COA a Student Flute: A Two-Day Hands-On Repair Course

Location: NDSM-Plein 55, Amsterdam Noord  

Time: 10:00 – 17:00  (Lunch break from 12:30 to 13:30)

Tuition: €400 (Incl. 21% Tax) for both days  (Conservatorium van Amsterdam students: €300) 1/2 of the tuition costs is needed to reserve a slot. The other half will be due anytime before the start of the course.

Course Textbook (Optional): The Complete Guide to the Flute and Piccolo

Course Dates: 

- June 7 & 8 — FULL!

- June 28 & 29 —  1 Spot Remaining

- August 9 & 10 — FULL!

- August 30 & 31 — 1 Spot Remaining

- October 11 & 12 — 2 Spots Remaining

- October 25 & 26 — 2 Spots Remaining

Course Overview:

   This two-day intensive course offers a practical introduction to flute repair, designed for flutists, aspiring repair technicians, and enthusiasts interested in understanding and maintaining the mechanics of the modern flute. Instruction is highly personalized, with limited enrollment to ensure hands-on guidance and support.

   Participants will work on their own instruments, gaining the skills and confidence to perform basic repairs and adjustments. By the end of the course, you will have fully disassembled, reassembled, cleaned, oiled, and adjusted a student flute using professional techniques.

Topics Covered:

- Headcork removal, measurement, and replacement  

- Complete disassembly and reassembly of the flute mechanism, including pinned keys  

- Pad replacement and shimming techniques for airtight sealing  

- Polishing Methods

- Oil removal and replacement: types, application, and best practices  

- Replacement of felts and corks: selection and installation  

- (If there is extra time,) Introduction to minor overhaul techniques, including:  

  - Key fitting  

  - Swedging  

  - Refacing tone holes and keys

   Please note that while all these techniques are taught, participants are responsible for buying their own tooling after the course to continue practicing flute repair techniques on their own. (These tools can get expensive!) 

Requirements:  

   Participants must bring a mostly functional student flute (e.g., Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Armstrong, Bundy, etc.). If you are unsure whether your instrument qualifies, or if you need assistance sourcing a flute for the course, please contact Thomas.

Enrollment:

   Space is limited to ensure an optimal hands-on learning experience. Early registration is recommended.  

To reserve your place or to request additional information, please contact Thomas.