Zoom Tube for Solo Flute by Ian Clarke

Zoom Tube is a rhythmic piece influenced by blues, employing various extended techniques to achieve its goals. It is a remarkable addition to the flute repertoire, offering a challenge to learn, but fortunately easier than it appears.

Prior to tackling Zoom Tube, it is recommended to have some experience with pieces like ‘The Great Train Race’ and ‘Spiral Lament,’ or explore Robert Dick’s music. However, there is ample explanation provided, making previous experience with extended techniques not necessary but beneficial.

Since its publication in 2001, Zoom Tube has become a regular feature in professional and final-year conservatoire recital performances. It has also been selected multiple times as a competition piece, including the NFA’s Young Artists Competition. Notably, it was included in the Peters Edition GCSE Music Anthology, specifically in the section ‘Changing Directions of Western Classical Music from 1900.’ Additionally, it has been freely programmed by woodwind finalists in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, including in the winning programs of both the BBCYM and the prestigious Royal Overseas League competition, along with other esteemed woodwind prizes.

Ian Clarke (born 1964) is an esteemed flautist and composer, regularly invited as a guest soloist and instructor at major conventions worldwide. His performances and teaching engagements have spanned countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Iceland, Japan, various European nations, the United States (National Flute Association), and the United Kingdom (British Flute Society).

Notably, at the 2017 NFA convention in Minneapolis, he premiered his new concerto for flute and strings. Ian’s albums, such as the highly regarded ‘Within,’ have achieved significant success in the flute world, including ‘Deep Blue’ reaching the top 10 in the UK Classical Artist Chart.

He has conducted masterclasses at prestigious institutions like the Royal Academy of Music, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Juilliard School, and Manhattan School of Music.

Ian’s musical versatility extends across genres, from classical opera to guest appearances with rock group Jethro Tull/Ian Anderson.

Ian pursued part-time studies at the Guildhall School of Music in London, where he excelled as a prize-winning student. Concurrently, he earned an Honours degree in Mathematics from Imperial College London.

Currently, Ian holds the position of Professor of Flute at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. His collaborations with musician and composer Simon Painter have yielded compositions for film and television. Additionally, Ian proudly represents the flute brand, Miyazawa, as an International Miyazawa Flute artist.

https://ianclarke.net/