About

How Flutastic! Began 
I have enjoyed playing professionally in the past, and have taught beginning to advanced flute for over thirty years. Back in the day, I received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Flute Performance.  The best years were spent studying with Kay Dunn and, later on, with Jean Louis Kashy (former student of William Kincaid). Both were the kind of teachers who offered a wealth of information and encouragement, and it seemed that they would never run out of new and helpful tools to give to the student, even if lessons went on for many years.

In the earlier years of teaching, my students came to lessons with “bargain” used flutes that they had often bought online. I began to realize that it was all too common that we were having to spend $100s on repairs (sometimes more than the flute had originally cost) in order to get the flutes to play correctly. Then, as I looked for excellent repair technicians who understood the flute well, and who had the patience and know-how to do the job correctly (I tried many!), it became disappointingly clear that an excellent technician is a rare find. Once the professional flute specialists were finally found, it became clear that it is well worth paying them the higher rate that they deserve in order to get the job done right.  This can make such a huge difference in how the flutes play, and is just as important for a beginner as for the advanced player! Because I’m a stickler for quality, prices at Flutastic! are sometimes a bit higher than others out there, but I’d like to think that the customer gets his or her bang for the buck.

Why Buying from Flutastic! Could Save You $100s (My technicians and I are fastidious about repairs!)
Hard work and much practice brings the reward of beautiful music. A great instrument makes the experience even more enjoyable!

I am fortunate to have three excellent Straubinger certified professional flute technicians right here in Fort Collins who share my standards for excellence.

When I receive a used flute on consignment, I have my trusted technicians do any needed repairs (they do not cut corners!), and finally the flute is thoroughly play-tested before being sold. Playability and quality are guaranteed.

Even every brand new flute is tested and serviced as necessary before going out the door.  It is fairly common for tenon fittings and/or some simple adjustments to be needed on new flutes, no matter the brand.

Did you know that a re-pad job/overhaul, done correctly, on a beginner to intermediate flute can cost between $250 and $500, and on a professional flute well over $1000? If you happen to buy a used flute elsewhere that needs new pads, or if the former re-pad job was done incorrectly, you may be looking at higher cost to repair the instrument than what you originally purchased it for. All flutes for sale at Flutastic! have already been professionally serviced, have had any torn or problematic pads replaced, and then have been thoroughly play-tested, saving you the headache of any unexpected costs, and giving the flute the best possible longevity. Know what you are getting!

Disclaimers
*On rare occasions, there may be a flute in my store that is very high quality, but may need some repair.  If this is true, I will say so.  You will always know what you are getting!

*Since I and my technicians are human, we do, from time to time, miss something. If that happens, we will gladly work with you, the customer, to make it right!  It makes our day to know that you’re completely satisfied!