Keith Underwood Flute Master Class

At the GHOST RANCH in Abiquiu, New Mexico
Monday, August 13 - Saturday, August 18, 2012

Renowned flutist and teacher, Keith Underwood is returning to New Mexico to conduct classes for student and professional flutists at the spectacular Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico! Surrounded by stunning sandstone cliffs, and close to the home of Georgia O'Keefe and the beautiful Chama River Canyon, the verdant oasis of the Ghost Ranch provides an inspirational setting in which students can immerse themselves in Keith's extremely effective teaching and performing methods. In addition to technical, musical and physiological information, classes will include Keith's always entertaining anecdotes and inimitable sense of humor. Keith will be joined by pianist Barbara Lee and yoga instructor Luara Dwyer.

CLASSES begin the evening of August 13 at 7:30 p.m., following dinner which is served between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Rooms will be available after 2 p.m. that afternoon. The last class will be the evening of August 17. Breakfast is available on the morning of August 18.

There are three ways to be part of the Masterclass:

Full participant - play for two class sessions, group classes, yoga
Part-time pariticipant - one class or private session, group classes, yoga
Auditor - participation in group classes and yoga as well as auditing all classes

Participants can play anything they want to for class or private lessons. Bring piano parts so Barbara can provide accompaniment. Group classes will address breathing techniques, articulation, rhythm, embouchure, vibrato, posture, improvisation, or anything else the class wants to focus on.

Laura's yoga classes will be offered daily and will incorporate Body-mapping, Feldenkrais, Pilates and the Egosgue Method. Also a professional flutist, Laura's approach to yoga addresses pain reduction, relieving performance anxiety, releasing technical blocks and freeing the creative process.

There is room for 15 full participants and 6 part-time participants. They will be chosen according to ability (based on the Experience section of the application) and on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no audition sample required. Auditors may attend all or part of the seminar. Let us know your plans as soon as possible so that housing and payment arrangements can be made.

HOUSING is in adobe cottages with semi-private bathrooms (two rooms share a bath). Most rooms are double occupancy but a limited number of single rooms will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please indicate on your application your preference, but be willing to share a room. There is the option for a private bath for an additional fee. Three meals a day will be provided (with an option for vegetarian food), and the Ranch also offers museums, wireless internet, laundry, a library, massage, swimming and fabulous hiking trails.

There will be time to visit the many beautiful outdoor wonders of the area such as Echo Ampitheater, Abiquiu Lake, the Chama River and the Georgia O'Keefe House. You will be notified upon acceptance when there is free time in order to make reservations for the O'Keefe House tour.

NOTIFICATION as to whether you have been accepted as a participant or auditor will be by June 15. Full payment will be required by July 1 to reserve your place.

A $30 application fee made to the Taos Chamber Music Group is required with the application form. Call 575-758-0150 or email nancy@taoschambermusicgroup.org if you have any questions.

Click here to download the application form.