flute journey. The energy and time Scott August puts into creating the best workshops I've attended have inspired me to take music in directions I never imagined I could go. It was really great fun.” – Marcia, TX

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Casey and Scott go over his song.

"Anyone with a passion for learning the Native American flute need look no further for exquisite instruction covering all of the techniques required to sound amazing on this instrument. From breath work to shortcut fingering techniques and more, Scott August has a wonderful methodology that makes all who desire to play, successful. I will return again and again. " -Ginni, AZ

Mack performs his song

"Scott August is not just an outstanding NAF player, but a exceptionally talented musician and composer, plus he is a patient and inspiring teacher, and just a really good person who I am privileged to work with and associate with. The school simply deepened that opinion." – Tom F., CO.

Tom plays his song

Marcia plays her song

Laura, Casey and Nina improvise a trio

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Mark H. plays a solo

Mark N. plays a solo

About the instructor: Scott August
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Multi-instrumentalist Scott August is a best selling composer/producer and Native American Music Award (NAMMY) winner. His music is regularly featured on the nationally syndicated radio shows "Hearts of Space" and "Echoes" and on the the digital networks XM, Sirius, DISH and DirecTV.

August's music has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Native American Music Award (NAMMY), an Indian Summer Music Award and Zone Music Reporter (ZMR) Award In 2009, his DVD, Ancient Light, was aired on the PBS network. In addition to his recordings August is the author of three books and a informative blog.

John Diliberto of Echoes radio says "August has always been a cut or two above most native flute players... He layers guitars, keyboards and all kinds of percussion into his compositions, moving from world fusion to airy ambiences." The Los Angeles Times has called his music "shimmering and luminous."

A Look at Santa Fe, New Mexico
Click Image to Enlarge

Santa Fe, the oldest capitol city in the U.S.A. is a premier destination spot. Nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountains it has attracted artists, cowboys and beauty seekers for over a hundred years. Its historic plaza, pueblo architecture, fine art galleries, museums and a unique mix of of Anglo, Hispanic and Pueblo cultures give the city its distinctive look and feel.
If you have the time, consider spending a few extra days before or after the Soaring Spirits workshop to soak up the local flavor, experience the vibrant art scene, taste the delicious New Mexican cuisine and unwind in "The City Different."

"Touch the country [of New Mexico] and you will never be the same again." —D.H. Lawrence, c. 1917

Student Workshop Comments

What students are saying about workshops with Scott August
Terms and Conditions
  • Flutes not included. If you need a flute we can help you get one.
  • If you cancel between January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2018 you will receive a refund of your payment, minus a $25 cancellation fee.
  • If you cancel after April 1, 2018, you will receive a refund of your payment, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
  • The school requests participants sign a liability waver for school participation.
  • Santa Fe is located at an elevation of 7,000'. Please talk to your health care professional if you have problems with altitude.