Contemporary composers are writing for the Prepared Flute: adding objects on or inside the flute, or subtracting parts of the flute in order to increase the timbral possibilities of the instrument.
Additions to the flute
The following videos feature the use of buzzers (from groan sticks) and cigarette paper (rolling paper) to alter the timbre of the flute.
Dr. Stacey Russell provides a step-by-step guide to using Buzzers on the flute. Check out my previous buzzer video on my YouTube page!
Dr. Stacey Russell provides a step-by-step guide to placing and using Cigarette Paper on the flute.
A list of compositions is also provided, and Zig-Zag cigarette paper is used in this demonstration.
Water and a flute?
Maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Dr. Stacey Russell provides a step-by-step guide to using Water with the flute headjoint.
Dr. Stacey Russell's lecture recital on the Prepared Flute
Current Research
Excerpts from Stacey Russell's dissertation, "The Prepared Flute: A Survey of its History, Techniques, and Repertoire” are available from Proquest
How to Find Works for Prepared Flute, by Stacey Russell (PDF)Prepared objects, compositions that use them, and the resulting sound
Listen up.
Curious what Prepared Flute repertoire sounds like? Check out these recordings of compositions by Gyongyossy Zoltan and Isaac Brockshus