Taught by renowned flutist
Mark Sparks
Based on a poem by Stéphane Mallarmé, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun is a dreamy, beloved masterpiece in the flute repertoire. Mark Sparks discusses how to use technique and musicianship to bring it to life.
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Sparks discusses why this excerpt is essentially an echo, how to phrase it, and how to use our air properly, among much more.
Appendix A. Breathing
We can practice extended breathing methodically via trial and error. In this lesson, Sparks shares how to practice breathing.
Appendix B. Expression
Despite the dreamy atmosphere, it's important not to over-romanticize this excerpt. Sparks demonstrates how to find the right degrees of subtlety.
Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →Mark Sparks is the former Principal Flutist of the St. Louis Symphony. With a commitment to nurturing the next generation of flutists, Mark Sparks showcases his versatile musicianship through captivating performances as an accomplished flutist and a faculty member of DePaul University and the Aspen Music Festival.
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