How to Love Your Flute: A Guide to Flutes and Flute Playing, or How to Play the Flute, Choose One, and Care for It, Plus Flute History, Flute Science, Folk Flutes, and More (Paperback)

by Mark Shepard (Author), Anne Subercaseaux (Illustrator), Paul Horn (Preface)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Comprehensive and concise... A highly readable and inspirational guide for flutists of every age and ability. -- Jeanne Baxtresser, first flute, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

For those who play, it's an affirmation to continue. For those who've never played, Shepard provides a good compass. --Linda Dailey Paulson, Dirty Linen, Oct./Nov. 2000

Shepard has come up with the most unique flute manual I have ever seen. It is direct, complete, informative on every aspect, and -- most important -- comes from the standpoint of pure love and respect for the instrument.... [This] book serves as a model for our times, and it is an inspiration for those who want to get more out of life through the joys of flute playing. -- Paul Horn, from the Preface

Shepard's soul-felt passion for the flute resonates through his book like music. It's a comprehensive guide with something for everyone, from novice to professional, and so well written that it's a pleasure just to browse through it. This book inspires. -- Diana Barich, in The Next Whole Earth Catalog

Review
Highly recommended.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Shepard Publications (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938497103
• ISBN-13: 978-0938497103
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #442,530 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glad to see this Classic Flute Book Back in Print, August 23, 2000

By	Monty H. Levenson (Willits, CA USA) - See all my reviews

I am a maker of traditional Japanese shakuhachi flutes since 1970. Mark Shepard's wonderful edition dates back to the early years of interest in ethnic flutes here in the USA. It inspired a lot of people and has had a "cult following" for decades. Along with his other books on flute construction, How to Love Your Flute has established Mark as one of the pioneers in the field.

Here at Tai Hei Shakuhachi ... we offer resources for folks interested in making their own flutes. I've received calls from people searching for this book even a decade after it disappeared. In no other book about modern woodwinds will you find thorough instruction and extensive knowledge combined with such insight and wisdom. I pushed Mark for years to get this unique resource back in print and am so glad it is readily available once again.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shepard's enthusiasm is contagious!, April 12, 2005

By	J. Gunnarsen (Copenhagen, Denmark) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mark Shepard's book has been an invaluable help to me in relearning how to play the flute after a 20 years break. I played in high school and had virtually forgotten everything about playing the flute. It all came back to me through the very relevant information presented in "How to Love your Flute". Shepard's enthusiastic approach to the flute is absolutely contagious. Thanks to Mark Shepard for rekindling my interest.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for players of any level, September 10, 2005

By	Nicole K (Florida) - See all my reviews

I purchased this book as a gift for my flute student and found myself reading it before I gave it to her! The history of the instrument is well detailed and there are interesting sections on the different types of flutes around the world. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in flute lore as well as caring for their instrument