Throughout my career as a freelance flutist, I’ve been asked many times by member of the general public in particular if it’s possible to make a living solely from playing and teaching music. It certainly is possible, and having done this for many years, I have put together some advice for anyone considering a career as a freelance musician...

Writing about the music I compose is difficult for me to do. I feel that the music I compose should express beauty without rhetoric, and that the music I compose isn't mine, even though I composed it - explaining it as if it were mine seems foolish to me. However, I can give some insight as to my thoughts about music as a whole which may help flutists understand the flute music I compose....

Both as Flute Focus Business Manager and through my professional experience, I am well aware of the enormous stress individuals exert on themselves when going into business, quite apart from those stresses imposed on them by external factors. Some time ago I was asked to comment on the stresses that result from blurred lines between one’s personal and business life, i.e. when you go into business with your spouse/partner, family or friends. When business is good, all’s well, but huge problems can occur as soon as business difficulties arise.

As part of an ongoing series on New Zealand music, Flute Focus would like to offer the opportunity for New Zealand composers to present their talents to the world.

Receiving any kind of grant, scholarship, fellowship or award can be an excellent way to achieve your artistic dreams which otherwise may be difficult if not impossible. Receiving a grant can also be a form of recognition for your contribution to your community and/or your art form. Grants can offer financial support for a range of projects (individual or group) or allow artists to take up exciting professional development opportunities locally or overseas.