Flute Lessons in Annandale, VA

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder

Methods are tailored around the individual needs and goals of the student. Fundamentals in music theory are balanced with repertoire and lessons focus on developing practice skills that the student can use outside the lesson. The Suzuki method is ideal for beginning flute students, particularly young students. This approach allows students to become comfortable holding the instrument, producing a solid tone, and training the ear, before introducing notation. For beginning pianists, the Bastien series works well in terms of breaking down repertoire into manageable pieces and marking students' progress in early study. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I don't believe in just one way, each student is different! For beginners, often the struggle is getting a good sound out of the flute and learning fingering and how to read music all at the same time. I like to take it step-by-step with reasonable goals. As students progress, we start to incorporate more and more into the repertoire while focusing on fundamentals and sound. But, I like to keep it fun along the way by playing along with my students, bringing in duet music and listening to the greats like Galway. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with a songbook, such as the Accent on Achievement method book. Once the student has a grasp on the fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire. For adult students, I try to find out what the student is interested in pursuing, and then if they are a beginner, I teach fundamentals through the Rubank method books and supplement with songs that are approapriate to the student's taste. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

All lessons are tailored to each students ability level, with the goal of creating specific, achievable objectives to foster a successful environment. Students tend to enjoy working on what they are passionate about, so I am interested in finding where a students musical passion exists, and incorporating it into lesson plans and assignments. I do not tolerate shortcuts, but rely on positive reinforcement to encourage students to develop their skills thoroughly. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I have been teaching since my undergrad years starting in 2001 as adjunct faculty at Walnut Ridge Elementary School until 2004. Since then I have taught privately at students homes part time. I believe that weekly lessons are the most beneficial for a students learning and productivity. I also believe that a combination of encouragement, praise, and level appropriate music, be it classical, method books, or popular music are imperative for success in learning music and enjoying it. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

For beginning students who are children, I usually like to start with either the Essential Elements books or the Rubank Elementary book. Once the student has learned the basics, they will be able to work on solos as well as focusing on developing technique, accurate rhythm and tone. For adults, I like to have an idea of their goals and what they are hoping to take out of their lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I consider myself to be both traditional and old school at certain times, however. I firmly believe that students will lose interest in music quickly if I always teach all students the same techniques and follow conventional music theory. For piano lessons I usually begin without any books until they are comfortable with the weight and the feel of the piano keys. After that I really like to use the John Thompson's piano book grade 1, and I have had many good results with my students in the past. Read More