
About Flute School London
In the late 1990s, Janna was teaching a number of adult flute students privately in London. Many of them expressed a desire to play in musical groups like orchestras or chamber ensembles. However, opportunities were limited, with not enough spaces in London’s amateur orchestras and bands to accommodate everyone. Recognizing this need, Janna and her friend and colleague, Kate Grace, started a flute choir. Initially hosted in Janna’s apartment, the choir quickly grew in popularity, fostering lasting friendships and a vibrant musical community. It later moved to a rehearsal studio in Great Ormond Street.
Inspired by the success of the flute choir, Janna and Kate decided to create a non-residential flute course in London, focusing on accessibility and inclusivity. They envisioned a program that would cater to players of all levels, offering flexibility and affordability. To bring this idea to life, they collaborated with colleagues Simon Gilliver and Abigail Burrows. Later, when Kate transitioned to a career in music therapy, Holly Cook joined the team. Together, this team of four has been organizing flute courses and events ever since.
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From the beginning, Janna and Kate aimed to create a welcoming, non-competitive environment, inspired by their own challenging experiences with flute courses as students. The courses were designed to be friendly and accessible, encouraging participation from anyone with a background in flute playing.
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Initially, the courses spanned five days, with each day featuring a guest artist who brought their unique perspective. Participants could attend one day or up to all five, enjoying a mix of masterclasses, performances, and workshops. This format continues today, with annual updates based on attendee feedback to ensure the courses meet their needs.
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Today, we host a three-day course in London each year. The first day focuses on individual lessons and playing with a pianist (often Simon). The following two days include group playing, workshops, and a session with a celebrity flautist like Michael Cox, Ian Clarke, or Matthew Featherstone. To enrich the experience, flute shops such as Just Flutes and All Flutes Plus often join with stands showcasing instruments and sheet music.
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In addition to the annual course, we offer single Flute Days with similar formats, a residential course in France with Janna, and in 2025, we’re introducing a new residential course in Cornwall.
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Our sister organisation, the e-Flute Academy, began in 2019 during the pandemic lockdown. Co-founded by Janna Hüneke and Abigail Burrows, it started with a month-long e-flute festival featuring daily sessions by flautists worldwide. Since then, the e-Flute Academy has grown into a vibrant online community, offering weekly evening sessions, morning warm-ups, and other events. Many participants have added in-person courses to their participation in the virtual academy, creating a warm and supportive network of flute enthusiasts.
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Whether in-person or online, our mission remains the same: to create an inclusive, inspiring space for flautists to grow, connect, and share their love for music.