Ottawa Flute Association

The OFA is a network of professional and amateur flutists in the Ottawa Area. It is a non-profit organization established to promote flute playing in the Ottawa Area. To that end, the OFA organizes masterclasses, workshops, parlour concerts, and other events, which give our members of all levels a chance to learn and enjoy themselves as flutists.

Here are many of the benefits of being an OFA member:

Masterclasses

The OFA brings in flutists of international repute to teach masterclasses. You can participate as either a performer or an auditor. Either way, this is a great learning experience.

Workshops

The OFA offers workshops in various areas of flute playing: chamber music workshops, Celtic flute, jazz, flute repair and maintenance, yoga and breathing techniques and seminars for flute teachers.

Parlour concerts

Throughout the year, the OFA organizes evenings of flute playing in private homes. They offer a friendly atmosphere for our members to perform prepared pieces, sight- read ensemble material, or just listen to the music and talk flutes. It is an excellent opportunity to meet other flutists.

Flute Choirs

The OFA has two levels of flute choirs that our members may join. These choirs meet with a coach once a week for 1 1/ 2 hours, the season finishing in June. If you have played ensemble music previously, you know what a rewarding experience it can be to play with others. The flute choirs provide a supportive environment for developing musical skills, meeting others with similar goals and for the simple enjoyment of playing together. These choirs are conducted by professional flutists.

Flute Camp

During the summer, the OFA offers flutists the opportunity to mingle and explore new areas of flute playing. The OFA offers a week long Flute Camp for flute players of all ages who learn about flute ensemble, Celtic music, Orff techniques and who participate in various workshops. They also get an opportunity to explore arts and crafts and go swimming.

Flute Fair

The OFA's main event of the year. A weekend of informative, inspiring and fun filled activities including: masterclasses, workshops, lectures, concerts, flute choirs, exhibits and coaching sessions for all ages and levels of playing. Since our guest artists are always world renowned performers, registration is limited so apply early. The Flute Fair is always held in the Fall.

Concerts

The OFA have sponsored concerts by such virtuosos as Pier Oien, Robert Aitken, Susan Hoeppner, Timothy Hutchins and Claire Guimond.

Newsletter

All OFA members receive a newsletter to keep them informed of OFA activities and other events which might be of interest to flute players. This ensures that you won’t miss any musical events and provides a forum for members to share their experiences and views. The OFA promotes a sense of community among those of us who share a love of playing the flute. We are happy to accept both French and English submissions for the newsletter.

The OFA Library

The lending library of the OFA offers a variety of works for flute and piano and for flute ensemble.

OFA Teachers

The OFA maintains a list of experienced, qualified flute teachers.

Membership in the OFA entitles you to substantial discounts on registration for OFA- sponsored events, and to discounts at several Ottawa-area music stores. Businesses offering a discount will be listed in the newsletter. You will find that these savings quickly offset the modest cost of your annual dues.