Lindsey and I met because of a mutual friend who spoke very highly of her work and knowledge. I couldn’t help but get excited when I first saw the quality of her engraving skills. Over the past three years, I have gotten to know Lindsey better and we have crossed paths at places like the National Flute Convention and the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention. Lindsey’s work speaks for itself and it is so much fun to just chat with her about her work and accomplishments. I was so impressed with the work she did that I bought my mother and sister flute key pendants engraved by Lindsey! It was a complete pleasure to sit down and talk to her about everything she does. It is my absolute pleasure to share my interview with you and Lindsey shares some exciting news at the end. I hope you enjoy!
To watch the interview, Click HERE
Bio
In 2019 she began learning the art of hand engraving, traveling to Louisiana to Lindsey McChord is a headjoint maker, hand engraver and flute repair specialist based in Waterville, Maine, where she works with flutists across the USA and worldwide. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of New Hampshire, where she graduated cum laude with honors. She holds a Master of Music from the Longy School of Music, where she graduated with Distinction. Her primary teachers include Robert Willoughby, Peggy Vagts, Marco Granados and Julie Scolnik.
Having always been interested in flute making, she took the position of headjoint maker and flute finisher at one of the major flute factories in Boston in 2011. While there she quickly earned her place as one of the finest headjoint makers in the industry. She is credited with several original headjoint designs and personally hand cut most of the headjoints made during her 10 year tenure there. In tandem with headjoint making she also excelled as a flute finisher and repair specialist in Boston, finishing hundreds of flutes for customers all over the world. Her creativity, attention to detail and exacting standards make her an exceptionally talented headjoint maker and flute repair specialist. Above all, her high level of playing skill allows her to excel in designing and cutting headjoints as well as setting up every flute she repairs to the highest possible standard.
In 2019 she began learning the art of hand engraving, traveling to Louisiana to work closely with master engraver Sam Alfano and consulting with master flute engraver Brian Powley on her flute related engraving. Proving herself to be uniquely talented at engraving, she quickly began offering custom engraving services and formed her own company where she could fully explore her own design ideas. In 2020, she founded her company McChord Flutes, where she designs and makes custom headjoints, hand engraves ornate designs on flutes and jewelry and offers professional flute repair to clients throughout the USA and worldwide.
Check out McChord Flutes Website
Here are some incredible photos of Lindsey’s work!
