Eldred
Spell has a long history with the Wildacres Flute Retreat, having been the first
performer in the very first Wildacres flute masterclass in 1978. This began
a love affair with the mountains North Carolina. While completing his PhD (in
flute performance) at Michigan State University, the flute position at Western
Carolina University came open. Eldred was quick to apply, won the position,
and has been there for the past 33 years (19 as a full professor). Spell has
also appeared as a soloist and master teacher throughout the USA and abroad, and in 2008
was a visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Many of Eldred Spell’s influences have come from outside academia. His mentors include Clement Barone, William Bennett, and Geoffrey Gilbert. He has done considerable research into the flute’s acoustics and construction. His piccolo headjoints may be heard in many American orchestras and in 2005 he collaborated with William Bennett and Trevor Wye to release an improved scale for the flute.
As a teacher, Eldred Spell combines a comprehensive understanding of the instrument with great personal empathy and outstanding communication skills. We are thrilled that he will be at Wildacres this year giving individual flute lessons.
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