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Native American Flutes

What do Native flutes have to do with Rhythmic Medicine?

"I discovered Native American flutes several years ago. Being a keyboard player, I was not used to using my breath to play any kind of a woodwind instrument.I took a couple of courses in woodwinds and found them very difficult. Then I received a native flute as a gift and thought that I would play with it and it would end up on my wall as a work of art--not an active instrument.
    What happened was quite the contrary! I realized that the native flute is a 5-note scale that is easy to learn, and even better, you don't have to know how to read music to play this instrument! It also takes a very gentle breath, so it is great for meditative work. I started using these flutes with some of my music therapy clients and they were thrilled that they could quickly learn an instrument vs traditional instruments like pianos, guitars, clarinets, violins, etc that take a long time to master.
    This was the beginning of my realization that these instruments are so great for therapy work. Over the years I have had a cancer support flute group, COPD support flute group, etc.
    Beginners on the flute usually are most successful with a mid-range flute (key of A, G, or F#). Bass flute are a little harder to play if you have smaller hands (although not impossible). High range flutes are fun and great for drum circles because the high notes can be heard over the drumming. The high range flutes waft over the drumming like high clouds on a beautiful day! It is very fun to add a melody line to the percussion sounds plus a nice new musical texture that you don't usually get in most drumming circles. Small flutes are also great for children whose hands cannot reach the mid range flutes.
    The Native American Flute has brought many people much joy and grounding. I wish you happy fluting!"
-Janalea