Tag Archives: testimonial

Testimonial From Leanne Brennan

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What better way to round out a year than to receive a lovely testimonial from a customer-friend expressing gratitude for a job well done! Two days before Christmas, Martin Doyle received the following words from Leanne Brennan of Kilcoole in County Wicklow.

Dear Martin,

I had been beyond excited waiting for the arrival of my new flute. What I received surpassed all my Expectations. The masterful craftsmanship is evident in every element of this beautiful Boxwood flute. From the feel and the look, to its smooth, clear, deep tonal sound. What a privilege to own and play such a flute, I will be perpetually grateful to have such an instrument in our family made by not only a master at his craft but a complete gentleman.

Thanks so much again for such an incredible flute! I have been “ar neamh” (in heaven) playing away 🙂

Leanne Brennan

Messages like this bring great joy to the heart’s of those that make things from wood with their hands for the betterment of the world – in this case, the flute maker Martin Doyle.

Thank you Leanne.

The gratitude of the heart
Is itself the breath-gratitude
Of life.
~ Sri Chinmoy

More testimonials can he seen here »

Shana Stone

New Testimonial from Shana Stone

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This past August Martin Doyle received a lovely testimonial from American flutist Shana Stone, a performer, teacher and composer-arranger, who had purchased one of Martin’s six key flutes made from African Blackwood. These are her words …

“Martin Doyle’s flutes are nothing short of extraordinary. My six-key flute, made from African blackwood, speaks easily and with plenty of punch, sass, and personality. It sweetly sings the old airs and has plenty of bubble and spark in the faster tunes, and the low D barks wonderfully. This flute has such depth, soul, and clarity that it makes me fall in love with it all over again every time I play it. I could spend a lifetime getting to know its distinct voice. It is easily accessible to play, yet filled with an expansive palette of nuance to explore. The prices are extremely reasonable, and Martin is communicative, caring, and the best person to work with!”

About Shana Stone

“Shana is a thoughtful, engaging musical artist and classically trained flutist devoted to interpreting and sharing music with listeners. She graduated in May 2025 with her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Georgia, where she served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the UGA Flute Studio and performed with the Southern Wind Quintet. She now intends to focus on growing her teaching studio and pursuing an orchestral career. She earned her Master’s degree in Flute Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (where she studied with Dr. Erika Boysen and Dr. Tim Hagen) and her Bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance from the University of Georgia (where she studied with Professor Angela Jones-Reus). Other teachers include Daniel Self, Kristen Holritz, Elizabeth Klein Teplitsky, and Emily Zirlin.” Read more: My Story | Shana Stone »

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Kind Words And Delightful Tunes

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Included in recent additions to Martin Doyle Flutes is a very kind testimonial from Cathal McConnell and two delightful tunes from Ronan Browne.

Kind Words

Martin Doyle and Cathal McConnellThe following words are from the generous heart of Cathal McConnell:

“My friend, flute maker and flute player extraordinaire, Martin Doyle made my B-flat and C flutes, both of which are a complete joy to play! On a recent visit he also gave my ageing Rudall and Rose a much-needed and thorough overhaul. Its cork had been there 150 years!!! A heartfelt thank you Martin, for your craftsmanship as well as your kindness.”

More comments from flute players all over the world can be viewed here: Testimonials »

Delightful Tunes

Ronan Bowne

The two tunes that Ronan Browne has offered, Planxty Irwin (jig) and Hector the Hero (waltz), that are both being played on a Martin Doyle D flute made of Cocus wood.

They can be heard here: Ronan Browne – Flute Music »

Ronan and others can also be seen playing tunes here: Martin Doyle Flutes | YouTube »

Our gratitude to Ronan and Cathal for their generous contributions and kind support.

Recent Additions To Martin Doyle Flutes

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Some recent additions to Martin Doyle’s website:

New Testimonial

Martin Doyle recently sent a flute to Russia and, after some initial delays, it finally reached the hands of its new owner who kindly expressed his joy with these words:

Ivan Pustovalov

Ivan Pustovalov

Hello, Mr Doyle!

I finally got the flute and it is incredibly beautiful! You are an expert in beauty and the sound is perfect! I have never seen and never played a flute easier than this one. This is a work of art for me!

Lately I’ve been studying a lot about the relationship between geometry and the sound of flutes. But the strong D of this flute – a mystery to me. I do not know how you manage to do this. This flute permits me to do the impossible! Unfortunately, I don’t quite know very well English, to tell you my impressions! But, believe me, it’s endless! I have very long dreamed of a flute like this and now the dream has come true!

Sincerely,
Ivan Pustovalov.

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Rob Portnoy Comments On MDF Headjoint

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Rob Portnoy

Rob Portnoy

Rob Portnoy is a renowned multi-woodwind performer, clinician and teacher who has worked with a plethora of superstar singers, musicians and performers including Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Mel Torme, Aretha Franklin, Wayne Newton, Nancy Wilson, Don Sebasky, Mickey Rooney, Red Skelton, Debbie Reynolds, Liza Minnelli, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole and Sarah Vaughn.

Rob had the following to say about a wooden headjoint that he recently commissioned Martin Doyle to make for his concert flute:

Hi Martin,
I just wanted to thank you for the phenomenal work you did in creating my new headjoint. I recently played it on the show “Beauty and The Beast” and received many compliments on my “sweet” sound. The combination of my Altus Limited and your Blackwood Headjoint allow me a warmth that neither of my metal headjoints provide and enable me to play all octaves with a solid, centered sound which articulates quickly and doesn’t break up when pushed! I will surely endorse your craftsmanship so more flutists can experience the wonderful qualities of a Martin Doyle headjoint!
Best wishes,
Rob Portnoy.

Martin Doyle’s web page about the wooden headjoints he makes for concert flutes can be viewed here: Wooden Headjoints for Concert Flutes »

Kind Words From Matthew Laurie

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Matthew Laurie

Matthew Laurie

As mentioned in previous posts, Martin Doyle sometimes receives messages from people who have purchased flutes from him and write to compliment and thank him for his efforts. These kind comments are sometimes posted on Martin’s website, with the permission of the authors, and Martin recently received a very nice comment from Matthew Laurie – a community musician and storyteller from Derbyshire in England. These are Matthew’s kind words:

Hi Martin,
The flute [boxwood Celtic style flute] arrived today and I am in love! It is simply stunning and is far and away the finest flute that I have played and owned. I am amazed at the expressive range that I can achieve even on the first day of playing it. This flute will inspire me to play and practice more – I am very happy indeed. Thank you!

Some two weeks later Matthew commented to this webmaster that the flute had indeed inspired and helped him to practice more and to play at a higher level. I mentioned this to Martin Doyle who made the following comment:

Well for me the whole point of this flute making game is to make flutes that bring the players on – that’s my intention. Otherwise there would be no point in doing it.

Fair play to you Martin.

Matthew’s kind words and those of many other flute players can be viewed here: Testimonials »

Kind Comments From Garry Shannon

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Martin Doyle has just received a very kind testimonial from the renowned left-handed flute player Garry Shannon after Martin finished a keyed flute for him. These are Garry’s words:

“Martin is an affable craftsman in whose workshop time means nothing. He will generously spend hours discussing his craft. Despite his laid-back manner, he will not leave you waiting years for your new instrument. I have been recommending Martin Doyle flutes to my students for many years due to their tonality, volume and after-sales service. Last year, I finally took the plunge myself and put aside my beloved flute of twenty years for a new custom-made Doyle model and I have never looked back.”

More kind comments from flute players all over the world can be viewed here: Testimonials »

About Garry Shannon

Irish flute player Garry Shannon

Irish flute player Garry Shannon

Garry Shannon is the eldest of a celebrated County Clare family of musicians which includes Sharon Shannon (accordion) and Mary Shannon (banjo).

Garry won the senior All-Ireland flute title in 1988 and has since played with a number of respected groups. He is a member of the legendary Kilfenora Ceili Band which is based in Kilfenora, County Clare, has recorded three solo albums, teaches flute extensively and is co-ordinator of the Irish music residential summer school Meitheal.