This is my goal – to pass on all I have experienced throughout my many years, first as a young boy in Belfast, Northern Ireland learning on a borrowed flute, to working my way onto the International concert platform.    

It was with this conviction in mind that I started to focus more on imparting my knowledge through teaching.  

Thirty years ago, when I started my first summer Flute residency in Switzerland, I would never have thought that this seemingly small idea would develop into what it has become….the Galway Flute Academy.  This vision, which is shared with my wife, Jeanne, has allowed us both to work together imparting our knowledge and advice onto flute players from far and wide.

The Academy, which includes daily masterclasses, weekend residencies and ten-day flute festivals, gives me such joy to be able to change and enhance the lives of flutists of all levels.

There is nothing like being able to guide a student through the challenges they face in pursuit of their goals. 

To further connect us with students, educators and flute lovers, we created First Flute, my online teaching series, which allows you to learn from me anytime, anywhere and takes you on a visual journey into my world of teaching.   

The latest addition to the Galway Flute Academy is the launch of LiveLearn.  
This will permit everyone to connect with us like never before through live streaming classes, webinars, private lessons and interactive Q&A Sessions. 

The combination of First Flute and LiveLearn is my way to make music education accessible to all.

I hope you will be inspired to learn and enjoy playing the flute as much as I do.

First Flute Online

For many years, people have been asking Sir James to write a book about his method of flute playing. After thinking about this for a long time and working with students on a one-to-one basis, he decided that the best way to pass along his legacy was to take this idea one step further. This is why he created an online series where you can work with him anytime, anywhere – First Flute. The first lesson on First Flute begins with taking the flute out of the box. Many flutists often overlook the principles discussed in the early lessons of this series. We strongly encourage everyone; whether you are a beginner, more experienced player or music educator, to take the time to go through each lesson in this series. This school of flute playing has worked for generations. We hope you will join us in your journey as a flutist by becoming a part of Sir James’ online flute studio.

This programme is ideal for...
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Flute Festivals

Our Flute Festivals offer flutists of all abilities the chance to attend and participate in a wonderfully supportive 5-10 day festival with Sir James, Lady Galway and other world-renowned artists. We offer festivals in countries across the world, including Switzerland, South Africa, South Korea and the USA. Each day begins with warm-ups led by Sir James, focusing on tone production and technique. The day continues with masterclasses given by Sir James and Lady Galway, along with workshops on orchestral excerpts, chamber ensemble music, improvisation, piccolo, low flutes, contemporary techniques and more. Evenings are filled with concerts by the world’s leading flutists and an Opening Gala Concert with Sir James and Lady Galway.

This programme is ideal for...
Intermediate / Advanced

Masterclasses

As we tour around the world, we offer a range of exclusive 1-day events and masterclasses for players of various levels. Masterclasses are open for all participants to observe, providing a fantastic opportunity to listen to fellow students perform and learn from Sir James and Lady Galway as they mentor others.

This programme is ideal for...
Intermediate / Advanced

LiveLearn

LiveLearn is a new way to connect with Sir James and Lady Galway online like never before. It includes live streaming classes, webinars, private lessons and interactive Q&A sessions. Additional content is posted for members too: tips, videos, blogs and catch-up clips of previously streamed classes. LiveLearn and First Flute are the ultimate ways to connect with the Galways from the comfort of your home, on your own schedule.

This programme is ideal for...
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Residencies

Residencies are a multi-day masterclass and a wonderful chance to learn from the Galways in a more intimate setting with limited participants. They include a resident pianist, ensemble coaching by Lady Galway and a supportive “Galway atmosphere” no matter what level you are in playing ability.

This programme is ideal for...
Intermediate / Advanced

Fluteplayer Series

The FlutePlayer Series (coming soon) has been created to help players unlock the secrets to playing some of the greatest pieces of music ever written including many pieces you will be expected to perform at exam level.

This programme is ideal for...
Intermediate / Advanced