A Child in America makes two flutes - one flute to keep…and one flute to give away to a child in need in another part of the world.  The Friendship Flutes represent a connection of peace, learning, cultural understanding and friendship that connect the two individuals together forever!


FLUTES ACROSS THE WORLD is a multi-faceted, educational and humanitarian music program designed to nurture cultural understanding across the world.  Students in American schools to reach out and touch impoverished children in distant parts of our world through the gift of music. There are two types of flutes that children learn to make and decorate – a simple bamboo flute for younger children and a PVC plastic pipe flute similar to modern-day recorders played in schools for the older kids.  

Children learn to decorate their flutes with Sharpie markers using patterns and designs.  They choose an ancient universal symbol of goodwill, friendship or prosperity to color onto each of their flutes that forever connects the flutes together as one.


Every flute that is sent overseas has an individual photo of each student who made the flute.

These flutes are then flown along with Flutes Across The World Ambassador and Director John Zeretzke to countries around the world on humanitarian music missions and given to children in need.  Most of the children are involved in workshops, music lessons and instruction.  Connections to local master musicians and learning the history of ancient and indigenous music is one of the sustainable and on-going goals of Flutes Across The World.


Hand to Hand, Heart to Heart and Eye to Eye
Following The Wisdom of Tzu Chi

“Music can help heal the body, heart and mind, bring joy to the world, create peace and harmony, nurture understanding between cultures and individuals and be a unifying force in the world today.  Mostly, music bring us a sense of joy”.

FLUTES ACROSS THE WORLD has teamed with Knightsbridge International, Operation Smile, Operation Clubfoot, Rotary International and other NGO and international aid organizations.

Information about Knightsbridge International can be found at: www.kbi.org

FLUTES ACROSS THE WORLD is the idea of John Zeretzke, who was encouraged by Sir Edward Artis, founder of Knightsbridge International, to get musical instruments to give to children in need.  John Zeretzke is a master artist/educator, award-winning composer and artist who has been working with children and arts education for almost 30 years.  John was a PASA - Professional Artist in the Schools Award - recipient for his lifetime dedication to children and arts education.  He continues his work with educational organizations and schools around the country as a leader and consultant in arts education and music in America today.

More about John and his music can be found at: www.zworldmusic.com

FLUTES ACROSS THE WORLD will actively bring to each student a deeper understanding of world cultures and children in need by teaching them geography, cultural traditions, history, language arts, visual arts and music.  All educational curriculum (California VAPA standards-based) has been written created by John Zeretzke.   Students in America will foster a continuing desire to learn about other people who are different than themselves, and in turn, the children who receive their 'friendship flute' who live in remote parts of the world will learn about music and culture from the USA.   Most of all, American students will gain compassion for the plight of others while experiencing the gift of positive service to the world by helping others who are less fortunate.