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 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

Day 1:	Introduction to basic flute repair Learn parts/terminology of the flute Examine flute for obvious signs of damage HJ cork test - demo on replacing HJ cork Care and maintenance Detecting leaks
Day 2:	Hand-outs How to use the feeler gauge correctly, find and repair leaks in pads. Disassemble and assemble flute General cleaning and oiling (Q -tips, tooth picks, polishing cloth) Demo on bathing flute (cleaning and polishing)
Day 3:	Repair pad leaks
Day 4:	Repair pad leaks Demos replacing trill key pads, unpinning, cleaning and oiling mechanism Hand-outs: terminology and supply companies
Day 5:	Repair pad leaks and adjustment leaks General oiling, spring tension, repairing pad leaks and fixing adjustments

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.

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

Day 1:	Review basic flute repair Screw driver technique Order of disassembling flute Detecting & marking pad leaks Shimming pads Bathe and polish flute
Day 2:	Re - pad foot joint Unpinning, cleaning and oiling mechanism demo and hands - on station.
Day 3:	Re - pad foot joint Head joint cork installation demo and hands - on station. Adjustments - paper and screw Key heights
Day 4:	Continue working and reviewing
Day 5:	Continue working and reviewing

Video

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