Rozalind MacPhail
Flute Looping Troubadour / Coach / Educator
  • News
  • Bio
  • Listen
  • Watch
  • Live Projects
    • Inspiration Soup
    • Don’t Let Me Fall Too Far
    • Flute Loops & Film
  • Coaching
    • Coaching
    • Flute Lessons
    • Workshops
  • EVENTS
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events
    • Performance / Speaking Highlights
  • EPK
  • Contact

Canadian Flute Convention

Canadian Flute Convention

June 1, 2015 Leave a Comment

I am excited to share that I have been invited to perform HEAD FIRST at the Canadian Flute Convention in Toronto this month! I will also be giving a workshop about looping through Ableton Live. If you’re in Toronto on June 20th and 21st, come on out! http://canadaflute.com/pdfs/Overview.pdf read more

head first, news, shows Canadian Flute Convention, Head First

Follow Rozalind

Listen on Soundcloud

Instagram @getyourfluteon

PROUDLY COLLECTING A THOUSAND NO'S ❤️ "You ca PROUDLY COLLECTING A THOUSAND NO'S ❤️

"You can achieve anything you want in life if you're willing to receive a thousand no's." - Byron Katie

Here's some real truth about being a working artist that most artists don't share. We often silently experience so much rejection in our careers that it's miraculous how we even keep going!

Take this week for example. I've received 3 more no's to include in my fabulous collection. This makes it 15 no's this year so far.

No's for showcasing opportunities, festival performances, artist residency applications, funding opportunities and more. 

⚡️ Does it sting? Of course! 

⚡️ Does it make me fearful of my future? Yup. 

⚡️ Does it make me scratch my head as I wonder why I torture myself like this? Definitely! 

⚡️ Is it the world's way of telling me that I should give up? ABSOLUTELY NOT ❤️

These rejections often arrive in the form of either total silence until we hear the results of who we know getting the opportunity or by a generic rejection email. The results often sneak in when we have the least amount of protection on to help resist the blow. 

The thing is, rejection is a huge part of being a working artist and it can be a helpful tool in our navigation toolbox. Some people are going to get what we do and others are gonna think what we put out there is total garbage. 

Rejection helps us evolve as we figure out where we might need to change our course to help us find more of our people. It keeps us fresh. It keeps us relevant. It helps us learn more about how we can have the biggest impact on our people.

I'm proudly collecting a whole bunch of no's right now and I'm feeling like a total badass because I'm not giving up as I take new risks. It's gonna make those yes's for new opportunities coming real soon feel some good!!! 🥰

If we don't want to have more of what hasn't been working for us, we've gotta try on new approaches, reach out to new people and find new ways to share.

Don't ever let rejection mean that you don't have what it takes to pursue your dreams. Quite the contrary. It's telling you you're right on track for bigger and better things that you can't envision yet. Keep going!
Ok winter. I love you but enough already!!!!! Sure Ok winter. I love you but enough already!!!!! Sure is beautiful though.❤️
EMBRACE EVERY MOMENT LIKE IT'S YOUR LAST ❤️⁣ EMBRACE EVERY MOMENT LIKE IT'S YOUR LAST ❤️⁣
⁣
Something I loved about my Opa (Grandfather in Dutch) was how he lived life to the absolute fullest. Every day was a special occasion for enjoying the finer things in life and celebrating every possible special moment. This often came in the form of cooking delicious food, sharing our mutual love of opera, tasting the world through wine and travelling to fun and exciting places.⁣
⁣
Today, I am reminded of this important lesson again as I say goodbye to a friend who I enjoyed some precious moments with during the short time I was lucky to know him. ⁣
⁣
It's amazing how we can be taught such profound lessons from a friend who passes in and out of our lives - always during those most crucial moments. John Cossar was one of those friends. He's been a teacher of how to embrace life and how to cherish those you care about.⁣
⁣
Did we ever share some outrageous times together! He was one of the first people I met in St. John's and I felt like he could see right into my soul. He was the first person in Newfoundland who gave me the opportunity to play flute to his meaningful songs. We shared stages together and recorded beautiful music together. We partied hard together. He made me feel like I was the most precious musician on this planet. ⁣
⁣
John would hug me during hard times in a warm and accepting blanket of love. He would listen without judgement. He sat in my pain without taking it away. He understood and accepted pain like no other person I have ever met. I often found myself taking notes to remember his wise words after we had conversations. Every word he shared was solid gold.
⁣
When John met the beautiful love of his life, Sandy Cossar, he taught me even more profound lessons. That of true unconditional love. The kind of love everyone dreams of finding. Their love was the inspiration that taught me what to look for in the love I would be lucky to find when I met my husband Josh. Never in all of my life had I witnessed the kind of love that John and Sandy had shared and when I found it, there was no way I was ever going to let it go! Their radiant love taught me what love should be.⁣
⁣
Read more in comments 👇
TIME TO PAY IT FORWARD WITH A GIFT ❤️⁣ ⁣ I TIME TO PAY IT FORWARD WITH A GIFT ❤️⁣
⁣
I'm offering 8 complimentary coaching sessions during the month of April to help elevate some beautiful souls. This is intended for anyone who is looking to shake things up in their lives. ⁣
⁣
⚡️ To book a session, visit the link in bio above. ⚡️⁣
⁣
I can't begin to describe how much my life changed for the better the moment I tried my 1st coaching session. I felt seen, celebrated and heard in ways that totally elevated my life into realms I never thought were possible.⁣
⁣
I received written resources, exercises, writing prompts, recordings and inspiring video links that are now a huge part of my toolbox. My coaches not only inspire me but empower me to envision more than I can see for myself. I love the inspiration that emerges from meaningful conversation.
⁣
The results from even one coaching session can often be deeply meaningful and life changing. ⁣
⁣
If you think a friend or loved one could benefit from a coaching session, I invite you to share this post with them. I'd like to see some beautiful people benefit from this gift. 🥰
PERFECTIONISM IS FEAR WEARING A FANCY DRESS ❤️ PERFECTIONISM IS FEAR WEARING A FANCY DRESS ❤️

This fabulous quote by Elizabeth Gilbert totally hits the spot for me today. I'm constantly having to sit down and have tea with the perfectionist side of myself.

Check out this childhood school photo of me in middle school. I cringe looking at it but I bet you have a totally different impression of it, right? Maybe it even makes you smile! 😀

I look at that little girl and remember how scared I was of taking up too much space. When I did things perfectly and played small, at least I wasn't bullied or criticized by others. 

Fear in the form of perfectionism as an artist creeps in when we least expect it. These are some of the ways it creeps in for me:

- I stop posting on social media because none of my posts seem important enough
- I stop offering my services because who would want to work with someone who also has stuff they're working on?
- I stop booking shows because who would want to pay for a ticket?
- I stop applying for industry opportunities to highlight my talent out of fear of being rejected yet again
- I take longer to finish creative projects because I want to get it "just right"
- I stop practicing my instruments because there are so many people out there who are so much better than me
- I hold back on making those bold moves because it feels scary to reach out for help
- I hold back on sharing how I truly feel because maybe others won't like the real me
- I hide the tears in fear of others thinking I'm mentally unstable

Do any of these resonate for you?

When these perfectionism habits pop up in my world, It's time to PLAY BIG and MESSY in the world.

👉 Wanna get curious with me? Let's explore what's occurring for you and see how we can shake things up! I've reserved 8 complimentary coaching sessions in April. First come, first serve!

To book a session, visit the link in my bio. 🥰
It’s 10:15pm and I just submitted all of my pape It’s 10:15pm and I just submitted all of my paperwork!!!! That was no easy task. This spinach salad made with homemade sprouts from my solid rock @joshua_m._caine is the absolute BEST! Next up is a serious amount of sleep where I’ll probably dream of never ending budget spreadsheets. Ha ha! I got it to the finish line!!! 😊
WE ALL NEED A SOFT PLACE TO LAND ❤️ I’ve be WE ALL NEED A SOFT PLACE TO LAND ❤️

I’ve been spending a crazy amount of energy bringing a huge pile of paperwork to the finish line. You know the kind. The stuff we totally procrastinate on because we can never seem to make it a priority in our hectic lives. We leave it until there’s no more excuses. It just has to get done. The weight of it not getting done is just too much to bear. Well I’m 70% of the way there and by the time I go to sleep tonight, I will be able to say it’s a thing of the past. 

I’m making room for progress by decluttering what’s gotten in the way.

I took a moment out of this tedious and mundane task to connect with a special friend who I’ve cherished for many years. Don’t you just love it when no matter how much time has passed, you have those special friends you connect with where you just pick up right where you left off? Like no time has passed at all. I absolutely love that.

My friend mentioned how I’m “a soft place to land” for her and it totally hit me. We all need that and when we don’t have that, life feels like a terribly lonely place.

We all need a soft place to land. 

We need those special people who see us for who we truly are. We need to be able to share our fears without feeling like we're being judged. We need those who embrace where we’re at with gentle kindness. They share space with us through the good and the bad. They don’t try to fix what’s gone wrong. They acknowledge how yucky it feels to be in the thick of it.

If you feel like you don’t have a soft place to land, I want you to know that I am always here to listen. Reach out if you ever need to talk. 🥰

Back to finishing that paperwork! 😀
WE ALL HAVE A NEED TO FEEL SEEN AND HEARD ❤️ WE ALL HAVE A NEED TO FEEL SEEN AND HEARD ❤️

This is a picture of me in middle school, shining bright after performing on that stage. Most of my childhood was a deeply lonely experience but all of that changed whenever I got to perform. The stage brought me connection, acceptance and celebration. It still does. Performing has been my lifeline. It’s the place where I feel seen and heard. 

It’s been an illuminating time lately. Not the kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside but the kind that ignites you with some deeply profound realizations that take courage to process.

I’ve been witnessing some pretty extreme truths about people. How manipulative and judgemental some folks can be as they blame, complain and create drama to validate their suffering. But I’ve also been elevated by the magnificence of how generous, kind, loving and supportive others can be when we reach out for help. 

Through these experiences, I’ve been learning who my real people are. The ones who see my sparkly dragonfly heart, understand my loving intentions and cherish my presence in their lives.

I’ve also been learning who are NOT my people. The ones who drain my energy and misread my loving intentions. The ones who take my generosity for granted. I’m learning how I need to create stronger boundaries with these tortured souls who aren’t willing to do the work that’s required to heal their emotional wounds. 

All of these experiences have been making me reflect a lot.

I make people react - in either uplifting or disturbing ways. I’ve always had this way of either illuminating what’s truly special in someone or my presence brings out the absolute worst in a person. For some, I show them all the things they don’t like to see about themselves and for others, they feel celebrated and seen in ways that elevate them. The harmonious or disruptive contrast of these experiences has always puzzled me and it still does. 

👇 Read more in the comments below 👇
My flute students fill up my heart with so much JO My flute students fill up my heart with so much JOY. ❤️

As I was playing duets with one of my flute students today, I was reminded of how precious it is when we get to play music TOGETHER. My spirits were immediately lifted by all of the fun we were having.

There's something so special about the connection that happens when we strive to see the absolute best in others. I cherish every moment I get to spend lifting others up.

I also cherish those thoughtful gifts that my students surprise me with - like this chocolate dipped strawberry that totally picked me up when I really needed it! 🥰
On emotionally charged days, there's nothing bette On emotionally charged days, there's nothing better than putting on one of your favourite tunes and dancing your heart out. ❤️

What a gift it's been to hear audio engineer @jjaknunas's mix of us covering Jill Barber's IN PERFECT TIME. He totally nailed it! So excited to share this with y'all real soon. 

Some amazing electronics by @pickapiper_coyhaste and backup vocals by @protosleep. @joshua_m._caine is working on a beautiful video to go with it that features my dear friend Bella and @lupinfield_cottage.
Sharing the chorus from John Cossar’s gorgeous s Sharing the chorus from John Cossar’s gorgeous song, GATES OF FREEDOM. The lyrics in John’s song send chills up and down my spine. They bring me back to some hard times in my life. Music is medicine. ❤️
Back at my buddy Corey’s awesome music shed wher Back at my buddy Corey’s awesome music shed where I’m working on bringing one of my dear friend’s songs to the recording finish line in hopes that I can share it with him and his beautiful wife in palliative care tomorrow morning. 

I hope with all my heart that my loving friend feels that his music is being celebrated to the fullest. His music is so special and his songs need to be heard by the world.

Send supportive vibes my way if you’ve got them. This has been a very emotional time. Never easy to say goodbye to those you cherish. ❤️
Winter fires are the absolute best! -15 with the w Winter fires are the absolute best! -15 with the windchill but who cares when beauty like this awaits you? What a gift! ❤️
IF THE DESTINATION MATTERS, IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW IF THE DESTINATION MATTERS, IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES TO GET THERE ❤️

This nugget of wisdom comes from an inspiring ArtsMBA session with @jennifernrosenfeld. Jennifer invited us to think about how willing we are to do what it takes to stretch into something bigger. She encouraged us to think about how it doesn't matter how long it takes if it really matters to us.

I've had a whole lot of experiences lately that have been making me reflect on this. Take yesterday for example when I experienced some of the highest highs in my career and hours later, feeling some of the lowest lows. 

I went from performing at an event where I felt totally in my element to hearing such soul crushing news about being turned down for a showcasing opportunity I had been really hoping for. 

It's been 2 years of being turned down for every showcasing opportunity I've applied for in the Canadian music industry and let me tall you, that's been A LOT of showcasing applications! 

And at the same time, my career has been flourishing in many ways I could never have predicted. Despite the lack of showcasing opportunities to play in front of those industry buyers who often tell me my music isn't marketable, I've been making it work. Making it work in my own way where I'm finding my people and my audiences.

So why am I sharing this? Because I believe that there's always a different way of looking at things and a different way of approaching things. Carving out our own unique path may be unpredictable, scary, exhausting and frustrating at times. I won't deny that but it also comes with huge rewards that feel so uplifting, satisfying and exciting! And when it really matters to us, we'll give it the amount of time it requires for it to happen.

If you feel frustrated by how things are going in your career, know that you are not alone. I don't know any artist who doesn't feel the ups and downs experienced from this line of work.

👇 Read more in the comments below 👇
Did it ever warm my heart to see all those beautif Did it ever warm my heart to see all those beautiful smiles in the room as I played my heart out at the Reimagining Leadership conference. What a seriously FUN experience! 

Thanks to @memorialuniversity, @canadianavinc, @st._johnsconvention_centre and Tony Murray for having me play at such a fabulous event. To be on that stage doing what I love meant the world to me. ❤️

Photo courtesy of Memorial University

#ReimaginingLeadership
All warmed up and ready for some uplifting flute l All warmed up and ready for some uplifting flute loops at @memorialuniversity’s Reimagining Leadership. What a fantastic setup! It’s a treat to perform at the @st._johnsconvention_centre. ❤️
Do I ever love performing at conferences with big Do I ever love performing at conferences with big stages and amazing AV. @canadianavinc always makes it super easy to shine! Bring on a good dose of morning flute loops. Ha ha!
Oh how I LOVE those days when there's enough time Oh how I LOVE those days when there's enough time and space to jam it out!

Getting ready for a late night tech check for performing a 7:30am set at Memorial University's Reimagining Leadership conference tomorrow. 

There's nothing quite like welcoming everyone to start their day with some uplifting music! Having so much fun getting ready for this! ❤️
What a treat it was to record vocals today for BLO What a treat it was to record vocals today for BLOOD ON THE SNOW with producer Terry Barrow at @protosleep. I’m usually extremely self conscious of recording vocals around other people but Terry makes me feel right at home. He helps me explore what’s possible without judgement and is one amazing vocal coach. Terry totally brought out vocals that I didn’t know I could create! Such a fun experience. ❤️
Today's a big day in my world! After working on a Today's a big day in my world! After working on a cover song that I adore from @jillbarber for the past 2 years, I finally sent it off to mixing and mastering maestro, @jjaknunas for the final touches! This is the first cover song I've ever recorded and one of my all-time favourite songs. It's a collaboration with some music producers I greatly admire - @pickapiper_coyhaste and @protosleep. IN PERFECT TIME will be ready to release into the world real soon! Doing a happy dance over here! ❤️
Who out there enjoys using an exercise ball? I'm e Who out there enjoys using an exercise ball? I'm experimenting with this as a way to feel more fluid in my movement as I play my flutes. It's also becoming a fun way to explore my posture as I sit at my computer! 

I was totally blown away by a 1:1 session with Dr. @lea.pearson1 at @midatlanticfluteconvention. It actually brought me to tears to feel the shift. 

I've been playing with too much tension and discomfort for years - something I've always felt ashamed to share. Very few musicians share this stuff. It's like somehow if we're feeling discomfort in our playing, we're doing something wrong and it makes us feel like we're a lesser musician. Can others out there relate? Enough of that stigma! If we hurt, we should be able to reach out for help!

Within 30 minutes of working with Lea, she helped me locate the culprits and learn more about how my body moves. Now it will take time to balance everything out again but I have hope that I will find more ease in my playing again real soon. ❤️
Load More Follow on Instagram
© 2023 Rozalind MacPhail. All rights reserved.