Flutes are designed based on an individual's anatomy. Each flute is personal and has its own personal song the owner must find. Not only will you have the satisfaction of making your own flute, you will be given instruction on how to play it.

Participants will construct their flute from a piece of cedar. Each crafter will determine the fundamental note and bring life into the flute. The crafter will determine finger hole placements and make the flute "talk".

Once the flute has its voice, the individual can find a place of seclusion to meditate and find the song hidden inside. Inspirational playing or writing down the song is up to the individual. The opportunity to play your personal handcrafted flute along a lakeshore or under a forest birch tree can sooth the Coyotes, or you might even have a Great Horn Owl or Loon sing along with you!

No musical experience is required. All you need is the willingness to work with your hands, exercise your fingers and experience a form of cultural art indigenous to the North American continent.

Most materials are furnished but you will need to bring an x-acto knife and blades. Two blades, number 11 and 17, are required.  A variety pack includes these two blades. A sharp pocket knife is recommended but optional.

Workshop instructor, Tom Gustin, has been making a style of Native American Flutes by hand for over twenty years. He will talk about making a flute from a piece of wood, parts of the flute, things to look for in a flute, types of wood used by Wisconsin residents, and different uses of the instrument. Tom will display some of the flutes he has crafted. Each flute has a story.