I’m often asked about the differences between my two flutes, particularly after concerts when audience members have seen the two side by side on stage. One is a Boehm flute and the other is a simple system flute. There are three primary ways in which these flutes are different, and each difference will affect your approach to the instrument.

Finding the ideal placement for a flute headjoint has important ramifications for intonation and tone quality—and as a result, for ease and enjoyment of playing as well. Positioning of headjoints can often be a matter of personal preference, depending not only on the flute, but on the shape of a player's mouth and the tone quality they wish to achieve. Here are some ideas with which to get started.

Oiling a wooden Irish flute is an important part of the instrument's care and upkeep. Wood can swell or shrink depending on varying levels of heat and humidity, and oiling a flute keeps the wood pliable and more able to weather any changes in climate. Well-oiled flutes also react better to the heat and humidity introduced by our breath when they are played. They sound richer, more resonant, and are more responsive.

I lived in Ireland for two years while studying and teaching music, and I have also taken numerous additional trips, including a five-week research trip covering 1,300 miles of the west coast. These experiences, along with the fact that I'm an Irish flute teacher, means people often ask me questions about traveling to Ireland.

So, for those interested in traveling to Ireland, I jotted down a few tips that I've accumulated along the way. These is not your average "places to see" list, but rather a set of practical (sometimes hard-won) tips that will be important no matter where you choose to go.

ABC notation in Irish traditional music is a shorthand that uses letters A through G of the alphabet rather than placing note heads in a five-line musical staff. Since it is often found in Irish traditional music lessons, workshops, and even online forums, it's a good thing to learn how to read. In my case, I first encountered ABC notation at a workshop with flutist Kevin Crawford and I've used it ever since.