Dear members of the flute community,
I want to reach out to you to let you know that our primary concerns at this time of uncertainty are for everyone to stay healthy, safe and to survive. We are going through extraordinary times like nothing we have ever seen before and must adapt accordingly.
We are doing everything we can to ensure that we can continue to serve you and minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection. Until further government restrictions are announced, we are going to continue with our regular shop hours and services, but all visitors must make an appointment (with no obligation to purchase) and we will make sure that no more than three visitors are in the shop at any one time. We have always preferred and mostly operated by appointments in the past, in order to deliver the best possible service and give our customers the attention they deserve, but current events have made it a necessity. We have also adopted all the recommendations by the government and leading health organisations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including the thorough use of disinfectants and UV sanitisers throughout the shop and on instruments.
It is often said that where there is challenge, there is also opportunity for growth and exploration. Many teachers are now offering lessons over Skype or Zoom which is uncharted waters for many, but we are learning to adapt and to take advantage of this technology. Flutes & Flutists have also started utilising this technology to help facilitate with the trialling and purchasing of instruments. For those who request it, we will be sending out instruments directly to them for trial at no extra charge and then providing advice through video chat.
In regard to repairs and servicing, we are maintaining all current bookings and will continue to accept new appointments until further notice. If you prefer to send your instruments to us, you can use a courier or Express Post and we will return them in the same way. Make sure to request for delivery with signature which will then allow it to be covered under our insurance at no extra charge to you.
This is a difficult time for all of us, but it warms our hearts to see so many members of the community pulling together and offering each other help and advice. The great Leonard Bernstein once said, “This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.” Although said in a different context, I feel that this quote has never been more appropriate. Even if it’s just in your own homes and without the company of others, keep on making music and let us all emerge out of all this as better musicians.
Warmest wishes,
Mark Xiao
Artist in Residence
(02) 9079 1256
www.flutesandflutists.com
