The Art of the Native American Flute [Paperback]

R. Carlos Nakai (Author), James Demars (Author), David P. McAllester (Author), Ken Light (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 21, 1997

This nicely designed and illustrated book deals with the playing and care of one of the most evocative and expressive instruments in the world- the Native American flute. This volume will delight the novice or advanced player alike with both fundamental instruction and a significant number of transcriptions from R. Carlos Nakai's various recordings. This unique book includes a fingering chart, information in performance technique, style, rhythm conventions, ornaments, and history - plus an analysis of Mr. Nakai's role in contemporary Native American culture. All exercises, solos, and duets (with Boehm flute and E flat alto sax) are written in standard notation. A comprehensive discography and probing essay on "The Question of Authenticity" close this outstanding book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 121 pages
• Publisher: Canyon Records (January 21, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786628987
• ISBN-13: 978-0786628988
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #555,410 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very highly recommended performance guide, March 18, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of the Native American Flute (Paperback)

With The Art Of The Native American Flute, Carlos Nakai draws upon his many years as an educator, performer, and student of the Native American flute to present the reader with a comprehensive and "user friendly" instruction manual for learning to play this core Native American musical instrument. Part one includes discussions on tunings, fingerings, performance technique, tablature, style, history, standard notation, traditional ornaments, and a section on the care and maintenance of the flute. Part Two includes sixteen transcriptions of songs from Naki's recordings. Part Three is an informative analysis of Naki's role in Native American culture as a recording artist and performer by the ethnomusicologist David P. McAllester. The Art Of The Native American Flute is a very highly recommended performance guide and insightful source on the Native American flute, as well as a concise review of the career and artistry of one of the most important ethnic artists in America today.

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource for every Native American flautist, December 9, 2000

By 

Sarah - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of the Native American Flute (Paperback)

This book is an amazing collection of knowledge, use, and cultural history of the Native American flute. Its discussion of flute construction, fingering, scales, ornaments, and care and maintenance is excellent. The book expects the reader to have a basic grasp of musical notation and concepts.

An added bonus: eighteen of R. Carlos Nakai's tunes transcribed for flute. These are: December Snow, 12/13/82 song, Wioste Olowan Inkpa taya, Wioste Olowan Tokiya, 11/3/82 song, Death song, 11/11/82 song, Zuni song, 12/20/82 song, 12/13/82 no. 2 song, 11/20/82 song, Whippoorwill, Whirlwinds Dancing, Coventry Carol, Rainy Nights in Taos, Omaha song, The Colours Fall, and Crow Wing.

There is also an excellent chapter at the end of the book regarding R. Carlos Nakai's recordings and his influences. Ken Light, the maker of Amon Olorin flutes (R. Carlos Nakai plays an Amon Olorin Sonoran) also contributes. This is an indispensable guide to the Native American flute and is worth the cost.

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Beginners or Advanced players, March 26, 2002

By 

Therese Yeaton "Hopeful optimist" (Renton, Wa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of the Native American Flute (Paperback)

As a beginning NAF player, I found this book fascinating. I read it before I bought my first flute, and I found the information on various types of flutes, construction, care and history to be very helpful.

I've used this book as one of my main texts for teaching myself to play this wonderful instrument. I also found the presentation of the TAB system to be useful as I have branched out into writing music of my own.