Joy Sears

Joy Sears, flute repair specialist, flutist and teacher, understands the needs of the most discerning flutist. With over 10 years of experience repairing and giving informative lectures about flutes at Wildacres, Joy has worked as a flute repair specialist for Straubinger Flutes and J.L. Smith and Company. She has taught a flute repair course at Western Carolina University to college students of all abilities. Joy studied flute repair with Dr. Eldred Spell and David and Joel Straubinger. Each teacher emphasized the importance of the lightest touch, craftsmanship and attention to detail. She is highly skilled in both the traditional Boston style padding as well as Straubinger padding. Joy currently has her own repair business in Moore, SC.

Beginning Flute Repair Class

The purpose of this 5-day course is intended to heighten awareness of problems that may occur on both your own flute and your students' flutes. The course will prepare you to identify leaks and perform basic repairs on student and handmade flutes.

The main objectives of this course are to:

• Gain knowledge about the materials used in repairing flutes
• Become familiar with places to purchase repair supplies
• Learn more about care and maintenance of the flute to reduce premature repairs
• Identify leaks and other common problems associated with the flute
• Gain skills to perform basic padding repairs on student and handmade flutes
• Gain problem-solving skills to determine whether you can perform the repair or refer it to a qualified specialist
• Understand the terminology of common procedures of flute repair

Please remember that no two flutes are alike and that all may not require a simple solution. Not all repairmen use the same procedures or terminology for a specified repair. (I.e. overhaul, repad, COA.)

Materials needed for the class are:

• A flute to work on (preferably a student flute)
• Screwdriver*
• Pencil
• Permanent marker (Sharpe markers work well)
• Needle *
• Spring hook *
• Flat nose pliers
• Key oil
• Cigarette paper
• Small scissors
• Feeler gauge*

* Joy will offer a screw driver, spring hook, feeler gauge and needle for you to purchase for the cost of $17. Please send an email to Joy if you are interested in purchasing these tools.

Class schedule

Intermediate Flute Repair Class

Some repair experience is necessary prior to taking this class. The purpose of this 5-day course is intended to heighten awareness of problems that may occur on both your own flute and your student's flutes.  This course will prepare you to identify and repair leaks, replace pads, understand mechanical aspects, key heights and installing head joint corks.  We will work in a relaxed atmosphere where you are free to ask questions at any time.

The main objectives of this course are to:

• Identify and repair pad and adjustment leaks and other common problems associated with the flute. (Lost motion and key heights.)
• Gain skills to perform basic padding repairs on student or handmade flutes.
• Gain problem - solving skills and determine whether you can perform the repair or refer it to a qualified specialist.
• Gain knowledge about the materials used in repairing flutes.

Please remember that no two flutes are alike and that all may not require a simple solution. Not all repairmen use the same procedures or terminology for a specified repair. (I.e. overhaul, repad, COA.)

Materials needed for the class are:

• A flute to work on (preferably a student flute)
• Screwdriver*
• Pencil
• Permanent marker (Sharpe markers work well)
• Needle *
• Spring hook *
• Flat nose pliers
• Key oil
• Cigarette paper
• Small scissors
• Feeler gauge*

* Joy will offer a screw driver, spring hook, feeler gauge and needle for you to purchase for the cost of $17. Please send an email to Joy if you are interested in purchasing these tools.

Class schedule

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