Earthsong

Native American Style Flutes 

About Earthsong Flutes

Beautiful, haunting, soulful, airy, ancient and peaceful are only a few words that describe the Native American flute. Based in Canberra Australia, Craig 'Six Bears'  Chan has dedicated a number of years towards the preservation of the Native American flute and he is passionate about handcrafting and playing the flute.

Craig  was inspired by flutemaker Tony Richards of Spiritwinds, who in turn was taught the art of flute making by Hawk Littlejohn, a fourth generation Cherokee flutemaker.

The Making of Earthsong Flutes

Earthsong flutes are handmade by Craig. The centre of the wood is bored out and the flute is carefully shaped by hand. Each flute is then oiled inside and out several times with 100% pure tung oil  to nourish the wood and bring out its natural beauty. The process of tuning the flute can then take place. Earthsong flutes are finished with a hard shellac for protection. Each Earthsong Flute is made to ensure a high standard of craftsmanship.

The Native American flute is tuned to a minor pentatonic scale. Earthsong flutes are tuned in the woodland style of six hole tuning. Five hole tunings are available on request.

Earthsong flutes are made from a range of woods, including Jarrah, Rosewood and Cedar.

The Earthsong range includes high, mid-range and low flutes, drones and totem flutes.  Totem blocks can be made upon request.

About the Native American Flute

The Native American Flute is one of the oldest and most natural instruments in the world. It is as natural as breath passing over our lips. It is the wind and the birds that sing, the wolf that cries, and the ancestors talking. Thus all of nature had a part in the creation of the Native American Flute. The Native American Flute embodies peace and harmony. This is a true gift from the Creator.

In some Native American cultures, the Native American Flute was used for the courting of women by men. The young suitor would play his flute to the maiden he wished to win as his wife. In this way, the flute became known as the courting flute. The Native American Flute is also known as the spirit flute as it is an instrument of healing.

Traditionally, the flute was made from the cedar tree and crafted based on the measurements of the player's arm, hand and fingers, making it a very personal tool.