Location
My
private Music Studio is located in Northern Orange County, on the outskirts of Newburgh. The teaching studio is
homey and comfortable with a seating area for parents, and a grand piano, .
Students
I have been teaching flute students for seven years. Previously, I have
worked as an instructor at the Music Preparatory Department at the University of Louisville, and have given masterclasses
in local school systems. I teach students of all ages, ranging from 8 years old, to adults.
I also have been a teacher and coach for beginners, college bound high school students, and conservatory flute students.
Teaching Methods and Goals
My
goals with all my students are to help them develop a love for music through the enjoyment flute playing. Playing the
flute has been a fun and meaningful part of my life, and I try hard to communicate the importance of diligence and active
involvement in the learning process to achieve goals, which I believe is an important lifelong skill that serves in many areas
of life.
My
lessons cover all the building blocks of woodwind playing, from breathing, tonal control, technique, memorization, and
sight-reading...to the understanding of basic music theory and stylistic interpretation. For beginner students, I teach
from both guided method books, and from my own added creative elements, which encourage little bits of composing, reading,
listening, and integrating playing with other instruments. This may sound like an intense or even gruelling regimen
for a weekly lesson, but depending on each student’s individual goals and abilities, the intensity is adjusted to make
sure there’s a positive balance of fun, and challenge.
I
encourage students to be active in their school band programs, and to get involved in provided opportunities for performance.
Lessons during the school year work toward the goal of a spring recital by my students, in which they can demonstrate
their progress, and build confidence in performing. I also encourage my students to participate in the NYSSMA solo programs,
as well as All-County and the other larger regional Festivals run by MENC, as age appropriate.
These auditions are great opportunities to get positive feedback from area musicians, and to meet other young people
interested in the music world.
Fees
Weekly half hour, 45 min, and hour lessons are available.
Lessons start promptly on the hour (or half hour) so please make an effort to be on time, since
you would hope the students following and before you will extend you the same courtesy.
Weekly
half hour lessons are $25
Weekly
45 minute lessons are $30
Weekly
hour lessons are $35
I
accept payments by the week or by the month. Payment is preferable by check. Also, arrangements may be made
for lessons every other week, for financial reasons, but weekly lessons are highly recommended for more steady progress
and continuity of learning.
Lesson Scheduling
I teach on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please pick a day
and time that will work for you every week, in most cases. If you forsee there
are events coming up that will prevent your attendance, please inform me ahead of time; at the latest, on the previous evening
so we can reschedule a time that fits both our schedules.
Should I miss a lesson for any reason, I will most likely inform you with more than plenty of
notice, and we can schedule a makeup lesson. But as a disclaimer, I feel it right
to mention that while I take my teaching very seriously, the other half of my job is as a performing musician which has a
somewhat unpredictable schedule. I try to minimize the inconvenience to the families
I work with, but I also ask for your understanding. On the up side, my continued
performing experience enhances my teaching.
Performance Classes
I
offer performance classes as an “extra curricular” activity once a month as a free addition to lessons for all
high school students and some junior high students (7th and 8th grade by invitation only). These classes are my latest experiment and are principally designed to address technique and performance
issues. They will take place on the last Saturday morning of each month from
10 to 12. I will remind you, or let you know if there are any changes. This is
a great venue for practicing audition music or NYSSMA pieces in front of a supportive audience. And hopefully students will find these classes to be an encouragement.
Guidelines for Home Practice
I recommend careful consideration of schedules before beginning private flute lessons.
For this to be a good experience for the student (and parent) it needs to be said that this is more than an hour, or half
hour time slot out of each week. Be sure to look into whether daily set aside time for practice can be
added in as a part of the regular, school, homework, and/or work schedule for high school and adults. I recommend a practice schedule of 6 days a week, with one day off to serve as a break for all my students. The amount of time spent each day depends greatly on the age of the student, and the
years of experience. We will talk about this in lessons to determine what is
best and most realistic for you personally, but here is a general guide…
1st year students: 20-30 mins
2nd and 3rd year students: 30-45 mins
4th and 5th year students: 45 mins - 1 hour
Beyond 5th year: minimum, 1 hour
Serious, college-bound students: 2-3 hours
There are a few requirements for the time you decide to spend to be the most effective. These materials make a big difference in concentration and overall progress.
A quiet area in which to practice, with good lighting
A metronome
An adjustable music stand
A mirror (for checking hand position and embouchure)
A tuner (not required until year 4, but helpful at any age)
Instrument Repair and Sheet Music Info
I suggest the easiest way of buying music is on-line or by phone.
The two companies I have had the best results and prices with are
Flute World
Ph. (248) 855-0410
Or www.fluteworld.com
Eble Music
Ph. (319) 338-0313
Or www.eble.com
Both
of these companies also send music by email requests. Just follow the instructions on their web sites.
For instrument repair, i recommend working with
the store you bought the instrument from to beginning students. For students who play on intermediate to professional
models, I can recommend several fine instrument repair technicians in the area on request. Just ask.
