Modal Flute Warmup
by Laura Lentz
Conway Publications
(Dec 2023, new version January 2025!)

Order the book

This is a warmup book based on modes for flutists (high school level and up) and their teachers that invites a sense of exploration and discovery,
and sparks joy in the process.

Available at:
Conway Publications
Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company
Flute Specialists, Inc.
and now Flute Center!

NEW!
Free drones at YouTube (examples below) to accompany the 6-part warm-up in the book.

List of drones for Modal Flute Warmup on YouTube
(scan QR code below):

PART 1, Modal Airy Sounds
Drones #1-5, Breathy Tones in Locrian
Drones #6-11, Windy Tones in Lydian

PART 2, Modal Harmonics
Drones #12-18, Moving Through Modes
Drones #19-22, Freely Phrygian
Drones #23-29, Dreaming in Aeolian

PART 3, Modal Patterns
Drones #30-65 (in tempi quarter = 60, 84, 100)
as of 12/10/25 completed through Ab

PART 4, Modal Root Patterns
Drones #66-101 (in tempi quarter = 60, 84, 100)

PART 5, Modal Noodles
Drones # 102-113
as of 12/10/25 completed through “Searching”

PART 6, Modal Melodic Patterns
Drones #114-125

By Sean William Calhoun


Uploaded as they become available, use QR code below!!
(And check out two sample
drones below)

Modal Flute Warmup NEWS! (5/15/25)

Modal Flute Warmup has been selected for inclusion in the 2025 Selected Flute Repertoire and Studies Guide for The National Flute Association (NFA) Pedagogy Committee.

The subcommittee noted that it was an “important contribution” and resource for flutists expanding their musical horizons!

Thank you, NFA!

Order the book

“Laura has done something extraordinary. She has infused a book about modes, which some might consider a strictly technical exercise, with love, passion, expression, history, harmony, improvisation, and the delicacy of embouchure and movement — essential tools for every flutist.

- Lea Pearson, DMA, author of Body Mapping for Flutists: What Every Flute Teacher Needs to Know about the Body

“Laura has created a new path for all of us. Enthusiastically recommended. Experience the fun in creating your own flute voice.”
-Amy Likar (for Flutist Quarterly)

“Laura gives us a fresh look at harmony and color with her new book. The exercises unfold like an impressionist introducing shades of light and lead a flutist through a kaleidoscope of modes as a framework for understanding emotional expression in sound.”
- Rebecca Gilbert, principal flutist of Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

“In Modal Flute Warmup, Laura guides us thoughtfully through the creative process of awareness and discovery, with simple and beautifully written exercises for the body and musical mind. With warmups as our mantras, the use of modes and improvisation offers a fresh approach to a colorful sound. Her book is enlightening for the evolving and seasoned musician alike!

-Joanna Bassett, Associate Dean at The Hochstein School; President, Rochester Flute Association

Laura’s new flute book, Modal Flute Warmup, is a synthesis of her own approach to playing—that is to play every note with intention, artistry, and curiosity. This book is one we didn’t even know we needed, but so desperately need, because it invites student and veteran flutists alike to dare to play with freedom and curiosity. If you have been searching for a way to find your own unique musical voice on the flute, then this is the book for you.”

- Annette Farrington, flutist, faculty Nazareth University, Rochester, New York

“I love this book!! The well-thought-out and clearly presented ideas and exercises are both enjoyable and inspiring. A very special and useful addition to every flutist’s library.”

-Camilla Hoitenga, Concert Artist

“Finally, a book that helps me integrate the sound and feeling of each mode into my daily routine, rather than just approaching modes as a technical or theoretical exercise. Using this book has been meditative, challenging and joyful, and it is a wonderful resource for any musician.”

- Will Pyle, saxophonist, Aruna Quartet

“Laura engages the flutist’s mind at every turn, encouraging and guiding them to explore and expand the limits of their sound. Her use of modes engages the flutist’s attention and imagination, allowing the flutist to explore colors and tonalities they might not be familiar with—and simultaneously expanding technical flexibility with intervals and fingerings not common in tonal music—in a structured and imaginative way. Modal Flute Warmup is an excellent addition to any flutist’s library and practice as it provides a warm-up model that both inspires and engages the player as they discover new aspects of their sound.”

- Jennifer Kennard, DMA, educator, NFA Special Publications Committee