Episode 360: Closing a Creative Chapter with Intention—A Flute 360 Reflection
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 360: “Closing a Creative Chapter with Intention—A Flute 360 Reflection" This episode marks a meaningful milestone: Episode 360 and seven+ years of Flute 360 podcasting. In this special conversation, I’m joined by my husband, Eric Jay Begay—producer, audio editor, and creative partner—as we reflect on what this journey has meant and why the podcast production itself is coming to a professional pause. Together, we talk about something musicians and creatives rarely discuss: how to discern when a creative chapter is ready to pause, shift, or close with...
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Episode 359: How to Start a Non-Profit Music Organization—Lessons from Dr. Susan Fain
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 359: “How to Start a Nonprofit Music Organization—Lessons from Dr. Susan Fain” Have you ever felt called to serve your community through music—but weren’t sure where to begin? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Susan Fain to talk about what it actually takes to build a nonprofit music organization from the ground up. Dr. Fain shares her journey in Fort Worth, Texas—where she helped create a nonprofit ensemble for medically practicing musicians who still longed for meaningful artistic connection. Together, we explore the realities of nonprofit leadership,...
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Episode 358: Before the Big 360—An Honest Reflection on Calling, Career, and Identity
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 358: “Before the Big 360—An Honest Reflection on Calling, Career, and Identity” As Flute 360 approaches a major milestone—360 episodes and seven years on the mic—this solo episode serves as a quiet, heartfelt pause. In Episode 358, Heidi reflects on the journey behind the podcast: the faith, questions, pivots, risks, and relationships that shaped Flute 360 into more than just a show. This episode is not about announcements or strategies—it’s about meaning. With honesty and vulnerability, Heidi shares how calling, career, and identity have evolved over decades...
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Episode 357: When Teaching Styles Clash—Handling Music Teacher Conflict Without the Drama
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 357: “When Teaching Styles Clash—Handling Music Teacher Conflict Without the Drama” Conflicts between music colleagues are more common than we like to admit — and they can show up in band halls, studios, shared programs, and co-teaching situations. In this episode, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay draws from nearly two decades of experience as a professional flutist and music educator to explore how music teachers can navigate these moments with clarity, kindness, and professionalism. From differing teaching methods and pedagogy to shared student populations and communication...
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Episode 356: Took a Break? Your Playing Isn’t Behind—It’s Evolving
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 356: "Took a Break? Your Playing Isn’t Behind—It’s Evolving” This episode is for the musician returning from a hiatus—short or long. Whether life changed, your energy shifted, or you simply needed space, your playing isn’t behind. It’s evolving. We talk through comparison, fear, grief, and the gentle curiosity needed to rebuild. Breaks don’t erase artistry; they often deepen it. What We Discuss: Why returning to the flute brings up fear, shame, or comparison How to release old narratives about your “prime” The role of gentleness, curiosity, and presence...
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Episode 355: Your Spoken Voice Is Your Flute Voice—Here’s How to Reunite Them
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 355: “Your Spoken Voice Is Your Flute Voice—Here’s How to Reunite Them” If you feel disconnected from your playing—unsure, hesitant, or muted—this episode uncovers why. Often, the break isn’t just musical; it's between your spoken voice and your flute voice. We revisit early musical memories, confidence wounds, comparison culture, and the pressures that disconnect musicians from their natural expressive centers. You’ll learn how your everyday voice can guide you back to authenticity in your artistry. What We Discuss: How comparison and grading environments...
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Episode 354: Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions—Practice Without the Flute on Your Face
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 354: “Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions—Practice Without the Flute on Your Face” If you’ve ever told yourself “I don’t have time to practice,” this episode will free you. We look at why waiting for the perfect moment keeps musicians stuck—and why some of your most meaningful practice can happen away from the flute. Using the score, your voice, visualization, analysis, listening, and intentional micro-practice, you can move your artistry forward even on the busiest days. What We Discuss: Why perfectionism keeps you from practicing at all How to...
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Episode 353: The Baby Metaphor That Will Change How You Practice Forever
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 353: “The Baby Metaphor That Will Change How You Practice Forever” If you’ve ever played all the “right” notes yet still felt disconnected from your musical expression, this episode will change how you practice forever. In E353, I share a simple baby metaphor that has transformed the way my clients build emotional connection and artistic intention from the very first practice session. Most musicians try to “add expression later,” but that approach actually keeps the music from feeling alive. This episode gives you a new way to weave expression, story, and...
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Episode 352: Stop Shrinking—How to Take Up Healthy Artistic Space as a Musician
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 352: “Stop Shrinking—How to Take Up Healthy Artistic Space as a Musician” If you’ve ever felt yourself shrinking—apologizing for your sound, playing small in rehearsal, or holding back your musical voice—this episode is for you. Today, we explore why so many musicians collapse inward (mentally, emotionally, and physically) and how to reclaim the healthy artistic space you were designed to inhabit. Across all ages and stages—middle schoolers, college musicians, adult hobbyists, professionals—this pattern appears: talented artists who know what they’re...
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Episode 351: Vision Beyond Sight with Liz Hargest
Flute 360
Flute 360 | Episode 351: “Vision Beyond Sight with Liz Hargest” In today’s episode, Heidi sits down with longtime student, colleague, and dear friend Liz Hargest to explore what it truly means to cultivate artistry, perseverance, and purpose beyond physical sight. Liz, who has been blind since infancy, shares how she learned flute through Braille music, how she approaches memorization, and how she continues to grow as a musician and teacher well into her 70s. Her story offers profound insight into resilience, lifelong learning, and the deep internal work that shapes expressive,...
info_outlineFlute 360 | Episode 351: “Vision Beyond Sight with Liz Hargest”
In today’s episode, Heidi sits down with longtime student, colleague, and dear friend Liz Hargest to explore what it truly means to cultivate artistry, perseverance, and purpose beyond physical sight.
Liz, who has been blind since infancy, shares how she learned flute through Braille music, how she approaches memorization, and how she continues to grow as a musician and teacher well into her 70s.
Her story offers profound insight into resilience, lifelong learning, and the deep internal work that shapes expressive, authentic musicianship. Whether you are navigating obstacles in your own musical journey or simply seeking a renewed sense of clarity and hope, this conversation will meet you where you are.
Main Points:
- Liz’s early story and how blindness shaped her approach to learning and independence
- How Braille music works, how it is formatted, and what it takes to learn repertoire through touch
- The true purpose of memorization and how it deepens musical expression
- How patience, long-term memory, and daily habits strengthen artistic growth
- What Liz’s brain injury taught her about teaching, gratitude, and valuing each day
- Suzuki philosophy and why listening-based learning creates stronger, more intuitive musicians
- The importance of teaching the whole child—not just the instrument
- How perseverance, faith, and purpose continue to shape Liz’s artistry and life
Call to Action:
Join us for the next Flute 360 Accelerator LIVE session on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 11 AM–1 PM CT. Inside this coaching & music space, you’ll receive real-time feedback, clarity, and support as you grow both as a musician and as a person.
Resources Mentioned:
- Suzuki Method (British Suzuki Music Association)
- Mozart Flute Concerto in D Major
- Liz Hargest’s Website
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