Anasazi Dream

Contact Me

2011-10-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

I like to hear from clients and answer your questions. Just because I don't have a model on the site, I may have one handy, and can make one to your specifications (usually ;-))
Call me (at a decent hour) at (530) 759-2041

New Website for Anasazi Dream Flutes

2011-04-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

I now have set up a new version of this site with videos of the the flutes and an easier way to navigate through the pages. If you came upon this site due to a bookmark, type in http:www.anasazidream.com and make a new bookmark for the updated site. Thank you!

Now on Amazon!

2011-02-22T21:53:00.000-08:00

Ancestor Dreams is now on Amazon.com,
So you can shop for something to listen to while you download a book!

Ancestor Dreams CD Released!

2011-02-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

I finally stopped waiting and decided to release my first CD,
Ancestor Dreams, which is now released and ready for download
or physical distribution. It features all original music in some traditional
and contemporary stylings. Four compositions feature my Anasazi style
flutes in "A", and the rest are with a variety of Native American

flutes. It is now available as a CD or download at this link to
CDbaby.com and www.digstation.com, as well as on iTunes
(search for Mark Purtill, or Ancestor Dreams)and also directly from me.
Clicking on the thumbs-up link on the right will take you directly

to Digstation. I'd love to hear your comments after you hear the album
for a couple of times.

Why haven't I done this sooner? I re-read an article in INAFA's Voice
of the Wind by Clint Goss about having music reach a broader audience,
and the importance of sharing musical ideas. It took me about two
paragraphs before I realized it was going to happen.

The experience of getting the album produced was not as hard as
I had thought it would be, and I'm already thinking about
the next collection.

Martín Purtill - The Worst of Me

2011-01-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Here is my son, Martín, with a great new song! Pass it along to your friends.

Merry Christmas, and the End of 2010

2010-11-20T23:02:00.000-08:00

Sending out good wishes to all this Christmas, another year that seems to have slipped by rapidly! Thanks to all of you who have visited and taken a look at the flutes here. Some new transverse diatonic flutes are now available at the Etsy store, so take a look at them.

I hope that the New Year brings you the opportunity to realize your best potential!

Flutes Now Re-priced

2010-11-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

I"ve now adjusted prices on the flutes at the Etsy store. Holiday shopping time is just around the corner, so take a look and see if there's someone on your list who is "flute-deprived".

Yosemite FluteFest 2010

2010-09-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

It was truly a weekend of renewing friendships and making new ones. Life and geography make it impossible to see and enjoy these wonderful people as much as I would like. My special friend, Kiriel Solene, brought her usual spirit of joy and love to the proceedings and graced us with her music as a soloist and accompanist to others. Her dear friend, Peter played from some place deep within and held us spellbound. Here are some photos:

Flutemaker Tahoe Larry, trying out my flute. I got a sweet little A minor flute from him!

Dear Kiriel, giving us "a hand".

Sitting in with some friends. A very interesting solo on the double-chambered drone flute.

Kiriel's friend, Peter. This picture says it all.

Deborah Peterson, leader of Anchorage, Alaska's flute circle. One of the nicest people I know.

Dennis Hatch, Master Craftsman, and bon vivant

Pat, from Burning Wood Flutes, the nicest booth neighbor one could ask for.

I also saw Vance Pennington's Anasazi wood flutes, which have some lovely designs and beautiful tone. Another maker you should check out is John Eley of Medine Wheel Flutes.

I have previously listed some of my other favorite makers in the link list at right, so please visit them, too.

In Oakhurst

2010-09-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

The Yosemite Flute and Art Festival is held in Oakhurst, CA. Oakhurst is one of the many "Gateway to Yosemite" cities that surround Yosemite National Park, Oakhurst being about 14 miles from the south end of the park. I had a lapse of preparation that kept me from remembering to bring my flute stands, so I spread my wares out on the table.

Oakhurst is still pretty warm this time of year, and the park is in a bowl that stays hot throughout the day, but most of us are coping pretty well. The best part has been seeing flute friends, both makers and players, and my delight in seeing my dear friend, Kiriel, made my day today.

I also had my first official turn at an open mike session with my backing tracks to my compositions. I played Anasazi Walk, Anasazi Waltz, a Mojave Improvisation, Spring Bird, and Crystal Dream. The reception for the music was good and the sound system was first-rate.
My friend Tahoe Larry spent some time with me and we traded instruments. I got a sweet A minor flute from him and it was good to see him again.
A flute festival is a pretty happy and safe environment and there is no shortage of talent and craftsmanship here. All of the conversations today with customers and curious visitors were friendly and informative.

My booth (on the left) at the corner of one of many "flute alleys".

A Trip to Yosemite

2010-09-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

This will be my third trip to Oakhurst, CA for the Yosemite flute festival, for the weekend of September 24-26. It was my first festival, and the one I look forward to most. Rick & Linda Dunlap are the best hosts for this kind of event and I hope to see some old flute friends. Check out the festival lineup at this link: Yosemite Flute Festival.

New Flutes Posted

2010-08-30T13:11:00.000-07:00


Woodtone Namasté

New Namasté Flutes are now posted at Etsy, see my mini store below. Also, a 4-hole Blue Mojave-style flute is now ready, with more Mojave-style flutes to come.

The Blue Mojave

Another Meditation flute in D

2010-08-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

A Nightsky Meditation Flute, at the Etsy store.

The D Minor Meditation Flute

2010-08-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

Closeup of Flute

The D minor Meditation Flute

The new D minor Meditation Flute is ready. This flute is a little more than 20" long, rim blown and plays the D minor scale from bottom to top and overblows into the next octave quite easily. Great for backpacking and traveling and nicely tuned. Available at my Etsy store.

A New Flute Model Debuts

2010-08-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

My Mojave Meditation 6-hole flute was formerly only available in B minor. I will have a new version in D minor, a minor third higher, by the end of the week. Playing a D minor scale in sequential fingering, it is quite nice. I'll post a video/sound file soon to help you get an idea of its sound. The fingering is a little easier than some of the longer models, and was designed for a client who requested a flute with an easier reach.

A Return Home

2010-07-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a vacation celebrating our 36th anniversary. We spent time in Boston in the old city, drove to the Maine coast for a lobster dinner, and spent 3 nights in Montreal, Quebec, Canada before driving through Vermont and New Hampshire before returning from Boston. It was refreshing to see these places for the first time, and I now have a special appreciation for our neighbors to the north. I've opened up the flute store again, so if you came across this place earlier, it is now ready.

Playing Duets

2010-06-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

My article on playing NAFs with Anasazi-style flutes can be seen on this E-Zine page.

Ezine Article

2010-05-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

I've posted an article comparing the Native American flute and the Anasazi flute on Ezine.com. It can be read here.

New Diatonic Flutes!

2010-05-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

New Diatonic (Major Scale) flutes in E

Here is a picture of my newest flute, a major scale flute in E. It plays like my other flutes, but fingers like a pennywhistle. You can also play in A major by starting on the 3rd hole from the top and using the 2nd hole from the top by itself to play the 4th step of the scale. Very fun to play all the folk melodies we know and love. It's in the Etsy store.

New Namaste flutes on Etsy

2010-05-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

These Namasté flutes are ready on my Etsy store (see below). A wonderful way to get your raga on!

Namaste Flutes ready soon

2010-05-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

I will have some new Namasté flutes ready by the end of this week. the response from interested parties has been quite good. I will make some wood-toned ones to add to the color collection.

YouTube Link to New Flute

2010-04-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to my video of the new Namasté flute on YouTube.

New Flute model : The Namasté Flute!

2010-04-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

The latest flute to come out of the shop, the Namasté flute. This flute is tuned so that the scale made by lifting successive fingers is an East Indian raga scale. The notes, beginning on E above middle C are: e, f, g#, a b c d#, e. The flute overblows into the next octave and is very exotic. This scale is said to be the favorite of the Hindu deity, Shiva and is normally played in the morning. I will post a video of the sound as soon as I can.

New Skull Anasazi-style Flutes

2010-03-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

I only make a few of these Tibetan skull flutes. They are meant for the people who do not fear death, but accept it as part of the great cycle. The tiny beads on the deerskin wrappings are kind of cute, in their way; a bit like tiny ancestors along for the concert!

Best Weird Video Ever!

2010-03-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Completely non-flute related video, but a real delight, check out this fellow on YouTube and ask yourself: were there ever any words to this?

New Anasazis in A and a Mojave-tuning flute

2010-02-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

Two new flutes in A are up in the esty store now, and one of the Mojave-tuning 4-holes is now available. The decorations on the Anasazis are worth a look!
Keep watching this blog for some new flutes in different scales coming soon!

A New Anasazi Flute

2010-02-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

A little while back, Jimmie Yarnell of Santa Rosa, CA, gave me a sassafrass wood tube with a nice mouthpiece for rim blown playing. It was tuned to Ab, and blew pretty nicely. He suggested that I tune it and finish it out, which I did. Jimmie is a talented woodworker who works in a variety of styles, and his flutes are quite nice. The final product is pictured above, and it does have a nice sound. It was fun to work in wood for a change. I'm not set up for working in wood, but it is fun to work with it.

Guest YouTube Video

2010-01-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

Mike D., of Boise, Idaho, (a very good flute player) has put up quite a comprehensive look at my 4-hole Mojave-style flutes. He offers some good advice on playing and also demonstrates playing the flute in a slightly different way than you might expect. You can see him at this YouTube location.

Music Theory Pt. 1 "Scales"

2010-01-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

I recently gave a presentation to the Napa Valley Flute Circle about basic music theory regarding major and minor scales and how they are related to the pentatonic minor scale of the contemporary Native American flute. I came up with an easy-to-follow visual model that I would like to offer to anyone interested in learning a little more about the intervals of these scales. You can find the 4-page PDF file here.

I Am NOT a Native American

2010-01-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

I received a letter from the Indian Arts and Crafts Board in Washington, D.C. calling it to my attention that the flutes on the Etsy website may be misrepresented as being "Native American". There are considerable hefty fines (and even jail time) assigned to anyone knowingly trying to misrepresent their work as being Native American or tribal when the creator of such items is not a descendant or member of a tribe. I immediately made a clarification on the site which I include here:

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE:
THE FLUTES MADE FOR THIS SITE ARE NOT NATIVE-AMERICAN MADE. THESE FLUTES ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE REPRESENTED AS MADE BY A MEMBER OF ANY EXTANT OR NON-EXTANT NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBE. THESE FLUTES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS "IN THE STYLE OF" NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTES IN THEIR VARIOUS TUNINGS. PERSONS DESIRING NATIVE-MADE FLUTES SHOULD LOOK ELSEWHERE.

I also removed any search tags or keywords that suggest any tribal affiliation.

Now, first of all, I was enormously depressed that anyone would have ever think that I was trying to "cash in" on the name of any Native American tribe or culture. There haven't been any Anasazi people since 1300 A.D., and even the name given to that culture is a combination of two Dine ("Navajo") words that refer to the group in less than friendly terms.
I was originally drawn to the Anasazi-style flute precisely because it was so ancient and I was looking for an instrument that had no "method" or set playing style. That I entered into making them and sharing them with so many people was completely guided by an urge to share this discovery for the joy of making music. Only a few times in my life have I purposely set out to do something with complete determination: the first, when I asked my dear wife to marry me, the second, when we bought our 2nd house where we plan to stay, and this little endeavor of flute-making which I have greatly enjoyed.

Just to make it clear to anyone who reads this: If you ever thought I was representing myself as a member of a Native American tribe, please be advised that I am not, nor have not ever have tried to represent myself as such. My apologies to anyone who thought otherwise.

If my modifications for the sake of mollifying the Indian Arts and Crafts Board are not deemed sufficient, I will no longer participate in this activity.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-12-25T22:43:00.000-08:00

There is no way I can really thank all the people I've met and written to this year for the support and friendship that's been received. My sincere wish for all my viewers is that you continue the spirit of music-making into 2010 and beyond. I hope you have viewed some of my links, because each person represented is one of the best in their craft.
At each festival or flute day I attended this year, I had the chance to share my enthusiasms with players and makers alike, and it was part of the reason I want to continue to make good flutes for the folks. Wishing you all the best in 2010!

4 and 6-hole flutes with Mojave-style Tunings

2009-10-22T12:23:00.001-07:00

A while back I introduced a version of the 4-hole flute in the Mojave-style, which has become very popular. Its exotic sound is very satisfying. A 6-hole model gives a little more range, but the original 4-hole is still quite fun. I now have two new ones ready to go. I've added the embellishment of gold tips and gold banding to complement the red rock and sand color.

Pictures and new links to Flute Friends

2009-10-01T11:23:00.001-07:00

My Booth at the Yosemite Flute Fest

Here are some pictures of my friends and some links to their sites:
First of all, my neighbor at the fest was Dennis Bell, of Mountain Breeze Flutes. Dennis makes beautifully detailed NAFs and even makes some pvc little flutes as well.

Dennis testing a pvc flute.

Next, another maker who makes some wonderful "bird flutes" as well as a terrific line of pvc flutes, is Kent Bush of Sun Dog Flutes in Bellvue, WA. Contact him at kent_bush@sundogflutes.com.

Kent Bush, Sundog Flutes

It was great to see Amy, a friend from a Zion Flute School, and Dennis "DG" Hatch of Native Flute. Dennis is a fine craftsman and has developed a unique shape for his flutes, which to my ear are some of the finest around.

Amy, Dennis Hatch, and Me

I was very lucky to be placed right next to David Ferrier of David's Drums.
David's drums are big-voiced and beautiful. David is a fine guy who really loves his craft. Add a drum to your collection!

David Ferrier

No flute festival is ever complete without the magical presence of Kiriel Solene.
Kiriel brings an enthusiasm to this music that few people can ever hope to attain. A dynamic and playful performer, she simultaneously cracks me up and warms my heart. Love you, Kiriel!

Kiriel the Great mugging for the camera on one of my flutes.

I've also added a couple of other links to some fine flute makers on the links section, check them out as well!

New Postings

2009-09-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

After arriving home from Oakhurst, I had to reflect on how great it was to speak with so many people about the flutes and see the interest in the rim blown style. I have replenished the shop with some newly made flutes, so take a look at the Etsy mini-store below.

Yosemite Flute Fest Underway!

2009-09-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

My booth at Yosemite Flute Festival

It was a beautiful drive through some lovely mountain country to get to Oakhurst, CA outside of Yosemite National Park. I had to go it alone this time, but was greeted by the friendly faces of other flutemakers I've met previously. It didn't take long to set up and I have a great spot near the stage on a corner, so I can watch performers take the microphone. Lots of other interesting vendors are here, too. The day was quite warm (perhaps an Indian Summer?). After a hot day in the sun, I couldn't get up the energy for the evening concert, but perhaps I'll make it to tomorrow's. NOTE: If you are looking at the Etsy store, it is almost sold out (thank you, everyone!), but it will be replenished on Monday, the 28th.
I

Yosemite Flute Fest, Sep. 25-27

2009-09-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased to be going back to Oakhurst, CA, for the Yosemite Flute Festival this year. It marks my first anniversary offering these flutes for sale and I will be bringing my new models. If you can be there, be sure to stop by and say "hello"!

A Web Interview…

2009-08-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this interview with me at Such Cool Stuff. It came out Aug. 10, but is available for a while longer.

New Video of Mojave Flutes is ready

2009-08-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Here is the new video of the Mojave meditation 6-hole flute. I've also added this link to YouTube for a high-quality version. Enjoy!

Meditation 6-hole flutes...

2009-08-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

The new 6-hole flutes are ready!
The two models now expand the 4-hole, 5-note Mojave B minor flute scale out to a full octave. Two octaves are possible and tunes in D major are also possible.
They come in two styles, a woodgrain and copper model and a painted version I call the Night Sky. Feeling the need to add something new to your collection? This is it!

The New 6-Hole Mojave-Style

2009-07-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

I recently received a request to consider making a 6-hole version of my 4-hole Mojave tuning flute. After determining the scale that a 6-hole flute would take, I have come up with a beautiful-sounding instrument that plays a natural B-minor scale. For those of you unfamiliar with the scale, it has the following notes, starting on the B next to middle C on the piano: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B. The flute is fully playable in 2 octaves and the natural minor scale is one of those "can't miss" scales... there's no "wrong note" and no end to the fun you can have improvising with it. Here's a picture of the first two styles in prototype:
Let me know if you are interested, the pricing is like my regular Anasazi Dream flute in A.

Recommedations

2009-06-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist the flute buying bug today, I talked to Ed Dougherty of Tree of Life Designs (see link at right) and bought one of his C flutes with a glass ornament of a songbird. And I drove over to see Brian Revheim of Napa Valley Flutes and purchased a diatonic major scale flute in B-flat. Both of these makers are first-rate and are worth a look. I'm adding Brian to the links at the right. Another fun place to check out for Irish flutes and whistles is the Irish Flute Store out of Idaho (of all places). Take a look, you'll be impressed!

Back Home Again

2009-06-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Idaho, despite an unusual amount of rain that brought the festival indoors for Saturday. We had to leave a little early, but we caught up with some old friends and made a few new ones. The other flute makers were very supportive of my flutes, and we had a good chance to talk about tunings and procedures, etc.. We were so busy I forgot to take pictures, but I will post some names of people you should check out soon. Also, later today will see some new flutes in the Etsy store, so keep looking!

Going on the Road

2009-06-09T13:58:00.001-07:00

We are hitting the road to Idaho! The Magic Valley Flute Fest will be held on June 19-21 at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds in Filer, Idaho. This is our first out-of-state festival, and we are looking forward to it. Follow the above link for more info!
PS: My Etsy store is a little thin in stock since I'm taking dozens of flutes on the road to Idaho. I will be posting much more upon our return from the festival. If there's something you really need, e-mail me!

2009-06-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Anasazi Dream Flutes in Garden Valley, CA, May 9

May 9, Garden Valley, CA
New Banner for Booth

We enjoyed a day in Garden Valley, CA, up in the mountains for a 0ne-day flute fest held by the Nohame Flute Clan. Met a lot of great people, and caught up with some old friends.

Other Vendors
One of the Participants

2009-05-12T17:00:00.001-07:00

The Mojave-Style Flute!
This new flute is a 4-hole flute with a distinctly different scale from the Anasazi-style and NAFs. The scale is a 5-note scale consisting of the first 5 notes of a pure minor scale in B minor. The main notes are B,C#,D,E,F#.
It is an easy flute to play with flourish and trills are very effective. See it below at my Etsy store or contact me directly.

More Flutes, and now, Bags!

2009-05-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

Four new flutes posted today, two of which are packaged with lovely polar fleece bags made especially for these instruments. See them below at my Etsy store.

Two New Flutes

2009-04-30T20:29:00.001-07:00

Two new flutes today… the first in a hammered metal finish and the second is one of my "Sun" series flutes. More Pictures at my Etsy site below!

New Flutes and Bags

2009-04-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

I have added two new flutes, one with a fossilized coral ornament and the other is a banded, black-tipped flute with an attractive carry bag made by my wife, Clare. You can see them at the bottom of the page. I'm happy to add that I've now reached 50 sales at Etsy, thanks to your interest in the flutes! Thank you all!

Two Upcoming Festivals

2009-04-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

A new booth banner for Anasazi Dream flutes
in front of the home studio.(click on the pic for a closer view)

Anasazi Dream Flutes will be at two flute festivals in the next two months. First, The Spring Flute Festival will be held in Garden Valley, CA in Northern California on Saturday, May 9. Click on the link fr the info page. For Northern CA 'fluties' it looks likely to be a fine event. In June, We are headed up to Filer, Idaho to participate in a new festival, The Magic Valley Flute & Art Festival from June 19-21. It's our first out-of-state trip and it will be great to get away for a few days. At both festivals I will be taking along some new designs and a new flute model, The Mojave tuned flute, which I will offer here as soon as I can get the tutorial material ready. You can e-mail for more info on those if you are interested. I have added some links to this page to some flutemakers that I have had direct experience with and thought others would like to check them out.

It's Spring!

2009-04-03T17:18:00.001-07:00

The Spring Anazita

It's been a lovely, but windy, Spring in the valley. I live in one of the nation's most tree-covered towns, which means it is also one of the nation's most hay fever assaulted populations. Nonetheless, the beauty of it all inspired me to make this light-hearted, sweet sounding Anazita in D. I use the name "Anazita" as a diminutive of Anasazi to distinguish it from the longer, more usual Anasazi flutes. Easy to hold and play, a very fun flute.

New Flutes Today

2009-03-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Four new flutes posted today, at long last my deerskin wraps arrived! Another Kazuri flute, A standard A flute, a Southwest D flute and the latest, a Cat flute (in the key of 'C', of course!). Scroll down to see or go to the Etsy store.

2009-03-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

Now You Can Hear the Flutes!

No sound enchancements like echo or reverb, just the sound of the flutes.
you can see the same video slightly larger at YouTube.

The Kazuri Anasazi-style

2009-03-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Anasazi dream in A with an African Kazuri bead decoration(Available again!)

A tribe in Kenya has been raising its women from poverty to a sustainable lifestyle through the hand manufacture of Kazuri beads. "Kazuri" means "small and beautiful" in Swahili, and the beads come in a variety of delightful patterns. I was drawn to the 14-kt. gold painted black beads and purchased 3 of them for this special design. A very lustrous, rich look, it pays tribute to the success of the enterprising women of Africa, and recalls the spiral petroglyph markings found in many ancient cultures. The first has sold, I'll be making only 2 more like it when my new deerskin wraps arrive.

More Southwest Flutes

2009-03-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

I've just posted two more Southwest painted flutes, in C & A. I'm awaiting some supplies to complete a few more flutes, but more flutes should be posted by the end of the week.

Southwest Painted Flutes

2009-02-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

Southwest Painted flute in D Available again!

I always love visiting the Southwest parts of the country. The inspiration for this flute comes from red rock, sand and sage. Look below for my mini Etsy store for more pictures. I will be making this design in all 3 keys.

Flute Trio Offered

2009-02-24T10:08:00.001-08:00

Anasazi Dream flutes in A, C & D ,SOLD, 2/26, more to come!

This matched set of 3 flutes is now available in my Etsy store. Scroll down the page or click on the link at the right to see them.

A Busy Month....

2009-02-23T18:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of the wonderful people who contacted me in February! It certainly has kept me busy during my vacation. Although I'm going back to a regular work schedule next week, I will still be stocking my store and taking special orders. I appreciate all of the great comments and e-mails, it gives a real personal touch to this work. I think a couple of people will become friends as a result.
I have been thinking about new additions to my flute manual, but it will still be some time before I can get it ready. I also plan to finally get some more sound samples of the different flute models up as soon as I can.
The new Anazitas and Hopi flute are now posted, I'll be adding full-size Anasazis in a day or two.

More New Flutes

2009-02-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

Two more flutes posted today. Check my store at the bottom of the page to see a new Anasazi in A (this one is a real beauty) and the Anazita Sun in D, a nicely decorated flute. We had fun at Beadbabe in Sacramento yesterday looking for new embellishments.

Another Sweetheart...

2009-02-09T12:51:00.001-08:00

A New Sweetheart! SOLD!

I just had to make another Sweetheart flute in D. This time I added a dichroic glass heart and tiny pink Swarovski crystals onto the deerskin wrap. More Woodgrain Anasazis in A and D are coming soon! Keep checking back.

Unlocking the Keys 101

2009-02-06T22:15:00.000-08:00

Flute players familiar with native american flutes (NAF) are used to the designation of keys based on the bottom note of the flute (the sound of all the holes closed). That note designation refers to the minor key of that note. For example, the NAF in A is really A minor, no sharps or flats. The major key with no sharps or flats is C, and with the right fingering the NAF in A minor can also play the major C scale. Remember: the NAF flute in either 5 or 6 hole form is based on the pentatonic (5-note) minor scale.
The Anasazi scale, (as has been determined) is based on a pentatonic major scale based on the bottom note of the flute. This distinction is important because a NAF flute in A (minor) , no sharps or flats, is not compatible with an Anasazi flute in A (major), 3 sharps.
In music, each set of sharps and/or flats in a major key has its minor key complement (called a relative minor). If you pair a NAF with an Anasazi flute, use this as a guide:
Anasazi A with NAF F# (3 sharps)
Anasazi C with NAF A (no sharps or flats)
Anasazi D with NAF B (2 sharps)

(Some Michael Allen Anasazi flutes are in G#, use a NAF in F )

Take a listen to Welcome Dance and Two Hearts in an earlier post on this blog. I overdubbed the recording, playing an F# NAF with an A Anasazi Dream flute. Because I was playing in the same key structure, the music holds together.
I hope this entry was helpful in helping you choose which flutes to use.

The Sweetheart Flute

2009-02-05T08:31:00.001-08:00

The Sweetheart Flute, SOLD!

Just completed in time for Valentine's Day: the Sweetheart Flute. An Anazita in D, it is fairy pink with gold banding decoration and a glass heart & flower decorative bead stitched to the deerskin wrap. I'm happy to say it sold on its first day, there's still time for a special order or two, though.

Some Advice From a Wise Old Navaho...

2009-02-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

I found this quite by accident and I thought I'd pass it on, click here.

More flutes are available!

2009-01-28T19:14:00.000-08:00

New flutes are now posted, including some decorated painted flutes and a new item... a Hopi-scale flute in C! I have a full line-up of woodgrain flutes now, with more ready to be posted. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the Etsy store listing! Also, please read the comments from a satisfied customer after the Jan. 10 post to get an idea of how the flutes are in person.

New Woodgrain Look Anasazis!

2009-01-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

Close-up of the Anazita in C

From left to right: Anasazi in A, Anazita in C, Anazita in D
28", 23" and 20" respectively

I've had the feeling that some people would enjoy a more wood-like appearance from my flutes, so I developed a way to give the pvc the look of wood, yet maintain the same inexpensive price. I've added some wooden beads as decoration, but they are easily removable if they don't fit your taste (I like to add my own embellishments when I buy someone else's flutes, so I understand!). For the longer Anasazi in A, I can make them for 'lefties' (people who place the left hand on the bottom holes), so you can request that at no additional charge. Scroll below for my online Etsy store for more pictures.

New Style Flutes Coming Soon!!

2009-01-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

I have been working up some new flutes. These have been made in a faux-wood finish, and look remarkably like a dark mahogany wood. The technique is a little more complicated, but the results are worth it and I am able to produce them at the same cost. If you have been wishing that my flutes were a little more wood-like in appearance, I will post pictures just as soon as they are completely done. I have also made a Hopi (5-hole) flute in C that I will be offering soon. More pictures and sound files to follow, please check back!

Happy New Year 2009

2008-12-31T21:31:00.000-08:00

Here's hoping the New Year brings you and yours a better, safer, and. more joyous year!

Merry christmas and Happy New Year!

2008-12-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

"I know it's been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you!"...Mel Torme, The Christmas Song

That pretty much sums it up for me. After a brief bout of flu, I nonetheless was able to get into the Christmas spirit with family and friends. I'd like to thank all of the people who since October have stopped by out of curiosity to see what Anasazi Dream Flutes is all about, and a special thank you to my customers. I wish you all continued enjoyment of your flutes and that you find the challenge of playing worth the reward. I'm going to be recording more this new year and have set a goal for getting a CD worth of material for people to enjoy with both Anasazi Dream flutes and Native American flutes. Embrace the New Year, keep positive!

New Flutes, and a Flute Package Deal!

2008-12-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

Just posted today are some new flutes in A, and one flute duo package (sorry, it sold already!). Scroll down to see my mini Etsy store and click on the photos for more information.

Can Christmas really be coming this next week? Yikes!

New Issue of Voice of the Wind

2008-12-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of INAFA's journal, Voice of the Wind,is out now and I'm running an ad in it (see page 44). INAFA is a great resource for flutists of all abilities. I'm also listed in the flutemakers/vendors area also. I am in production mode now and will have more Anasazi Dream flutes available in just a few days. I will be offering some matched pairs with bags soon. My etsy shop has been busy this last week and I'm working to re-supply it. The popular brown and black colors will be done first. If you have a special request, you can always e-mail me for particular colors or for a matched pair or set of 3. I realized that I haven't posted any sound files of the Anazitas in C or D, so that wll be coming soon. On a blog-related note, I'm pleased to have a new follower and would like to hear from anyone else.

Items at My Etsy Store Right Now...

2008-12-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see current offerings at my Etsy Store!

Flute Bags!

2008-11-23T16:55:00.000-08:00

I now have bags for the larger Anasazi Dream flutes, thanks to my wife, Clare, who is handy with the sewing machine. They come in moss green, burgundy, and blue, each with a decorative cotton fabric trim. A simple ribbon tie at the top keeps your Anasazi Dream flute warm, and scratch-free! You can find these at my Etsy store, which is now located at the bottom of this page!

Showing the Flutes

2008-11-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I participated in an Alley Faire put on by Marcy Bradshaw of Marcy's New World Herbs & Gifts.
It was a beautiful autumn day and I brought along an amplifier to play backing tracks. Lots of time to play and talk to the nice folks coming by to visit after their shopping at the local Davis Farmer's Market. Thanks to Jean for buying a little black Anazita flute!
My next outing is to the John Morse Elementary School in Sacramento (1901 60th Avenue, Sacto. CA), a Waldorf-based public school, for their Winter Festival of Lights on Saturday , Dec. 6, between 12:00 - 5:00pm. I will take some of my oil paintings, greeting cards and flutes. It's a fun and friendly fair, if you can come, please do!

A New Composition!

2008-11-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

I have just finished a new piece, Anasazi Walk for Anasazi flute and strings, oboe, harp & percussion. I wrote it in Notion, a great notation/performance program. Click on the title to hear it and enjoy!

Flute Circle Visit & Joined INAFA

2008-10-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

I visited the Napa Valley Flute Circle hosted in Napa, CA, by Brian Revheim of NV Flutes last Saturday. A warm and friendly group of people, and they were kind enough to let me display some flutes for them (with even one member buying one!). Brian makes some beautiful flutes with nicely crafted birds. We played some music together using a variety of rhythm backings and had a great time. I hope to visit with them again often in the future!

Note: Although some flutes are on my Etsy store, you can just as easily e-mail me for details about availability of keys and colors of the flutes, you'll be surprised about how varied and how reasonable they are.

I joined INAFA, the International Native American Flute Association, and will have an advertisement for at least the next two issues. Looking forward to contacting other members!

Flutes Available Online

2008-10-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Anasazi Flutes Available Online

Scroll Down this page to see my current offerings at my Etsy Store!

La Anazita Rosita

2008-10-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

I met Sonia, a lovely gentle soul, at the Yosemite Flute Festival. she spent time in our booth and quickly learned to get a sound from the Anazita flutes. Shortly after the festival, she requested a flute in pink. It turned out very nicely, with a sweet tone. I added this little stone as a sign of friendship. Many happy hours of music, Sonia!

A New Flute Model… 3-in-1!

2008-10-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is my latest idea: a 3-key set of flutes using a removable mouthpiece. The keys are "A" (the center flute), "C" (left), and "D" (right). It is very simple to change tubes, thanks to a little cork grease, which will be included in the purchase. This set is colored in a satin khaki trimmed in gold with a gold leather decorative tie.

Yosemite Flute Festival

2008-10-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

Our booth at the Yosemite Flute Festival

We had a great time in Oakhurst during the weekend of Sept. 27-28. I had a chance to touch bases with some friends and make new ones. I had developed a new flute, the "Anazita", a smaller flute based on the Anasazi flute, but a 4th higher, in the key of D. I had 10 of the Anazitas and they all sold out before noon on Sunday. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and gave it a try, I really enjoyed sharing my enthusiasm for the Anasazi flute with you all!

This is me, Kiriel, and Richard tooting our own horns.

Me again with the great flutemaker, Dennis Hatch, of Native Flutes.

I'm planning to have some kind of store up and running in the near future, but if you have any questions about Anasazi Dream flutes, contact me from here. I'm going to be offering 3 keys and a new 3-in-one package. Check back soon!

Flute Duets

2008-09-18T16:03:00.001-07:00

To show how you can use the Anasazi Dream flute with standard Native American flutes, I'm posting these two song improvisations. Each starts with an F# minor flute by Raymond Redfeather and the low-sounding Anasazi Dream flute comes in as an accompaniment. Enjoy!

Welcome Dance

Two Hearts

Flute Manual For the Anasazi Dream Flute

2008-09-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

I decided to place the manual here for the curious. It's a 10-page basic instruction manual with flute fingering diagrams. Feel free to print out a copy for yourself. Please do not reproduce it for sale.
I have a new flute coming out, watch for the next post!
Click on this link for the Anasazi Dream Flute manual.

Anasazi Flutes

2008-08-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

The Beginning...
About 2 years ago, I saw an ad for the Zion Canyon Flute & Art Festival in Springdale, Utah. What drew my interest was an article describing the Anasazi Flute. I immediately knew that there was something special about this instrument and that I would have one. I drove out to Springdale, and within the first hour I found the vendor tent for Michael Graham Allen (Coyote Oldman). Michael wasn't there, but his wife, M.J., greeted me with a smile, handed me a flute and said, "Here, take it and try it out". I took it down by the stream that bordered the festival grounds and tried to toot a few notes, with not a whole lot of success, but nonetheless I was determined. After M.J.adjusted the lacings and bagged the flute, I took the flute back to my hotel and sat out on the balcony at sunset, surrounded by the insect-foraging bats and got light-headed from hyper-ventilating. Little by little, the sound came. At every playing I felt a connection with another time and place, a place where people lived lives so different from mine, but we were connected by the sound that seemed to bridge the ages.

Cut to the Present...
I still play Anasazi flute, but now I'm making a version of the flute out of thin-walled PVC pipe for people who want to get started but don't know if they want to spring for a wooden instrument.
The Anasazi Dream flutes I make reproduce the same scale and have a warm, vibrant sound that is very musical and meditative. The thin walls of the PVC are quite resonant and are not too far removed in size from the box elder suckers (or shoots) that were originally used by the ancient people.

This is how my first Anasazi flutes look like before the upcoming Yosemite Flute Festival in Oakhurst, CA this September 26-28. (Click on the photo for a larger view). I will be offering them at a booth on Saturday & Sunday(Sept. 27-28) . It's our first time out as vendors. I will have a basic instruction guide to the flutes. We'll also offer some Hopi and Lakota-themed greeting cards from my original oil paintings as well. I'm looking forward to participating and hope to see some new friends from the Zion Flute School this past summer. Please post a comment if you have any questions about these instruments.

Listen...

Here is an mp3 file of one of the flutes. This demonstration is in the lower first octave, but the flute can soar much higher and be very clear in the high register.