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| Subject | Date Asked |
| Evette flute | 10/19/2010 |
| Q: My cousin gave me a flute to check out because I played the flute. It came in a hard, black case ... A: Patty, Here is a link that show how to assemble the flute. ... | |
| mouthpiece | 10/17/2010 |
| Q: are gold mouthpiece headjoints always better or are some not worth the extra,please? ANSWER: ... A: Terry, A gold Bundy....hmmmmmmmmmmmm sounds a bit off to me. IF you wish to try many head joints ... | |
| mouthpiece | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: are gold mouthpiece headjoints always better or are some not worth the extra,please? A: Terry, The simple answer is depends. Who made the headjoint? What model of flute is it? Is it ... | |
| Nickel Silver Tubing | 10/15/2010 |
| Q: I am a flute maker : http://www.theflutemaker.com/ I am looking for a source for Nickel Silver ... A: Ty, I order my tubing through the large musical instrument repair houses and from some flute makers ... | |
| E flat not working | 10/14/2010 |
| Q: Hello i have a selmer flute and all of a sudden my E flat stopped working i all other notes work ... A: Darius, Check that the Eb key is staying closed and the spring has not come off the spring box/ ... | |
| piccolo | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: Just a comment on the question regarding Milano piccolos. I have one of these, purchased when I was ... A: Debby, It's great that you have a clear budget in mind. 1000.00 is a great starting point for the ... | |
| piccolo | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: A: Jackie, I aven't heard of this particular brand, nor have I had one on my repair bench. Can you ... | |
| Piccolos | 9/25/2010 |
| Q: I am using a school owned piccolo. It is a Gemeinhardt. It was bought brand new over the summer and ... A: Amber, Sorry to hear your having trouble with your picc! IT sounds like the rod (screw that runs ... | |
| Adjusting a Yamaha 311 | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: I have an almost 20 year old Yamaha 311 which is in desperate need of a pad change. I've just bought ... A: Audur What flute did you just buy? If your flute has never been in order...and you actually want ... | |
| Discolouration on flute | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: A few years ago, upgraded from a Yamaha flute to a Professional level Pearl. It's completely solid ... A: Congratulations on your Pearl flute, what model did you buy? The removal of the tarnish can be ... | |
| dents in my Haynes commercial flute | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: Last year my Haynes commercial flute was stolen. When it was recovered it had been dented in the ... A: Dana, I am soooo sorry to hear that your flute was stolen!!!!! I am glad to hear you now have it ... | |
| Intermediate Flute and Cleaning | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: I have been playing flute for close to four years. I play in our middle school band and marching ... A: Karina, Cleaning your lip plate can be done with alcohol wipes. Those moist little towelettes you ... | |
| B flat | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: My daughter's new Yamaha 211 flute has problems with the B flat, which sounds airy. This happens ... A: Jane, From what you are telling me....the Bb key closes just fine when you press the A key. You ... | |
| B flat | 8/10/2010 |
| Q: My daughter's new Yamaha 211 flute has problems with the B flat, which sounds airy. This happens ... A: Jane, By the tone of your question it would seem as though you are comfortable "tinkering" with ... | |
| Looking for a part | 7/30/2010 |
| Q: I recently bought a, "Vintage/Antique" piccolo. It is in need of a head joint. The Specifics are: ... A: Pat, Good luck in your search for a used headjoint. Firstly I would be crystal clear about your ... | |
| Flutes | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: what is the difference between a Yamaha, Geimeinhardt, and Anthem student flute? How about a step ... A: Jean, This question has been asked here before, many times. I'll give you a quick answer and some ... | |
| replacing pads | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: I'd like to know when should you replace flute pads? and how do you know it's time to replace them? ... A: Stephanie, The first visual thing I look for is torn or fuzzy edges on the pads. If your pads are a ... | |
| inexpensive flute | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: MY KIDS ARE ABOUT TO START BAND IN MIDDLE SCHOOL. WE ARE CONSIDERING A SUZUKI FLUTE FROM COSTCO. AM ... A: Steve, I would NOT buy a flute from Costco of any department, electronics or drug store. I have ... | |
| Bundy II | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: I received this flute as a gift after someone cleaned out their garage. There is a mildew smell in ... A: Robin, Great to hear of your gift, and even better to hear of your interest in learning the flute! ... | |
| Loose Foot Joint | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a flute pupil who is having trouble with the foot joint on his flute working loose. It got to ... A: There is one common cause for this problem. Wiggling the foot as it is put on the instrument, this ... | |
| head joint cork tuning | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: As I age, and my embouchure sags, I am playing a little flat -- to the point that my head joint is ... A: Michelle, Turn the crown(the little screw thingy) on your headjoint counter clockwise 1/2 of a ... | |
| How to fix this key. | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: I have had my flute all year so far and it just started to mess up. When i play my G flat one of the ... A: Annette, From the information you have given me.....it sounds as though your double G key is out of ... | |
| open hole vs: closed hole flute | 4/17/2010 |
| Q: How do I know if the flute I have is an open hole flute or a closed hole flute? It is a ... A: If your flute has open or "french" keys there will be a hole in the middle of 5 of the keys. Take a ... | |
| marks on head joint | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: I bought an Altus 907 a few weeks ago and where the head joint and body fit together grey black ... A: Stacey, Congratulations on the purchase of a GREAT flute. From the description of the marks it ... | |
| Bb off tune | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: Whenever I try to play my Bb somehow the sound is off key and doesn't make much of a sound. This is ... A: Angie, O.K. then.....the problem seems to be with your F bridge to your Bb key. What I'd like you ... | |
| Bb off tune | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: Whenever I try to play my Bb somehow the sound is off key and doesn't make much of a sound. This is ... A: As there are several Bb fingerings for the flute we need to know wich one is causing he problems. ... | |
| armstrong flute | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: Okay I was browsing online and came across an armstrong flute on an auction site, Ive never played ... A: sara Congratulations on the purchase of a flute! Your new companion is a good quality student ... | |
| Artley Elkhart flute | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: A friend wants to sell me an older looking flute for my daughter .please tell me what it is worth ... A: Fred. Congratulations on encouraging your daughter in music. Without seeing the condition of the ... | |
| Sankyo flute | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: I bought a Sankyo flute in about 1978. It is the etude model CF-201. Do you know if the headjoint ... A: Joyce, The head on your flute is silver. Here are a few tips for determining the nature of the ... | |
| Eb key | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: i was wondering how i should stop my Eb key from sticking. I've played the flute for 4 years and it ... A: Monica, It great to hear you have been playing for 4 years...way to go! What your experiencing ... | |
| flute pad saver inserts | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: I've always wondered about these inserts that slide into the bore of a dry, clean flute. I've never ... A: Mary, The item you have described is called a "pad-saver" The general idea is that the fibers will ... | |
| Haynes flute headjoint | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: I have an old Haynes flute headjoint (guessing it's from 1920-1940 era) that is in no way marked ... A: What a great flute! The first thing I want you to look at is the tenon area of the head.(where the ... | |
| Flute Maintenance | 12/26/2009 |
| Q: I have just opened up my flute case for the first time in approx 15 years and there are what looks ... A: Rachel, Congratulations on picking up your old friend again! My suggestion for cleaning off the ... | |
| Repading | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: The sound has been getting progressivly worse. Its now very airy, and i cant get lower then e on the ... A: Sruli, 300$ for a re-pad is a fair price. As far a going for a cheaper option, that's what you did ... | |
| upgrading | 12/21/2009 |
| Q: sorry my email was crazy my flute's keys moves ok my 3rd octaive is breathy but i think its me ... A: bethany, Happy holidays and good luck with your flute in the new year. Step Up / Intermediate ... | |
| Cleaning a used flute | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: I just purchased a used flute and was wondering what the best way to go about cleaning it at home ... A: Rachel, For cleaning the outside of the body use a silver polishing cloth. They can be found at ... | |
| Buying a piccolo | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: I'm Sara, and I'm first chair in symphonic band at my middle school. I very interested in buying a ... A: Sarah, Congratulations on your dedication and efforts with the flute! If you have been studying ... | |
| Weimar Flute | 12/12/2009 |
| Q: I bought a new "not reconditioned" WEIMAR student/intermediate flute. Closed 16 hole flute with ... A: Neal, Simply stated, you got what you paid for. A $100.00 flute. Mass produced and likely made to a ... | |
| upgrading | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: ok currently i play bundy II flute student model and i would like to upgrade my flute sometime but ... A: Bethany, What is your flute not allowing you to do at this time? What I mean is; are you having a ... | |
| How to find a reliable appraiser | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a wooden flute made by Carl Kruspe and a wooden piccolo with no identifying features. Can ... A: Sandi, Your most complete source for flute and piccolo related history is the Langwill Index. ... | |
| wooden piccolo | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: I chanced upon an old open holed wooden piccolo in a swap meet. It desperately needs new pads and ... A: Deby, What a wonderful course of action! Your flautist will advise you well. You may wish at the ... | |
| after playing cleaning | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: I have pad protectors, if that's what they are called, which you push inside the instrument and ... A: Oliver, The protectors help with prolonging the life of you pads by "wicking" the moisture away ... | |
| antique wooden piccolo | 11/26/2009 |
| Q: I chanced upon an old open holed wooden piccolo in a swap meet. It desperately needs new pads and ... A: Deby, Congratulations on your wonderful find! My suggestion would be to allow your trusted flute ... | |
| Repadded? | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: I have had my flute for almost two years. How often do you think i should have it repadded? A: Michaela, Congratulations on your continuing success with your flute! The simple answer to your ... | |
| Flute music | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: Can you recommend a good source for Flute Sheet music? My daughter has played flute for about 3 ... A: Michael, Congratulations on encouraging your daughter to learn the flute and develop an ... | |
| tarnish | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: My silver flute is clean except around the holes and along the bars on the body. Can the tarnish be ... A: Dooglas, Good news, tarnish is easily removed from the body and keys. Your repairman/woman will ... | |
| spoilt e flat key of piccolo | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: I've got this high school band performance coming up soon. Unfortunately, my e flat key is spoilt. ... A: Sara, Sorry to hear you are having trouble with your Picc. It sounds to me like your spring is out ... | |
| foot joint | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I currently have been having some issues with my foot joint on my flute(I'm in marching band). It ... A: Bethany, I am not really sure they "SHOULD" wear down? Does it appear to have been sanded? Does ... | |
| Crown for Yamaha 221N | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: I saw that you were so helpful to someone in a similar situation, and thought I'd ask for your help. ... A: Orla, This is a common stock item for many shop's. Do you need me to recommend a repair shop in ... | |
| foot joint | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: I currently have been having some issues with my foot joint on my flute(I'm in marching band). It ... A: I hope you marching season goes great! It sounds to me as though the "tenon" that is the area of ... | |
| specs for a Yamaha 481 flute | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a Yamaha 481 flute and I would like to know the wall thickness. Is it a heavy wall, a mid ... A: Douglas, A heavy wall flute is denoted by "H" for heavy wall. If yours does not have the H then it ... | |
| Flute End Cap | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: I am thinking of buying an old Bundy Selmer Flute that is missing the end cap. How can I find a ... A: Here you go Full Name: James N. Gleason Website: Business Name: Old World Music, LLC ... | |
| Flute End Cap | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: I am thinking of buying an old Bundy Selmer Flute that is missing the end cap. How can I find a ... A: Barry, The piece you are looking for is called a "crown" among other names. It is used to adjust ... | |
| Hard to press key(s) | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: i think you can help me with this, I'm sure you've run into this... if not any suggestions Model(if ... A: Chris, Did you try backing out the steel? (thats the metal "screw" that the key rotates on") Check ... | |
| "Bobbling" notes! | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: I played the flute at school in the 70's, did Grade 8 in about 1979 etc, but have rarely touched it ... A: Christine, Congratulations on being in the choir AND taking your flute in hand once again. O.K. ... | |
| How to get a continous sound on the flute? | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: I have been learning the flute for 6 months from now. My friends told me there was always a big gaps ... A: Khoi, What an interesting name, it has great historical significance! Anyhow, on to your question. ... | |
| Hard to press key(s) | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: i think you can help me with this, I'm sure you've run into this... if not any suggestions Model(if ... A: Chris, What you have described sounds like a binding issue to me. You are correct the double "g" ... | |
| Wooden Piccolo for Marching Band | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: I know that marching with a wooden piccolo is not a good idea at all, but its really my only option. ... A: Marissa, The bast temperature for you Piccolo is room temperature. Extreme heat/cold and dry/humid ... | |
| evaluating my flute | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: I am in possession of a boehm system flute made by G.Rudolf Uebel. I am trying to sell it and i just ... A: Fina This is a unique piece, at present I am not sure of it's value, but I will do some further ... | |
| Problem with piccolo lower notes | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: Piccolo, Given your name, I feel that you are the right person for this question. I am a ... A: GREAT that your playing again! Your concerns about the piccolo warrant a trip to your local flute ... | |
| No notes | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is a brand new flute player. She is very frustrated because she can not make a single ... A: Jennifer. Often this kind of problem is a spring unhooked on one of the trill keys. Please tell me ... | |
| Flute Repair/Maintenance | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: My flute has been through relatively heavy use for the past 6 years. It has never been tuned-up or ... A: Jacob, It sounds as though your flute is suffering from moisture on the steel rods that the keys ... | |
| Value of flute | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: My daughter has just begun to play the flute for her grade 6 band and she is excited about it. Her ... A: Emmy, Congratulations for encouraging your daughter to learn music! My suggestion would be to pass ... | |
| Deford Flute/Parts | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I have an old Deford flute that my daughter is currently using in her school band. We are trying to ... A: Beth, Here is a link to a ban instrument repair supplier that will sell to the public. There are 2 ... | |
| acid stain | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: there is an acid mark on my flute and i need to know how to repair it and if it is dangerous to me ... A: Ange, Is the mark through the plating of the flute? Can you see raw brass? If yes the damage has ... | |
| replacement part | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: bought a Geminhardt online. missing a crown and tiny piece on the foot. So sorry i don't know what ... A: I didn't get your name? The missing piece as per your description would be a D#/Eb key D sharp-e ... | |
| weimar Flute | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: is this a good flute for my son to start on. he is needing one for Band. He has played piano for a ... A: Denise, It's always great to hear somebody is learning to play the flute, kudo's to you! I wound ... | |
| flute playing | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: I have just started learning the flute for about half a year, but I am catching up with my school ... A: Jen, Congratulations n your flute playing and the desire to improve. Focusing your tone and using ... | |
| 225 SII OR 211S | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to decide between two used flutes the Yamaha 225 SII and the Yamaha 211S. The 225 SII is ... A: Jason, Congratulations on purchasing your daughter her own flute. I would recommend the 225S II ... | |
| need a Sankyo Model number | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I purchased a Sankyo flute in about 1978. Its serial # is 14094. I believe I paid about $1400 for ... A: joyce, From my research your flute would be an Etude model CF 201: Sterling silver handcut ... | |
| Intermediate Flute | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: I have an open hole, Artley flute that was purchased new in 1966. I played it for several years. ... A: Lynn, I am sorry to hear of your illness! I am also sad to tell you your flute in excellent shape ... | |
| Salvatore faulisi Flaute head joint | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: I want to know how much a salvatore faulisi silver head joint, 14 kilates cost. It was from my ... A: Guadalupe, Faulisi headjoints are considered "avant guard" and very edgy in the flute world. The ... | |
| 481H | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: So to save money, I purchased a "Monique" flute instead of renting a Yamaha for my beginning ... A: Steve, My suggestion is NEVER cheap out on buying/renting an instrument for a beginner! Never is ... | |
| headache | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: I am principally a violinist, but I have been in a position for several years of teaching wind ... A: Richard Thanks for your question,ti sounds as though your spot on with the jaw tension. The other ... | |
| Intermediate Flute | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: I had a question...I am a clarinet player but I can also play the flute. I am going to buy an ... A: Eric, Your gold plating will not be an issue, enjoy! Just use a soft cloth and water to keep the ... | |
| Intermediate Flute | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: I had a question...I am a clarinet player but I can also play the flute. I am going to buy an ... A: Eric, Geimenhardt flutes are most often associated with entry level, student flute needs. How ... | |
| Intermediate Flute | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: I had a question...I am a clarinet player but I can also play the flute. I am going to buy an ... A: Eric, Congratulations on your love for music! Step Up / Intermediate Flute Your biggest ... | |
| Flute | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1975-76 Gemeinhardt Solid Silver flute. Pads need changed, some tarnishing no dent or ... A: Lisa: Sorry to hear you are not playing your flute! O.K. lets get to your question. If any of ... | |
| marching band | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: im in my first year of marching band which i have problmes with my flute sliding every were on my ... A: Bethany I wish you the best of luck with your marching band! As for piccolo's I would suggest you ... | |
| marching band | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: im in my first year of marching band which i have problmes with my flute sliding every were on my ... A: Bethany: Marching band is a great time, lots of practice and great band mates...good for you! So ... | |
| flute low notes | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I have been struggling to achieve low notes on the flute for about a year and my teacher can see ... A: Liz Congratulations on playing the FLUTE!!!!! I am sorry to hear you are having difficulties with ... | |
| piccolo purchase | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I want to buy a piccolo for my daughter (she has been playing flute for 5 years, piccolo for 1 but ... A: The biggest deciding factor will be your budget. Exactly how much do you have budgeted? This will ... | |
| Note problems | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: I just got my flute cleaned, repaired, etc. and then i went to band practice and all the notes ... A: Sarai, I'm sorry to hear you have flute woes....you have done all the inspections you should have. ... | |
| flute clean-ness(?) | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I bought a second-hand flute and I cleaned it with rubbing alcohol like I was told. The things id ... A: Karina Congratulations on buying a flute! Keeping your flutes appearance in top shape is a ... | |
| flute purchase | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: I played flute in school for 7 years, 1st chair, etc.... Want desperately to play again for my own ... A: Marcy Great to hear your looking to rekindle your musical fire! Well your letter tells me you are ... | |
| flute | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: I'm buying a flute for my daughter to play in beginner band and I have found a 18-0 with the numbers ... A: Beth Congratulations for encouraging your daughter in a musical direction. A bit of advice for ... | |
| armstrong flute | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: I rented an Armstrong flute serial number 8043184 for my daughter for the last school year. We ... A: Nnenna: The flute in question was manufactured in 2001 and it is a model 104. Are you looking to ... | |
| a noisy keyboard on a YFL-991 | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a lovely Yamaha YFL881 which I have played for forty years and had overhauled a couple of ... A: Gordon: I am pleased that will return to your band repair tech for another crack. First, springs; ... | |
| a noisy keyboard on a YFL-991 | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I have a lovely Yamaha YFL881 which I have played for forty years and had overhauled a couple of ... A: Gordon, Yamaha flutes have a shallower cup depth. So a thinner pad is needed. The fact that there ... | |
| tarnish | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: my names Brooke. I am 13 and have been playing the flute for about 4 years now. i recently got a new ... A: Brooke: Congratulations on your new flute! Yaaay First let me ask a few questions: What ... | |
| a noisy keyboard on a YFL-991 | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I have a lovely Yamaha YFL881 which I have played for forty years and had overhauled a couple of ... A: Gordon: Just a few questions to consider. Overhaul information Were the pads the original pads ... | |
| buying a flute | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I am looking to buy a flute on Trademe. Thinking of a Yamaha or a pearl 505 or 525e . They are all ... A: Lesley: All of the flutes you have suggested are quality flutes. It sounds too me that you have a ... | |
| Flute repair | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I found an older Gemeinhardt M2 in a thrift store for $35. It needs new pads, but has ok tone even ... A: Julie: Great flute find! My first question for you is what city do you live in; once I know that ... | |
| Piccolo B flat key | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: when i do the the fingering for B flat on my piccolo the whole of the second key from the headjoint ... A: Take a look at the back of the key's, notice how they attach to the instrument. The keys operate ... | |
| Gemeinhardt Flute | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering if anyone knows the worth of my Gemeinhardt flute. It's a KGS special custom. Solid ... A: Kara: The special anniversary model was a very limited edition, only 100 made. Your serial number ... | |
| Gemeinhardt Flute | 7/6/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering if anyone knows the worth of my Gemeinhardt flute. It's a KGS special custom. Solid ... A: Kara, One question for you. is this one of the 40th anniversary models made? If so you could ask ... | |
| resale value of flute | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a gemeinhardt, serial #G68676, 2SP Flute that I would like to know its value. Thank you A: Debbie: Thank you for your question. The condition of your flute will ultimatley determine your ... | |
Answers by Expert:
Top Expert on this page
all things related woodwind repair and maintenance. I do not accept qustions regarding serial numbers and the value of new/used flutes.
Repair at the Balanced Scale is not Sax Pads considered in terms of “good enough” for a student instrument and meticulous for the professional. Traditional and time-tested materials and practices are coupled with modern band instrument repair tooling, techniques, and materials to provide excellent repair for all instruments.
Organizations
Part of a Larger Organization
N.A.P.B.I.R.T. (National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians), of which I have been a member since 2004, is an international professional association comprised of musical instrument repair technicians from all over the world. A network of colleagues, mentors and friends, the Association encourages the continuing growth of the industry’s knowledge base through its newsletter, yearly conferences, and workshops.
Education/Credentials
Continuing Education - Student for Life
In 2004-2006, I attended and completed the practical portion of a highly specialized program focusing on brass and woodwind repair at Keyano College. The Music Instrument Repair Program (M.I.R.) is the only one of its kind in Canada. The Program offers students a comprehensive foundation of repair theory coupled with practical application followed up with industry feedback and guidance.
During my time at Keyano, I developed a deep interest in flute repair. In 2007, this interest took me to Straubinger Flutes in Indianapolis, Indiana where I received specialized training and certification for the installation and servicing of Straubinger pads.
Experience and Training at a Glance
Straubinger Flutes, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
2007 – Straubinger Pad Certification
Keyano College - M.I.R. Lab, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
2004-06 - Student Shop Assistant
Tool Trade, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
1993-2004 - All aspects of manual machining related to the tooling industry:
Precision grinding
E.D.M. (electrical discharge machining)
Layout and inspection
Hand polishing
Spotting and fitting
I.S.O. training
University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada
1990-92 - Music Education

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