this video shows you the basics of playing the INNATO flute

Introduction to the Innato Flute

The INNATO flute takes its name from the Italian word for “inborn” or “innate,” reflecting the idea that the knowledge to play is already within you. This unique instrument is designed to feel intuitive, allowing you to express music that flows naturally from your body. As you explore its tones and rhythms, you’ll discover that playing the INNATO is less about learning and more about remembering what you already know.

Step 1: basics

• Hold the flute and cover all the holes.
• Gently and evenly blow out, similar  air pressure to how you would when whistling.
• Experiment with the airflow. Blowing too hard will produce false tones, while blowing too softly may cause some tones to not sound at all. Find a stable and consistent airflow.
• Ensure that you fully cover the holes with your fingers. If the holes are not fully covered, you will hear dissonance in the sound. Pay attention to finger placement to avoid unwanted noise.
• Start randomly opening and closing the holes. Every combination produces harmonious sounds, so you can freely explore and discover different tones.

Step 2: Surf your breath

• Think of your breath like surfing a wave. When surfing, you wait for the right wave to build up. Once it’s high and stable, you ride it with your surfboard. You keep riding the wave as long as it lasts, but you jump off before it breaks.
• Similarly, with the Innato flute, as long as your breath is steady and controlled, you can continue playing. When your breath starts to weaken, you’ll hear it in the sound of the flute. At that point, stop playing and take a calm inhale.
• It’s important to learn how long your breath lasts and how to make musical expressions within that span. After each breath, pause to inhale calmly before starting again. You’ll notice that listeners may even start breathing along with you, creating a unique connection between the player and the audience.

Step 3: Creating Rhythms and Accents with the “T” Technique

• Use your tongue to create a “T” sound without voicing it, producing short bursts of air. This technique allows you to introduce rhythmic patterns into your playing.
• By varying the intensity and timing of these “T” sounds, you can create accents that emphasize certain notes or phrases, giving your music more depth and expression.
• Experiment with combining smooth, continuous blowing with these short bursts to create dynamic rhythms. This technique gives you more control over how you shape your melodies and allows for a wide range of expressive possibilities.

Step 4: Glissandos and Accents

• Create glissando effects by slowly opening or closing a hole while blowing, allowing you to glide smoothly between notes.
• Add accents by quickly tapping a finger on a hole while blowing. This is similar to techniques used in traditional folk instruments like the tin whistle or bagpipes.

Step 5: Playing on Someone’s Head

• You can play the Innato flute on someone’s head, using bone conduction to transmit the tones through their skull to the inner ear.
• Explain the process to the participant and make sure they are comfortable. They should signal their comfort without moving their head.
• Pay close attention to their body language, hand movements, and breathing for any discomfort.
• This method creates a unique and intimate experience where the head becomes part of the flute’s sound chamber.

Step 6: Playing with Intention: Listening as You Play

The Innato flute is not just an instrument for creating music—it’s a tool for reflection. When you play for others, don’t just focus on the act of playing. Instead, become one of the listeners yourself. Let the sound be a mirror, reflecting your own inner state as well as the mood and presence of those around you. Don’t approach it as a musician trying to perform. Instead, play with the awareness that you are part of the audience. Let each tone inform you, guiding your connection with yourself and others. In this way, playing the Innato becomes an experience of shared listening and mutual reflection.

Closing Note: Innato Explorations

To help you explore the possibilities of the Innato flute even further, we developed the Innato Exploration Cards. This deck of cards will includes examples, chord combinations, meditations, and breathing exercises that you can use to playfully discover new sounds and deepen your connection with the instrument. The Innato Exploration Cards are included as a complementary gift with every new Innato flute and also are for sale seperatly.

If you already have an Innato flute and don’t want to order the cards seperately, you can download a PDF version here:
Innato Exploration Cards Digital Version
Empty Innato Exploration Tabs