PHOTO:
Jerry Fretwell
Flute Maker & Performer
He is playing a Medium Size Flute tuned to the key of A and made from Aromatic Cedar.

Click Here - Listen to the Medium Size Flute ~ Key of A

"Thank You for taking the time to invite me into your day. Music is an ancient way to alter our consciousness and communicate with all our relations. It is used for meditation, healing, and therapy. The flute is always a spiritual experience for both me, the maker and you, the player. The flute is more than a wooden musical instrument. To play the flute, you must breathe with the flute. I've had people say it's just like Yoga. I am honored that my path has led me to be a maker of these wonderful instruments. I would love the opportunity to create a flute for you.

About My Introduction to Making Flutes

I am a native Virginian. I was born in Roanoke, VA. I was adopted at birth. My adopted mother told me that she met my birth mother several times and that she was eastern cherokee. I have tried to access the adoption records, to no avail and therefore remain not a member of a federally-recognized tribe. I am a member of a non federally-recognized tribe.

I always felt like I didn't quite fit in. I turned to music at an early age. I began playing bass, guitar, and harmonica. I played on the road, nationally throughout the US during the 70's.

I have always had a passion for working with wood. I've built custom cabinets, collapsible drum stages and speaker cabinets. In the 90's my oldest son joined the band and we were ready to go back on the road again with our music. Then tragedy struck , Jeremy's son, Lucas, was diagnosed with Leukemia. Life stopped. We put everything on hold and waited. In the following year we were blessed with a miracle. We found out that Jeremy's second son, Andrew, was a perfect match bone marrow donor and, now, my grandson is better. He's living a normal life today.

It's funny how life sometimes guides you in different directions. During this time we still had band contracts to fill. Numerous personnel changes in the band led us to a guitar player by the name of Steve Bartha. The second practice he brought his Native American Flutes.

For me, it was love at first sound. I knew this was my calling. It was a perfect match between my musical gift and my wood working gift.

Now, years later, from our home and workshop in the peaceful woods by the spectacular Stockton Lake in Missouri, we make and sell flutes all over the world."

PHOTO: Jerry is playing a large Drone Flute made from Zebrawood. Drones are flutes that have two voices. You play your melody and the second voice accompanies you producing a surreal experience. Listen to the Large Drone Flute ~ Key of G - Click Here

Whether you play or listen to the Native American Flute, my goal is to have you experience flying. For me, playing the Native American Flute lets me fly. Listen to our recent CD entitled Glidin' in the Updraft and you'll feel what I mean by flying.

My two greatest joys are: Teaching someone to play flute and knowing that my music has touched someone. " ~ Lisa Fretwell

I love to dance, sing, and play my instruments. I play a hammond m3, electronic keyboards, Native American Flute(s), and am learning to play my new djembe. I can read music, but I play mostly by ear. I've written two books on playing Native American Flute and am working on my third. Together with my family, I write music and perform. I make a miniature 3-hole flute.

My grandfather was adopted into the Assiniboin Tribe, but I am not a member of a federally-recognized tribe.