Last Friday I attended a masterclass with Jane Rutter (internationally renowned flautist) on 3 September, backstage at the Wagga Civic theatre. 

We learnt about feeling the emotion in music when you play. Playing scales using different beats and accents to make music sound interesting and enjoyable, we also explored ways to overcome nerves for performances and exams. She showed us a deep breathing exercise followed by meditation, feeling warmth and oxygen to every part of our body to calm nerves.

Unfortunately we were unable to play our instruments due to COVID-19 but we were lucky to see her play and watch some of her international performances.

On Friday night Lilah Norden (fellow flautist/friend), Mum and I travelled over to Watch her in concert with a guitarist, Giuseppe Zangari. They played a range of Italian classical music such as Vivaldi, Correlli, Paganini, tarantella and Italian dances. The most amazing piece was a flute solo, the sound technician created an echo and she played a duet with her echo. She played this piece with a wooden barque head joint creating a Japanese flute sound. The Song was like the wind in the willows.  

Overall it was a great experience to see and hear such an amazing musician.

Sarah Scott