Teaching Studio My teaching specialty is of course, the flute. Over the past nineteen years I have taught students from all sorts of background, ages 8 to 60, in both private and college and university settings. I have worked as a public school band director, teaching group lessons on wind, brass and percussion instruments and conducting the band. As the importance of music theory has grown, with students taking conservatory, music preparatory school and Advanced Placement exams, I have also begun to offer private and group lessons in music theory.

Flute Lessons

While I tailor flute lessons to each individual student, the overall structure to my lessons is the same: technique (tone, finger dexterity and musicianship), performance (solo pieces), and ensemble skills (duets or trios). Technique begins the lesson time, with tone exercises, scales, and studies - the building blocks needed to make a strong flutist. The solo and ensemble pieces are chosen to incorporate the skills currently being developed.

For beginning students who are also participating in a school band program, I adapt my lessons to the school curriculum, creating more consistency and less confusion in those crucial early stages. Once a student reaches his/her second year of playing, he/she is expected to practice music for flute lessons separate from the school requirements.

Since an important part of playing an instrument is the performance itself, all my students are encouraged to perform in an annual student recital, held near the end of the school year. Students can also take advantage of other performance opportunities such as the Young Musicians Festival, the Western Regional Festival and the All-State Festival. Advanced students are also encouraged to audition for local youth ensembles.

 

Music Theory Lessons

Music theory, in a nutshell, is the study of how music is organized, written down, and how it sounds to our ears. Lessons cover the basic elements of music - pitch, rhythm, meter, melody, harmony, and form. These components are practiced in both written and aural exercises.

For students wishing to take the AP Music Theory exam, at least 2 years of lessons is recommended. Students with a strong music foundation and a diligent work ethic can possibly take the exam within one year of study.