Flute Lessons in Kensington, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Comprehensive method individually structured for each student.  Books depending on level and age start with Standard of Excellence and are individually chosen to support the student. For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Flute

All of my former students have been very driven to succeed with flute playing, and therefore have received the highest ratings on their solo performances in both the District and State levels of the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association Solo and Ensemble competitions. They have also been accepted into the Michigan All-State Honors Band, have all held a principal position in their school bands, and have excelled in every aspect of their flute playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I make it a point to ask all students (or parents for my younger ones) to purchase a notepad where assignments, expectations, exercises, tips/tricks can be written down to help them progress during the year and into the following week of lessons. My favorite aspect about teaching is pushing students beyond the limit they place for themselves. That being said there must be a mutual understanding that I will do all I can to help students get over a "learning hump" as I call it- I have access to a plethora of journals, articles, teaching websites, a personal library, all of these materials can be scanned, printed out, emailed and whatnot for the benefit of my students. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I am demanding in terms of focus and dedication. There is pride shared when a student is successful. I don't measure success based on how many auditions or competitions someone has won, but a smile after completing a difficult task, a concept that finally hits home, or the enjoyment a student has when they can experience their improvements are the successes I strive toward. These are things a student and a teacher can control. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

When teaching younger students, I prioritize developing a passion for music through engaging repertoire and positive encouragement, while instilling proper technique and organized practice with weekly progressive assignments. I also establish practice expectations and share progress with parents. In every lesson I demonstrate concepts by performing various woodwinds and piano, and by singing. Advanced students work towards external goals established in consultation with both students and parents like school concerts, honor band/orchestra auditions, or college applications, encouraging students to grow their musical community outside of the lesson studio. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

Depending on the individual needs goals of each student, I will customize lesson plans on a week-to-week basis. If there are no immediate goals for my students, I prefer to focus on classical technique and tone exercises that I compile through a variety of method books for each woodwind instrument. This includes but is not limited to: Moyse, Kroepsch, Baermann, Ferling, Shaw, Filas, Lacour, and many others. Classical technique is boring however, and I also believe that it should be applied towards learning real music that I will tailor to each student! Read More