Flutes Inspired courses with Elisabeth Parry

Flutes Inspired offers friendly, inspiring flute courses for adults, led by Elisabeth Parry with pianist John Alley. Join us for residential courses in France and the UK, or take part from anywhere in the world with our interactive online courses.

Adult flute courses in France

Flutes In France

Inspiring flute courses for adults with Elisabeth Parry and John Alley in a beautiful village of Allemans-du-Dropt, near Bordeaux in southwest France.

Online flute courses for adults

Online Courses

Online flute courses for adults. Personalised and interactive, Friday Flutes on Zoom with Elisabeth Parry and John Alley is a weekly dose of online flute inspiration.

UK flute courses for adults

UK Courses

Four-day residential flute courses for adults with Elisabeth Parry and John Alley for Flutes Inspired at Benslow Music in Hertfordshire and Hawkwood College in Gloucestershire.

Flutes in France

Inspiring flute courses for adults in South West France

Join Elisabeth Parry and John Alley for a flute holiday in France.

 

All things flute in an atmosphere of friendly and supportive music-making… plus great food and wine French-style!

 

Flutes in France courses are held in Elisabeth and John’s beautiful studio in the picturesque 12th century village of Allemans on the banks of the river Dropt, near Bordeaux in southwest France.

Classes take place in the main studio which is equipped with a concert grand piano. There are two further practice studios (both with digital pianos) for individual lessons and chamber music. AV equipment is available to record classes and performances, and participants have access to an extensive music library of flute music, as well as piccolo, alto, bass and baroque flutes.

Daily sessions include group technique class, flute choir, and coached chamber music. Participants receive an individual lesson and piano rehearsal, and collaborative lessons provide an opportunity to play for each other in a supportive environment. Every day there are informal concerts for performance practice, as well as discussion and masterclass sessions.

There is also, of course, free time to explore the village and surroundings, and to relax with flute friends over a glass of wine in the square.  We also visit one of the nearby historic villages for an al fresco lunch, and if the weather allows, we might enjoy an evening meal by the riverside. Partners can find much to enjoy in the area, with vineyards, golf, birdwatching, walking, and medieval chateaus and villages all around.

The course culminates in a concert in the village’s famed medieval church (a Monument Historique de France) with its 15th century frescos and a wonderful acoustic.

The course is suitable for adult flute players of intermediate through to advanced standard, and partners are welcome.

2027 Courses

Spring: 2-7 May 2027

Early Summer: 23-28 May 2027

Autumn (Fall): 3-8 October 2027

Bookings for 2027 now open. Apply today.

Thank you for such a well-organised and engaging course (not to mention all the wonderful food and wine). I feel like it restored my Covid-depleted flute mojo and I have returned more inspired than ever.

Clare L., London
“I actually managed to pass my DipABRSM! Thank you so much for all your advice, the performance opportunities, and all your help in Friday Flutes online.”

Claire H., Manchester
“I just find every session so inspiring! Your focus on technique and musicianship has really transformed my playing.”

Amy S. Oxfordshire
“I just wanted to say a really big thank you for all your sessions. I have found them so interesting, informative, encouraging and supportive. ”

Judy P., Wiltshire
“I have a great deal to be thankful for as a result of time spent with you and John at Benslow. I loved all aspects of the music you presented on the course. Having come late in life to the flute I was concerned I would be out of my depth but your methods of teaching enabled all abilities to shine.”

Mary W., Gloucestershire
“Every class has given me something to think about .. . and the opportunity to perform and receive feedback has been great – you’ve been so encouraging. ”

Jane M., Hampshire
“I wanted to write to thank John and yourself for the quality tuition and your kindness on the course this week.I learnt a great deal, and to perform in front of an audience for the first time since the start of COVID was so good for me.
Thank you again for your expertise and wisdom.”

Seamus F., Ireland

Online Flute Courses

Friday Flutes on Zoom with Elisabeth and John:

your weekly dose of online flute inspiration.

Friday Flutes is a weekly online flute course for adult players, exploring flute technique, studies and repertoire with Elisabeth Parry, accompanied live by John Alley on piano. With lots of opportunities for performance in a friendly and supportive environment, the course is ideal for players who want to learn, keep in fluting shape and make music in the company of others. Classes are limited to 12 participants to allow for individual feedback.

“I absolutely LOVED the class and learnt so much today!”  Deborah, Oregon, USA

“Thank you for the interesting, useful and unforgettable session last Friday. I’m looking forward to the next one.” Kate, Italy

“Regarding the upcoming Friday Flutes  – I’d love to take part, as the summer course was truly inspiring and rewarding!” Anna-Maija, Finland

Friday Flutes Autumn 2026 begins on 11 September. New participants are very welcome — contact me if you’d like to join us.

 

UK Flute Courses for Adults

Short residential courses at Benslow Music and Hawkwood College with Elisabeth Parry and John Alley.

Flutes Inspired runs residential flute courses for adults in the UK at Benslow Music in Hertfordshire and Hawkwood College in Gloucestershire. Led by Elisabeth Parry with pianist John Alley, the programme includes flute technique classes, ensemble playing, chamber music and performance opportunities for adult flute players of all standards.

Benslow Music: 14-17 September 2026

Hawkwood College: 8-11 March 2027

Contact Elisabeth to put your name on the priority list for 2027 UK courses