About Bickford Brannen
Bickford Brannen began his flutemaking career in 1962 as an
apprentice, working first in the original Powell shop, then at
W.T. Armstrong in Elkhart, Indiana, before returning to Powell as General Manager in 1970. In 1978 he and his brother Robert
co-founded Brannen Brothers–Flutemakers, Inc., and he continues to serve as Director of Research and Development. His
work as a flute designer and craftsman has produced many acoustical and technical innovations over the years. He has frequently
collaborated with other flutemakers, including Albert Cooper, Johan Brögger, David Straubinger, Eva Kingma, and most recently
Conn-Selmer. He has also worked closely with countless flutists during his long career in order to understand clearly and
constructively what they need and seek from their instruments. In January 2007, he celebrated the completion of 45 years as
a flutemaker. He has never learned to play the flute, but he whistles up a storm!