Harmonic Winds

These modern designed flutes are based on the harmonic principle of overtones, similar to one of the oldest found flutes used by the South African Bushmen and many of the primitive signal horns.

Without fingering and fitted with a simple metal ring whistle on one end, the single pipe allows even the novice to produce sound immediately by a swinging motion (increased air-pressure produces higher overtones). This flute invites in an uncomplicated way a spontaneous richly improvised play.

Initiated in 2003 as a grassroots community, rural development project in Tamil Nadu (India),  Svaram has been recognised by the UN Initiative “Music as a Global Resource” as one of its first 50 projects worldwide. The open association and team of over 50 local artisans, trainees, international volunteers and professionals has always retained its emphasis on the human element, its heritage and prospect of evolutionary change and positive progress.

Initially focusing on communication-social-and craft-skill trainings with the practical core of hands on work with different materials like wood, metals, clay, bamboo and seeds/shells for instrument building, extensive explorations and a communal discovery process on the ‘magic of sound’ stimulated the growth of the team in ever unfolding and often surprising directions, creating a natural enthusiasm in everyone involved for the chosen work with the mystery and magic of sound!