A Flute Resource That Emphasizes Groove and Ensemble
Shahaf Aouday is a graduate of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance in interdisciplinary composition and holds a teaching certificate from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. He writes educational works for young musicians and composes concert music for ensembles and professional orchestras.
With over 20 years of experience, he has taught music and conducted youth orchestras, while founding and managing numerous music education projects in the Negev region. He currently serves as the director of a conservatory.
He began his musical journey as a woodwind player and arranger, and completed his composition studies with Prof. Michael Wolpe and conducting studies with Prof. Aharon Harlap.
The Groove Academy – Flute Book is built around the idea that rhythm—especially syncopation—is not just a theoretical concept, but a physical and physiological skill. Rhythmic comprehension, much like coordination, can be trained and refined. The book offers a methodical approach to developing this skill through a focused set of short etudes for three flutes, each centered on a specific syncopation pattern.
At the heart of the method is the idea that students should treat syncopated rhythm as a language made of “letters and words.” Just as readers learn to decode written text through recognition of familiar patterns, this book helps students recognize and internalize rhythmic groupings. Exercises such as singing “ta” for strong beats and “ti” for weak beats, or physically stepping on certain eighth notes, create embodied understanding that supports long-term retention and fluent reading.
The book isolates three core syncopation patterns that appear frequently across modern music. Through repetition and physicalization—like foot movement or verbal cues—students move from mechanical execution to intuitive fluency. This enables them to confidently approach repertoire that includes syncopation, rather than relying on imitation or rote memory.
Originally developed for use in wind ensembles, the method has been adapted for small groups of flutes, allowing teachers to simulate rich ensemble interactions with just three players. The structure of the etudes invites collaboration, listening, and rhythmic alignment—making it an ideal classroom or private studio resource for building a solid rhythmic foundation.
For more information or to get in touch, feel free to contact Shahaf Aouday on Facebook
The book is available for purchase at: