A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist

Canadian flutist Maclagan offers a resource that provides definitions of topics particular to flute performance, mechanisms, biography, and repertoire. . . . A long-standing project for Maclagan, this source provides coherent, concise, and accessible information about the flute for players of all levels of achievement, and for persons doing research into woodwind performance. Recommended. (CHOICE 2009-12-01)

The Dictionary for the Modern Flutist is a useful addition to studio libraries and as a possible coffee table offering in studio waiting rooms for flutists and families. The writing style is accessible, and all terms are described in detail, often with illustrations. It is guaranteed that this resource will provide many opportunities for consideration and dialog among flutists young and old as the information included will fit the needs of flutists of any level of interest or performance. (American Music Teacher)

Flutist Susdan Maclagan has spent 45 years researching and classifying the more than 1,500 flute-related items included in this hard-bound, first dictionary of flute terms, many of which have not been adequately described or defined before. . . . This Dictionary is a must-have for students and teachers alike. It dispels many commonly held myths and clarifies many terms. (Flute Talk 2010-01-01)

A comprehensive reference source to the music, history, and musicians of the flute. (American Reference Books Annual)

The history of the flute is a fascinating mixture of technical inventiveness and the drive to play music with ever greater efficiency and virtuosity, as this work makes clear….A specialist item, then, but one that deserves to be taken seriously in a field where many articles are ephemeral and elusive. (Reference Reviews)

This is a truly amazing work. Susan Maclagan, a Flutewise member who has often written articles for our magazine, has obviously put an exceptional amount of work into producing A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist. It is A4 in size with over 240 pages. There are definitions of almost everything you could think of to do with the flute, with lots of illustrations. Our own Trevor Wye has written the foreword and gave Susan lots of support while she was putting it together. If you want to know about the Brossa F sharp, Robert Dick’s glissando headjoint or who Hotteterre was, then this book is perfect for you. It would make an excellent present for any keen flute player….I know mine has pride of place on my book shelves and will be referred to many times over many years. (Flutewise)

My immediate reaction to this remarkable publication was simply, “I wish I had had this book in my hands for my entire life as a flutist!” We flutists are so fortunate to play an instrument that has enjoyed extraordinary universal popularity for its entire history. The richness of all of the information about our historical narrative and the present and future development of the flute can seem overwhelming. With this one beautiful book, “A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist”, I can educate myself in minutes on any topic I choose, from design development to a new type of flutter tonguing. And best of all, it is really fun to read. It is said that knowledge is power. With her enormous gift to the flute community, Susan Maclagan has empowered us all, players and teachers, to be able to understand our history and our present with clarity and enjoyment. If you own a flute, you should own this book! (Jeanne Baxtresser, Former Principal Flute, New York Philharmonic)

I’m delighted that Susan Maclagan, in scouring every nook and cranny of the flute world, has taken into full consideration historical members of the flute family, including the recorder. In dealing with the modern flute, she has managed to answer countless questions that I didn’t even realize I had. Bravo! (Dr. David Lasocki, Researcher of wind instruments, Indiana University)

Authoritative, readable, complete. A must for every flutist’s library. (Jim Phelan, Boston flutemaker and engineer, Burkart-Phelan, Inc.)

By owning this book you will have access to the most comprehensive knowledge base on the flute currently in existence. Encyclopaedic in scope, exhaustively researched and written in an engagingly accessible style, the Dictionary will be an indispensable reference for players, teachers, makers, repairers and anyone else whose passion is the flute. (Stephen Wessel, Flutemaker and engineer, England)

An astounding amount of work, this 10 year project of Sue Maclagan will prove of great value to flutists, especially teachers who need to answer their students’ prying questions and students who do not want to bother their teachers. I found information in her book which was new to me. Ms. Maclagan’s labor of love provides answers to every conceivable question about the instrument. (Robert Aitken, flutist, composer, conductor, teacher; Freiburg, Toronto)

A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist is a truly definitive work. Susan Maclagan has tirelessly delved into every corner of the flute and its world, from the humblest cleaning rod to the most profound issues of flute design and performance and emerged with clear, accurate and fascinating definitions throughout. My copy shall be well worn, indeed! (Robert Dick, Flutist, composer, author, inventor, teacher, New York City)

Susan Maclagan’s flute dictionary is truly a labor of love. I have been privileged to watch it develop from a dream to a comprehensive work that is thorough, accurate and wonderfully informative. My admiration and congratulations for creating a book that is a must in any flute lover’s library. (Leonard E. Lopatin, flutist, flutemaker, flute designer; Asheville, North Carolina)

The art of flutemaking, like any artform, has a language all its own, filled with contradictions and potential contentiousness among its users. Susan Maclagan took on an immense and delicate task, and has shown great success. Her extraordinary patience, curiosity, and endurance has produced a volume which will be a tremendous asset for years to come. Furthermore, her hard work and absolute objectivity has been an inspiration throughout this long process. (David Shorey, author, lecturer, historian, dealer of old flutes; Los Angeles)

This handsome book is a truly comprehensive dictionary of all flute-related terminology. Susan addresses the simple to the most complex with consistently clear and succinct explanations, thoroughly cross-referenced, including equally easy-to-understand images as appropriate. . . . In short, this book is simply a must-have for every teacher, library and seoirus student! (Alexa Still, Head of Flute and Chair of Woodwind, Sydney Conservatorium of Music)

I’d recommend finding a copy of this great resource. Written in dictionary form, it’s a great handy reference for finding answers to all your flute questions. Even the ones you didn’t know you had! (Tiffin Fuhrman, fpopmusic.com)

Many young flutists, and others not so young, will have their interests stimulated or their horizons broadened by leafing through the pages. (American Musical Instrument Society)