The Generosity of James Galway
The flutist Sir James Galway has recently become involved with a Yahoo chat group: Galway-Flute-Chat.
Even if you’re not a flutist, you’ve very likely heard of James Galway. He’s been on The Muppets, for heaven’s sake! He’s sold more records than probably any “classical” musician before him — certainly more than any other flutist. He’s a really famous guy. And for good reason, he is without a doubt one of the best flutists in the world. (I won’t say he’s THE best only because at that level it’s largely a matter of personal preference.) Anyway, so he’s BIG.
And yet, this really hugely important and busy man very regularly takes the time to answer people’s questions on the Galway-Flute-Chat group. Get this: one Russian girl studying in London was having trouble figuring out the best way to hold her flute so she asked about it on the group. Sir James has arranged to meet with her before an upcoming concert in London to help her. Can you believe it? In a post I’m reading this morning, Sir James is explaining how he became a famous soloist — someone asked!
Clearly, the great one is comfortable enough in his role that he can give to others. He’s in no danger of losing his position at the top! As a friend of mine recently remarked, Galway’s reached the top of Maslow’s heirarchy. He’s self-actualized.
Besides all of his written (and occasional “in person”) advice, Sir James has also been making audio recordings to help with various flute technique issues. He posts these on his web site for any member of the Galway-Flute-Chat group to download. They’re things like “Here’s how I practice scales”, “Here’s what I do to practice tone”, “Here’s how I practice the Taffanel exercise number 1″…. And it’s more than him just playing. He also explains what he’s doing and why. Each recording is like having a private lesson with the master. If you’re a flutist, it’s just an amazingly wonderful thing!
Certainly there have been other famous musicians who have been wonderful, giving teachers. But Sir James Galway is the first (that I know of) to use the internet in such a creative way.
If you’re a flutist, you absolutely MUST join this group.
Posted by RebeccaHartong on January 30, 2006 under Uncategorized
Yes, Galway has been amazing at tiimes but for some reason hhis vibrato has gotten worse over the years…totally overboard. And the tunes pop he records …uggh!
Like most Clascal players he is lost when it comes to improv. I prefer Alain Marion’s playing but hard to find.
But the flute kids worship him. I think a lot of it is just the fact that fame intoxicats so many people. Sad that there are so few great flutists out there with his fame. Hubert Laws can play circles around Galway and with as lovely a tone as any Classical player.
Giles