Joe Yeatman
About
The Native American flute is wonderfully easy to learn, beautifully calming to play and listen to, and actually used in multiple areas of therapy. The NAF isn't difficult to learn or play, but most new players do much better with some personal instruction.
I have been teaching in-person and through the web since 2019. I love helping absolute beginners find their own journey on Kokopelli's Path.
Teaching Style
My approach to teaching Native American flute is centered on feel, breath, and intention - not just finger placement.
While I absolutely cover fundamentals like tone production, fingering, and phrasing, I focus heavily on helping students understand how and why the instrument works the way it does. The goal isn’t just to play songs - it’s to develop the ability to sit down with the flute and create something that feels natural, expressive, and personal.
Lessons are tailored to the individual. Beginners get a clear, structured path that removes overwhelm and builds confidence quickly. More experienced players work on tone refinement, phrasing, pacing, and emotional delivery—what I often describe as “letting the flute speak instead of just playing notes.”
I also incorporate elements of breath control, space, and listening—skills that connect directly to relaxation, focus, and what many people are looking for when they pick up this instrument in the first place.
Above all, I keep the environment low-pressure and practical. You’ll leave each session with something you can immediately apply, whether that’s a technique, an exercise, or a new way of thinking about your playing.
Curriculum
Teaching Method
My teaching method blends structure with flexibility. I use a clearly defined progression for early lessons to build a strong foundation in tone, breath control, fingering, and phrasing, while adapting each session to the student’s pace and goals.
Rather than relying on rigid note-reading or memorization, I emphasize listening, pattern recognition, and natural musical expression. Students learn how to understand the instrument intuitively, which allows them to progress faster and play more confidently.
As students advance, lessons shift toward refinement—tone quality, spacing, emotional delivery, and developing a personal style. The goal is not just to learn songs, but to become comfortable creating music independently.
Recommended Student Texts
I do not require any particular reading, as Native American flute learning is highly individual and experience-based.
For beginners, I provide a structured syllabus covering the first 3–5 lessons, designed to build core skills quickly and without overwhelm. Many students reach a level of independence within the first few sessions and are able to continue exploring on their own, returning later for refinement, guidance, or new direction.
When appropriate, I may recommend supplemental materials or exercises based on the student’s interests and goals.
Credentials & Affiliations
10 albums and 10 singles released digitally (Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Apple Music, etc.). 4 of the albums are also on CD.
3-time nominee for Best NAF Album of the Year by One World Music Radio.
1-time nominee for Best NAF Single of the Year by One World Music Radio.
Weekly performances at the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain, near Tucson AZ.
Former facilator of a local Flute Circle (disbanded during Covid).
Many years of professional training and presentation (classroom and web) in non-music context.
