Flute 360 | Episode 59: “Flute Studio Highlights with Dr. Cobus du Toit” (53:01)

In today’s episode, Heidi talks with Cobus du Toit who is the flute professor at UMass, Amherst, Massachusetts. He shares past, current, and future projects that are in the works: UMass Flute Day, Castérède Recording Project, #webringflowers, and Vocabulary of Emotion. Check out today’s episode to hear topics around the creative process, collaboration, and recruitment.

Episode 59 – Main Points:

• 0:24 – Gold Sponsor: Interactive Flute Retreat, South Haven, MI
• 1:10 – Welcome!
• 1:15 – Today’s topics include: Flute Studio Highlights at UMass (Amherst), Castérède Recording Project, UMass’ Flute Day, and #webringflowers!
• 1:40 – Cobus’ Biography
• 2:28 – Cobus’ Texas Residency – March 2019
• 2:42 – Tarleton State University & The University of North Texas
• 2:58 – Wm.S. Haynes Company
• 3:12 – #HaynesGivesBack
• 3:56 – Dr. Lisa Garner Santa, flutist & teacher
• 5:23 – Robert Aitken, Icicle for Solo Flute
• 5:56 – Debussy, Syrinx for Solo Flute
• 6:00 – Clarke, Zoom Tube for Solo Flute
• 6:27 – Question: Can you please talk about doubling your flute studio size?
• 6:45 – Cobus’ Answer
• 11:55 – “I believe that’s why we do music is to build community and friendship around music.” – Cobus
• 13:21 – Cobus talks about the logistics of organizing a flute festival.
• 13:38 – Jonathan Keeble, flutist & teacher
• 14:29 – Summary of UMass Flute Day.
• 19:00 – Referring back to the recruitment question.
• 19:42 – Silver Sponsor: J&K Productions
• 20:43 – Topic: Inclusion
• 21:49 – Heidi: Please tell the audience about your Castérède Recording Project.
• 21:52 – Cobus’ Answer
• 27:04 – Topic: Changing Hats
• 28:46 – “The only difference between a student and a seasoned professional is experience.” – Cobus
• 29:45 – Heidi: Let’s talk about #webringflowers.
• 29:57 – Cobus’ Answer
• 36:38 – Question: Any special student projects that you would like to mention?
• 36:44 – “That is the goal. That through your example you can inspire something even greater than what you are doing!” – Cobus
• 37:53 – Topic: Ripple Effect
• 38:18 – “I am a firm believer in measuring success in a different way. Maybe fulfillment is a better word. I think we tend to think of success as very tangible things.” – Cobus
• 38:38 – Are you musically fed? By doing this you will find your musical home.
• 39:11 – If you are passionate about the projects you do, you will attract the same type of people. Good things will come because of that.
• 40:34 – Teaching at the collegiate level.
• 41:12 – Grant Writing
• 42:41 – Final Thoughts
• 42:46 – Cobus’ next project is titled: “Vocabulary of Emotion.”
• 46:44 – Use other people as soundboards.
• 51:32 – NFA’s Flute Festival – Salt Lake City, UT
• 40:02 – Bronze Sponsor: J&K Productions

Episode 59 – Resources Mentioned:

• Flute 360 – Dr. Heidi Kay Begay’s Website
• Dr. Cobus du Toit, flutist
• Wm.S. Haynes’ Artists
• UMass at Amherst, Flute Studio

Episode 59 – Sponsors:

• Gold: Interactive Flute Retreat, South Haven, MI
• Silver & Bronze: J&K Productions’ Website