Joy Sears

Joy Sears, flute repair specialist, flutist and teacher, understands the needs of the most discerning flutist. She 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 was fortunate to work for both Straubinger Flutes and J.L. Smith and Company. Since 1994 she has had the privilege of repairing flutes and giving informative talks at Wildacres. The flute repair classes that have been added at the retreat have been inspiring for flutists of all ages and abilities. She currently has her own flute repair service in Moore, SC.

For a full biography and other information about Joy’s flute repair service, please visit her website at: www.joysears.com.

Joy will be available to work on flutes throughout the week of Wildacres. If you know in advance that you would like to have your flute serviced during that week, please email or call to schedule an appointment.

Beginning 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 student’s 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. (overhaul, re-pad, COA.)

Materials needed for the class are:

A flute to work on (preferably a student flute that does not play well)
Screw driver that will fit the flute screws. Most of us have little eyeglasses screwdriver sets. This will be fine. (Ferree’s Tools)
Feeler gauge (provided)
Pencil
Permanent marker (Sharpie markers work well)
Spring hook (Ferree’s Tools)
Flat nose pliers
Key oil (any kind will be fine)
Small scissors
Cigarette paper
Pipe cleaners

Tool supply order information if you choose to purchase the screw driver & spring hook:

Ferree’s Tools
269-965-0511
F60 – Swivel Top Screwdriver
D1A - Spring hook Medium

Beginning Repair Class Schedule

Day 1:	Introduction to basic flute repair Terminology/parts of flute Examine flute for obvious signs of damage Disassemble & assemble flute General cleaning and oiling Demo on bathing Make feeler gauges Teach proper feeler gauge technique Detect pad leaks
Day 2:	Shimming pad leaks Padding instructions Shim pad leaks Replace pad (optional)
Day 3:	Demonstrations (unpinning mechanism, floating pads, screw adjustments, spring tension) Continue fixing pad leaks Unpin, Clean & oil mechanism Float in C pad Spring tension Set screw driver adjustments Go over quickie repairs
Day 4:	Head joint cork replacement Head joint cork suction test Demo on lathe Repair supply companies Continue working at own pace
Day 5:	Review - finish up Key heights Review & work at own pace

Intermediate 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
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. (overhaul, re-pad, COA.)

Materials needed for the class are:

A flute to work on (preferably a student flute)
Screwdriver
Pencil
Permanent marker (Sharpie markers work well)
Needle
Spring hook
Flat nose pliers
Key oil (any kind will be fine)
Cigarette paper
Small scissors
Feeler gauge
Head joint cork
Pads
Paper shims
Pipe cleaners

Class schedule

Day 1:	Review basic flute repair Screw driver technique Order of disassembling flute Detecting pad leaks Shimming pads Bathe and polish flute
Day 2:	Padding Replace pads as wanted Demo on unpinning mechanism Practice unpinning mechanism as wanted
Day 3:	Adjustments & Key Heights Adjustments Key heights Continue padding Continue unpinning, cleaning & oiling mechanism
Day 4:	Head joint cork installation Continuing working on projects Demo on head joint cork installation Practice installing head joint corks
Day 5:	Review – finish up Review and work at your own pace

Video

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