The Foundation of American Flute Playing Told Through the Innovations of William Kincaid, Grandfather of the American Flute School

Flutists have done extensive research into the teaching, techniques and styles of the players that significantly impacted the development of the instrument. While there is ample research into the French Flute School, less is understood about the unique flute playing in the United States. I sought to identify what made American flute playing so exceptional that a separate American Flute School formed. In order to identify and analyze the elements that differentiate the American Flute School, I studied the first well-known and well-respected flutist in the United States still relevant today, William Kincaid. He was taught the techniques of the noteworthy French flutists before him but was credited with his own distinct approach and taught many well-known flutists in the United States this unique style. By examining writings by Kincaid, his published method books and notes taken by his students, I was able to identify the three most important elements of American flute playing: articulation, vibrato and phrasing. By studying Aaron Copland\u27s Duo for Flute and Piano and listening to the premiere performance by Elaine Shaffer, student of Kincaid, I was able to identify and understand the application of these techniques. This research will help flutists better understand the lineage of modern flute pedagogy from France to the United States, allow for more informed performances of Copland\u27s Duo for Flute and Piano and create a greater understanding of all American classical music