Sacred Breath: The Art of Native American Flute Making

Sacred Breath is a five-day Native American flute making workshop at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, led by master craftsman and musician Guillermo Martinez. Over the course of the week, participants shape, tune and finish a cedar flute of their own, then leave with an instrument ready to play. It suits anyone drawn to handcraft, music or slow, attentive work. No woodworking or musical experience is needed, and it has been more than 15 years since this workshop was last offered.

What to Expect

The work begins with a prepared cedar blank. Guillermo guides the group step by step: gluing and shaping the wood, letting the form of the flute emerge gradually, then moving into the delicate process of tuning before the finishing touches that make each flute individual. The pace is patient by design. The invitation is to listen closely, work with care, and watch a simple piece of cedar become an instrument that can carry your breath and your tune.

The week opens on Monday with a How to Drop into Esalen orientation in the late afternoon, followed by an evening arrival and welcome session. Tuesday through Thursday follow a steady rhythm of a morning session (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) and an afternoon session (starting at 4:00 pm and running to about 6:00 or 6:15 pm). Tuesday is when construction begins, Wednesday is given to shaping and tuning, and Thursday to finishing. On Friday a final session from 9:30 am to noon completes the flutes, and the rest of the day is open for departure or time on campus.

Two optional evening sessions, on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 to 9:00 pm, offer lessons in playing the flute: breath, tone and melody. They are a natural way to meet the instrument you have been building.

About Guillermo Martinez

Guillermo Martinez is a master craftsman, musician and visionary artist, known for creating Indigenous instruments steeped in cultural heritage and spiritual significance. He comes from a lineage rooted in traditional craftsmanship, and his decades-long work is committed to preserving ancient techniques while innovating new ones.

The Setting

Esalen Institute sits on the Big Sur coast of California, a place long associated with open exploration, creative work and contemplative practice. Workshop guests stay on campus with meals included, and have access to the hot springs and other campus features. Lodging ranges from shared sleeping-bag space and bunk rooms to private rooms, premium rooms with ocean or forest views, and wooden yurts. An off-site option is also available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, with coffee, tea and snacks between.

Highway 1 access to northern Big Sur has been managed by Caltrans convoys, running only at 7:00 am and 5:00 pm each day. Check current travel conditions and plan your arrival and departure around them.

Before You Go

No prior experience is required, and all tools are provided. The workshop includes a materials fee. Instruction, lodging, meals, hot springs access and classes on the open schedule are part of the on-site experience. Healing Arts sessions such as massage, specialty coffee, tea or alcohol from the bar, and bookstore purchases are extra. If you choose the sleeping-bag space, bring your own sleeping bag and bedding.