other questions
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It's time to gather, create and share!
Reach for the summit amongst other growing flute players and some of the world's best instructors during this spectacular in-person event.
Join us!
H+ Members: $545 | Non-Members: $595
Scholarship Funds Available! Please reach out!
HORIZONS FLUTE SCHOOL
In-Person Flute Summit
Imagine not only gathering to learn new things but develop relationships and engage with a community of people who share a similar path as you.
Welcome to Horizons Flute School's SUMMIT. This experience brings world-class instructors and students together to connect and grow over a three-day weekend in a beautiful setting.
Experience all this SUMMIT has to offer by taking in-depth classes, creating music with other participants during our Friday night flute circle, letting your stress melt away with the concert under the stars and establishing new friendships as you meet people from all walks of life!
2024 FALL HORIZONS SUMMIT
Meet Your Fall Summit Guides
Meet Your Fall Summit Guides
World-class Instructors
From across the land, Horizons offers some of the best instructors and musicians in the industry. These instructors have decades of experience and are excited to share with you!
Summit Instructors are:
- Creative
- Collaborative
- Student-focused
Jonny Lipford
Jonny Lipford is a world-renowned musician of extraordinary talent with more than 20 years of experience with the Native American flute and various world flutes. He has amassed dozens of accolades for his work, having written over 200 original songs, released 18 commercial albums, and toured nationally, appearing for audiences of up to 14,000 people.
Not only is Jonny a gifted musician, but he is also an accomplished and highly-sought after instructor, leading thousands of students each year through courses, workshops, lessons, and an exceptional online learning membership.
Areas of Expertise:
- Native American Flute
- Expressing Emotion In Music
- Music Marketing
Jon Norris
Jon is a musician, historian, and full-time maker of musical instruments, with his primary focus being the Native American Flute. He began playing the flute in 1992, researching and learning as much as he could about the instrument, music, history, construction, and cultural traditions. In 2002, Jon began making instruments of his own, which turned into a career after he left the corporate world. Over the years, his passion for the instrument has led to him sharing what he knows whenever possible, both online and at schools and events around the country.
Areas of Expertise:
- Flutemaking
- Native and Indigenous Flute History
- Indigenous Flute Music
Timothy J.P. Gomez
Renowned musician Timothy J.P. Gomez, hailing from the desert outskirts of El Paso, TX, has captivated audiences with his unique blend of world music and Romantic Era depth, performed through the Native American Style Flute. His compositions, deeply rooted in his love for nature and human connection, offer listeners an immersive, otherworldly experience. Known for his technical prowess, Timothy's distinct playing style is evident in his award-winning debut album, "The Awakening" - a reflection of his journeys through nature and life's varied experiences, which earned him two nominations and a win at the Indian Summer Music Awards. Today, he performs across the USA at various festivals and concerts while also guiding aspiring musicians through online sessions and workshops, continuing his mission to inspire love for adventure and environmental conservation through his music.
Areas of Expertise:
- Songwriting
- Technique
- Playing with Emotion
Laina Pilkenton
Certified through the Atma Buti Sound and Vibrational School, Laina is a singing bowl sound healing practitioner and ordained spiritual healer based in Hiawatha, IA. Her journey began in 2016 with Modern Shamanism studies, leading her to sound healing and other healing arts such as Reiki and Angelic Chakra Integration. She has a particular interest in Norse shamanism and incorporates it into her daily life.
Laina offers a variety of services, including individual and group sound healing, guided meditations, and intuitive readings. When not working, she enjoys hiking with her dog Bailey, socializing with friends, and connecting with nature. She advocates for the transformative power of music in personal growth and believes heart-centered healing is key to personal development.
Areas of Expertise:
- Sound Healing & Meditation
- Shamanism
- Beginning Flute Playing
2024 Schedule of Events & Class Descriptions
2024 HORIZONS FLUTE SCHOOL FALL SUMMIT
Experience All The Horizons Summit Has To Offer
Summit Sessions & Classes
We promise to provide a fun, relaxed and safe environment that allows growth, not only musically; but spiritually. Sessions offered will expand on the expertise of each of your Summit Guides.
You will have opportunities to explore new things, break outside your comfort zone, and learn about others and yourself!
Special Flute Circle Night
Join us Friday evening around the campfire to share stories and songs. This is a beautiful time to deeply connect with others, visit old friends and make new ones! We will have a small sound system set up for those who wish to play and jam and several small gathering spots for those wishing to engage in conversation.
Concert Under The Stars
Join us under a luminous sky for an unforgettable night of music and message! Instructors of the 2024 Fall Summit will be guiding us on a sonic journey like no other. As each artist approaches their performance differently, you can expect a range of musical styles that are sure to soothe your worries and stress.
Trading Post & Flutes For Sale
During the Summit, you will have an opportunity to bring up to three items–pre-owned flutes or flute-related items–to offer for sale or trade to other participants.
A few vendors have been invited to offer wares and flutes for sale during the Summit.
HORIZONS FALL SUMMIT 2024
- Dates: The Fall Summit will be held September 19–22, 2024.
- Location: The Summit is hosted at Prairiewoods (120 E. Boyson Rd., Hiawatha, Iowa)
- Cost: Horizons+ Members is $545, non-members is $595.
- Meals: All meals are included in the program including dinner Thursday evening, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday!
- Lodging: Some rooms are available in Prairiewoods' Guest House or there are many nearby hotels to choose from.
Join us this year for the 2024 Horizons Fall Summit!
Scholarship Funds Are Available!
$545 for Horizons+ Members, $595 for non-members.
HEAR WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY
Experience Transformation & Community Like Previous Participants
Brandon highlights the pure joy of the night concert, having an opportunity to play alongside other aspiring flute players, and creating in a beautiful atmosphere of giving and receiving. He emphasizes that the most valuable aspect of the Summit was being met exactly where he was on his musical journey, receiving support and encouragement from fellow participants and instructors.
Brandon W. Horizons Spring Summit ParticipantJustin shares his personal journey of growth and discovery. He talks about how the summit helped him build confidence and feel like a real musician. From the in-depth classes to making music with other participants during the flute circle night, he found the entire experience enriching and empowering.
Justin F. Horizons Spring Summit ParticipantFrequently Asked Questions
The Fall Summit will be held September 19–22, 2024 (Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon).
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is a retreat and conference center focused on ecology, spirituality and holistic health. It is nestled in a natural setting of 70 acres of prairie and woodland in Hiawatha, Iowa, just north of Cedar Rapids.
There are currently no discounts or special offers available.
All meals are included during your Summit experience. This includes dinner on Thursday night; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday; and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
Four days of flute school, classes, lunchtime activities, all meals, one concert and a special beverage ticket for Saturday night’s performance.
Because space is limited for the Summit, we are not offering any prorated or discounted amounts.
While the priority is on materials surrounding the Native American flute, the focus will shift based on the instructors’ area of expertise and may include Indigenous flutes, rim-blown flutes, bansuri, shakuhachi and other world flutes.
Some classes will be more presentation style, though the instructors focus on engaging the participants as much as possible. Others will be quite interactive.
Registration begins at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, with dinner and session from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Classes are scheduled from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with lunchtime and activities from 12–1:30 p.m., and Sunday will start at 9 a.m. with a closing event from 12–1:30 p.m.
Friday night there will be a flute circle event from 6–9 p.m.
Saturday night there will be a public concert from 7–9:00 p.m.
You may hang out after the closing event on Sunday if you choose or explore what the Cedar Rapids area has to offer!
There are many airport options to choose from when visiting Cedar Rapids.
Cedar Rapids Airport (CID) is 15 miles to the South. You can likely get an Uber/Lyft to Prairiewoods or rideshare with other participants.
Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is 60 miles to the North.
Quad Cities International Airport in Moline, Illinois (MLI) is 95 miles to the South East.
Des Moines International Airport in Des Moines, Iowa (DSM) is 145 miles to the West.
The Trading Post is an opportunity to re-home pre-owned instruments or gear you no longer use or want. We will have a space and forms available for you to fill out so that you can offer these items for sale or trade. You are entirely responsible for your items while they are in the Trading Post and will handle all negotiating and transacting.
This is entirely up to the vendor or seller of the flute and your personal level of comfort.
The Spring Summit will be held at Prairiewoods at 120 E. Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, Iowa 52233
Prairiewoods offers on-site lodging in their Guest House and has two Hermitages. Lodging at Prairiewoods is not included in your registration fees.
Several hotels in Northeast Cedar Rapids are only a few miles from Prairiewoods, including Best Western, Marriott, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn.
Camping is not allowed on Prairiewoods' property. There are a few campgrounds within 15 miles of Cedar Rapids.
Call Nancy Shrimper at Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 or
learn more about the lodging options available in Prairiewoods' Guest House
Yes. Prairiewoods’ kitchen staff tries to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities and does their best to offer substitutes. If you require a particular diet and find it hard to eat, you may want to bring food with you or shop when you get here. Cedar Rapids has several grocery stores in the area. Hy-Vee, Natural Grocers and New Pioneer Co-op are all within 5 miles of Prairiewoods. If the food you bring requires refrigeration, we can make reasonable accommodations.
There is a 25% cancellation fee if you cancel before September 1, 2024.
If you cancel your reservation on or after September 1, 2024, there is a 100% fee forfeiture.
There is room for 35 participants in the Summit.
We will continue to monitor the situation and recommendations from the CDC, Iowa Department of Health and Prairiewoods. You may mask and socially distance yourself based on your comfort level.
For the safety and well-being of everyone participating, please do not attend if you are showing any symptoms.
No refund will be offered if you miss any portion of the Summit due to contracting COVID.
We are aiming for this event to cater to participants whose skills are over the beginning stages. If you are a novice or beginner flute player, please consider
starting with our beginner online course.
Please bring at least one of your flutes with you (key of A or G preferred), a notepad or device to take notes on, a flute bag or other bag to help keep your materials together and a refillable water bottle.
All of the sessions are scheduled for indoors. The Friday night flute circle and Saturday evening concert are scheduled to be an outdoor events, weather permitting.
Yes. However, due to space and safety, we are only inviting a small number of vendors to join us.
No. You do not need to be a member of Horizons to attend this event, but Horizons+ Members will receive a $50 discount on their admission to the Summit.