A Major Gateway into the World of the Native American Flute
When discovering the Native American flute today, there is a strong chance that the name High Spirits Flutes will appear very quickly.
For more than thirty years, this American company founded by Odell Borg has played a major role in bringing the Native American flute to people around the world. Thousands of individuals discovered this instrument through their simple, warm, and accessible flutes. In both the United States and Europe, High Spirits has become one of the best-known makers in the field of the contemporary Native American flute.
A Philosophy Built on Accessibility
Odell Borg’s approach has always been clear: to make the Native American flute accessible to as many people as possible. Far from an elitist or purely technical vision, High Spirits has developed instruments designed to:
- be easy to play,
- quickly inspire the musician,
- encourage intuitive improvisation,
- and create an immediate connection with breath and emotion.
This philosophy largely explains the brand’s international success. Many players describe producing their very first spontaneous melodies within minutes of picking up a High Spirits flute.
The High Spirits Sound
High Spirits flutes have a very recognizable tonal identity. Depending on the models and woods used, they often feature:
- a warm sound,
- a soft and enveloping presence,
- beautiful fluidity in the lower register,
- and a very comfortable response for beginners.
Aromatic cedar is especially emblematic of the brand. This wood produces a deep and organic tone that is highly appreciated in meditative and introspective practices.
High Spirits also offers models made from walnut, maple, and exotic woods, each providing its own unique tonal color.
A Flute That Invites You to Play
One of the greatest strengths of these flutes is not only their acoustic quality, but also their ability to make people want to play. Through them, many discover:
- the pleasure of breath,
- musical spontaneity,
- intuitive improvisation,
- and that very special feeling of “letting the music come.”
The Native American flute naturally carries this expressive and free dimension. But some instruments make that inner connection easier to access. High Spirits flutes were specifically designed with this spirit in mind.
An Approach Closely Connected to Personal Growth and Well-Being
There is a deep connection between the Native American flute and practices centered on presence, meditation, and personal development. It is no coincidence that High Spirits instruments are often used in:
- Yoga,
- sound baths,
- relaxation practices,
- meditation circles,
- and therapeutic work involving breath and sound.
This approach resonates strongly with my own path. Within the Native American Flute Circle of Aube, I regularly observe how this instrument can:
- calm,
- recenter,
- release emotional expression,
- and create a deeply present state of awareness.
A Worldwide Reference for Beginners… and Continued Growth
High Spirits is often recommended as a first instrument — and for good reason. These flutes are generally:
- easy to handle,
- well tuned,
- comfortable to play,
- and musical enough to support a player’s real long-term development.
But reducing High Spirits to merely a “beginner flute” would be a mistake. Many experienced musicians continue to play these instruments for:
- their musicality,
- their expressive simplicity,
- and their instantly recognizable sound.
The well-known Bill Miller is one of them.
A Deeply Human Story
Behind High Spirits is also the story of Odell Borg, a passionate musician and craftsman who played a major role in the modern spread of the contemporary Native American flute. Through his workshops, concerts, and teachings, he introduced this instrument to thousands of people around the world.
His approach remains guided by a simple idea: music should remain alive, accessible, and deeply human.
Why I Recommend Discovering High Spirits
Every flute maker has their own sonic personality and philosophy.
What I particularly appreciate about High Spirits is this ability to create instruments that immediately invite people into music without intimidation or unnecessary complexity.
For many people, these flutes become:
- a meditation companion,
- a tool for inner expression,
- emotional support,
- or simply a source of everyday musical joy.
And sometimes, it is precisely this simplicity that opens the door to the deepest experiences.