HORIZONS FLUTE SCHOOL SUMMIT | SEPTEMBER 10–13, 2026
Gather. Create. Belong.
A four-day immersive experience for flute players ready to deepen their music, reconnect with their creativity, and share the journey alongside others.
Reserve Your SpotWe expected performance. What we found was permission. And in that permission, music became something generous and shared.
–Kristine T.Your Invitation Awaits
What happens when you step away from your routine and into a space filled with music, nature, and people who understand your path?
The Horizons Summit is more than a series of classes. It is a gathering of musicians who want to grow. Not just technically, but personally. It is a place where curiosity is welcomed, where creativity is stirred awake, and where you don’t have to explain why this instrument matters to you.
Over four days, we slow down enough to listen. To learn. To create together.
And something shifts.
What This Event Feels Like
Mornings begin with focused classes designed to expand your skill and confidence.
Afternoons invite exploration, conversation, and collaboration.
Friday night, we gather in circle and let the music move freely between us. No pressure. No performance. Just shared sound.
One evening we sit under the open sky for a concert that softens the edges of the week and reminds us why we fell in love with this instrument in the first place.
Between sessions, there are shared meals, quiet walks, laughter, and the kind of friendships that form when people choose to be present together.
You will leave with new musical tools.
You will leave with renewed inspiration.
You will leave connected.
Who This Event Is For
This Summit is designed for:
• Flute players who want to grow in confidence and musical expression
• Musicians seeking deeper connection and community
• Students who have been learning online and want in-person immersion
• Anyone ready to stretch, explore, and rediscover joy in their playing
All levels are welcome. What matters most is your willingness to show up.
2026 FALL HORIZONS SUMMIT
Meet Your Fall Summit Guides
Meet Your Fall Summit Guides
World-class Instructors
You’ll learn from experienced instructors who bring not only skill and knowledge, but presence.
Each instructor offers a unique voice, perspective, and approach from technique and improvisation to tone development and musical storytelling.
This is not a crowded conference. It is an intimate setting where access, interaction, and real growth are possible.
Summit Instructors are:
- Creative
- Collaborative
- Student-focused
Jonny Lipford
Jonny Lipford is an internationally recognized recording artist, composer, and educator with more than 20 years devoted to the Native American-style flute and world flutes. Over two decades, he has written more than 300 original songs, released 19 albums, and toured nationally, sharing his music with audiences of up to 14,000 people. His work has been featured on SiriusXM and the internationally syndicated radio program Echoes, reaching listeners around the world.
Beyond the stage, Jonny is a deeply committed teacher and mentor, guiding thousands of students each year through courses, workshops, private lessons, and his online membership community. His forthcoming book, The Harmonic Approach, reflects his philosophy that music is more than performance. It is a pathway to meaning, growth, and alignment in everyday life.
Whether performing, teaching, or writing, Jonny walks with intention, inviting others to deepen their artistry while strengthening their character and connection to what matters most.
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:
- Creative Leadership
- Music & Meaning
- Native American Flute Expression
Adam Riviere
Adam Riviere, a world percussionist, audio engineer, and composer from Indianapolis, has dedicated nearly four decades to exploring global music traditions. With 15 published albums and mastery of more than 30 world instruments, his artistry blends Middle Eastern, African, Celtic, Latin/Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, Australian Aboriginal, Native American, and electro-acoustic ambient trance styles into a distinctive soundscape.
A graduate of Butler University and Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Riviere has shared his expertise through teaching, workshops, and cultural outreach programs, including the Lotus Blossom Bazaar. His performances span the United States, Europe, and Israel, where he appeared at the Jacob’s Ladder Festival.
Riviere has collaborated with renowned artists such as Badal Roy, Steve Gorn, Nelson Rios, and Steve Rushingwind, and continues to enrich the music community through his studio, Playground Productions, in Historic Irvington. Beyond performance, he is deeply involved in healing practices, leading drum circles, yoga sessions, and kirtans that connect music to mind, body, and spirit.
Areas of Expertise:
- World Percussion
- Music Technology
- Cultural Fusion in Composition
Natalie Brown
Composer, educator, sound healing practitioner and multi-instrumentalist, Natalie Brown, has travelled the world performing, recording and teaching music. She was trained classically, starting violin at age 4 and taught high school orchestra for 14 years.
She is the founder and operator of Sounds Heal Studio, providing one-on-one and group sound healing sessions and workshops as well as practitioner training through the International Sound Healing Academy.
She completed Nada Yoga (Yoga of Sound) teacher training in Rishikesh, India. She also has training and certifications in Reiki, craniosacral therapy, Qigong, acupressure, Celtic Shamanism and is an Advanced Level Certified Bio-Well Practitioner. Natalie's podcast, Sounds Heal Podcast, explores using sound for health and wellness with interviews of top innovators & practitioners in the field. It has been recognized as the #1 music therapy/sound therapy podcast across all major podcast platforms.
Natalie’s goal is to share the benefits of sound healing and help others use sound for self-care, personal growth and to heal.
Areas of Expertise:
- Sound Healing & Meditation
- Shamanism
- Beginning Flute Playing
Timothy J.P. Gomez
Timothy J.P. Gomez is an award-winning composer, performer, and educator specializing in the Native American-style flute, with over 35 years of experience on the instrument. Originally from El Paso, Texas, he blends world music influences with the emotional depth of the Romantic Era, crafting technically fluid and intricate melodies that evoke deep human connection, kinship with the Earth, and spiritual introspection.
Raised amid the expansive desert landscapes near El Paso, Timothy’s passion for the flute emerged early, inspired by the dreamlike terrain of the Southwest.
His debut album, The Awakening (2014), earned two Indian Summer Music Awards nominations, with “Sacred Saguaro” winning in 2015. Subsequent releases include The Silence Between (2019), the seasonal Winter Visions (2021), and Embers of Freedom (2022), alongside evocative singles such as “22° Halo,” “Within the Depths of Isolation,” and the recent “Beyond the Fading Light” (2025).
Timothy performs nationwide at festivals including Flutestock and the Native Rhythms Festival, and wherever the open road invites him to share his music and knowledge through the Native American-style flute. He continues to follow his travels amongst nature while dedicating himself to education through online sessions, in-person workshops, and lessons that promote skill growth, environmental conservation, and appreciation for the natural world.
His music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other popular music streaming platforms. Visit timothyjpgomez.com for bookings, lessons, and more.
Areas of Expertise:
- Expressive Flute Composition
- Nature-Inspired Performance
- Advanced Flute Education
Maria Lipford
Maria Lipford holds a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Iowa and brings over 20 years of experience in the medical field, where her work centered around care, healing, and supporting the whole person.
Throughout her career, she has been drawn to environments that promote restoration. She understands deeply that the nervous system must feel safe before the body can truly rejuvenate. Her love for calming spaces, soothing sound, and gentle rhythms naturally complements the mission of Horizons. She believes that sound can create a bridge back to stillness, and that in that stillness, healing begins.
At home, Maria has raised and continues to raise four children and three dogs, creating a stable and welcoming environment that somehow manages to hold both structure and warmth.
As co-owner and manager of the Horizons Flute Store, Maria oversees shipping, inventory, and customer support with thoughtful precision. Every package that leaves the store reflects her attention to detail.
She brings organization, compassion, and a quiet strength to everything she touches.
Areas of Expertise:
- Operational Leadership & Stewardship
- Nervous System Restoration
- Rest & Rejuvenation
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
John Gass
John picked up the Native American Style Flute while living in the Pacific Northwest and has been playing for over 20 years. He first picked up the flute to help feel grounded at the start of his day as a psychotherapist working in an intense mental health clinic.
In addition to his love of playing, John has a passion for sharing and helping others develop their own talents with this beautiful instrument. While living in Washington, he facilitated monthly flute circles (that included a teaching component) and an annual flute gathering.
Since moving to Massachusetts, he has taught flute courses at multiple locations (a veteran’s center, a local art studio, and through a community education program) and is facilitating a monthly flute circle. John has performed solo and as part of various bands, at open mics, porchfests, for non-profit organizations, and at assisted living facilities.
Areas of Expertise:
- Native American Flute
- Music Education & Facilitation
- Community Music Leadership
Brenda Fingold
Brenda fell in love with the Native American Style Flute in 2021 at a flute gathering in Montana. With a background as a singer songwriter and guitar player, she began exploring ways of incorporating flute melodies, solos and accents into the style of music she generally plays, including folk, pop and Americana. Brenda performs as a duo with John Gass (who she also fell in love with in Montana), and together they have developed ways to offer the NASF at acoustic music jams and as an integral part of multi-instrument performances.
Brenda is also a well-respected educator who spent the last two decades teaching mindfulness and strategies for well-being. She is a Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher, most recently at Brown University School of Public Health. She is also a trained Labyrinth Facilitator. Brenda’s most powerful labyrinth walks have been accompanied by the Native American Flute, fueling her desire to share with us the synergy of the flute and the labyrinth.
Areas of Expertise:
- Mindfulness Education
- Music Performance & Integration
- Labyrinth Facilitation
Explore Last Year’s Schedule — Updated 2026 Version Coming This Spring!
Groove & Flow
Our 2026 Theme
This year at the Summit, we explore what it means to truly settle into your music.
Groove is more than rhythm. It’s the internal pulse that steadies you. The grounded confidence that lets your notes land with intention. It’s knowing when to lean in, when to drive, when to let the body move and the music dance.
Flow is different. It’s the softening of effort. It’s the moment you loosen your grip and stop forcing the sound. It’s where breath, phrasing, and presence align — and the music begins to carry you.
Groove & Flow is about learning when to engage and when to release. When to hold steady. When to let go.
We’ll explore this through rhythm, improvisation, tone, phrasing, and collaboration. But it doesn’t stop at technique. Because the way you play is often the way you live — gripping too tightly, or holding back, or hesitating to trust yourself.
At this year’s Summit, we practice both strength and surrender.
Finding your internal groove.
Allowing real flow.
2026 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 2026 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 2026
- Dates: The Fall Summit will be held September 10–13, 2026.
- Location: The Summit is hosted at Prairiewoods (120 E. Boyson Rd., Hiawatha, Iowa)
- Cost: $750.00. Earlybird pricing is $650. (Horizons Plus Members can save another $100 with their annual live event credit.)
- Meal Plan: $150 for all meals, including: dinner Thursday evening, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday!
- Lodging: For an additional fee, you can book one of the limited rooms in Prairiewoods' Guest House, or there are many nearby hotels to choose from.
Memories from Last Year
Join us this year for the 2026 Horizons Fall Summit!
Scholarship Funds Are Available!
Early Bird Pricing Until June 1 = $650 (SAVE $100!)
Register Now!
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 10–13, 2026 (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.
We have negotiated a Meal Plan for $150 that includes all meals 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, 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.
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 can apply their annual $100 In-Person Event credit towards their registration to Summit. (Members can find their coupon code on the Exclusive Deals page inside Horizons Plus)
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, 2026.
If you cancel your reservation on or after September 1, 2026, there is a 100% fee forfeiture.
There is room for 35 participants in the Summit.
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.