The panelists are: 1. John de Courteille Hinch John de Courteille Hinch is currently a professor at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He studied Flute with Geoffrey Gilbert at the Guildhall School of Music in London and in 1968 was appointed Principal Flute in the Durban Symphony Orchestra; in 1978 he became Principal Piccolo in the National Symphony Orchestra, accepting a lecturing post in 1982. In 1989 he established the Flute Federation of South Africa, and became the Editor of FLUFSA News. In 2001 he obtained his doctorate. John Hinch has lectured in Flute, Piccolo, Method, Repertoire, Music History, Instrumentation, Music Aesthetics and Research Methodology. He was for many years a member of the Faculty’s Research Proposal and Ethics Committee, and research papers have been presented at various conferences in South Africa and the UK. Numerous articles – on both flute and various musicological topics - have been published in a variety of educational and research journals. Over the years John Hinch has adjudicated dozens of music competitions and eisteddfods throughout South Africa. He was Head of the Department of Music from mid-2005 to May 2008. Although theoretically retired, he is currently Chair of the Departmental Research Committee, still teaches flute, lectures both History of Popular Music and Research Methodology, and is study leader for numerous post-graduate students. He is currently Acting Chair of STTEP Music School, Pretoria and on the Executive Committee of the South African Society of Music Teachers. 2. Jimmy Smythe Owner of “The Flute Man”. Elder statesman of the Gauteng Flute community, orchestral musician and teacher of many years standing and a fine technician. Currently plays lead fiddle on flute for the Celtic Band.  Jimmy also handles student and intermediate repairs. 3. Mikki Steyn Owner of Mikki’s Studio. Her holistic approach to teaching the flute is geared towards each individual student’s needs with regard to tone production, development of technique and musicianship.  She incorporates a variety of musical styles in her teaching, which is based on sound principles of performance practice. Click here to visit Mikki's site 4. Malané Hofmeyr-Burger Accomplished teacher resident in Gauteng, orchestral musician and flute pedagogue. She has won many prizes and has studied with leading teachers and has attended many master classes.  Malané has given numerous international performances, has recorded, and travels to Europe each year to catch up on international trends. 5. Meg Twyford Studied Flute with John Hinch, Jimmy Smyth and Paul Bagshaw. After completed a BMus (Ed) degree she taught Flute for 10 years at a number of schools in Johannesburg. In 1997 she was awarded the ABRSM Centenary Travel Grant to attend the Royal College Of Music, London, concentrating on Flute teaching. She has 6 years extensive retail experience in selling flutes and sheet music. In 2003 she was appointed as the ABRSM Regional Coordinator for Gauteng and surrounding areas, Botswana and Swaziland. Teacher and currently exam co-ordinator for Royal Schools.  Many years of experience in flute retail. She brings all this expertise and an unparalleled ability to assist with exam issues.  Sales agent for Michael Botha Flutes. 6. George Fazakas Lecturer at Potchefstroom University for CHE, flute instructor, musician of wide interests and a flute enthusiast of note.  Composer and performer. Click here for more information on George Fazakas 7. Derek Fennell Derek Fennell was born in Dublin, Ireland. He started playing the flute after attending a James Galway concert in Brussels. Derek matriculated at the old Johannesburg Art, Ballet, Drama and Music School, having moved to South Africa with his parents. After graduating from WITS he moved to London to continue his musical education. Derek worked as flautist with Her Majesty’s Coldstream Guards band, touring Europe and the Far East. During his time in London he completed a MA in Psychology for Musicians, qualified as a hypnotherapist and worked in the commercial music industry. He returned to South Africa in 2004 where he combines a busy teaching schedule with his performance coaching practice.