Flute Lessons in Brightwaters, NY

Instruments: Flute

I like to get to know my students before real in depth work can begin. Why are you interested in music? Why flute specifically? What other activites interest you? etc. I ask these questions so that analogies can be made to show how most things apply to all interests. Practice techniques in sports are similar to those in music for example. Knowing a student's personality outside of music also helps when setting goals, such as what to work on specifically in each lesson, what they are working towards in their own practice, and what future plans they have for music. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo

I use elements of Social and Emotional Learning in my teaching: students are encouraged to have their own voice in the learning process. We discuss repertoire selection, I encourage them to talk about how the music makes them feel or what they think it's trying to express. This also assists in goal setting, which I do collaboratively with the student, rather than dictate their practice regimen. I respect that lessons are probably not the only thing they're doing and I believe that respect is why students enjoy studying with me for many years. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to make music learning a self-engaged process. Students will keep track of their assignments, make some of the decisions about what music to play, and be expected to practice a minimum of 5 or 6 days per week. Students are sometimes reluctant to have discipline at first, but once they realize that they are making fast progress and overcoming musical challenges, they tend to have a great time. I have had parents of middle schoolers tell me that the structure music lessons have brought to their students' lives has made a huge difference in other areas. Read More

Instruments: Flute

My main priority is always create my lesson plan around the students' goals and motivations. Learning how to play an instrument requires time, patience and discipline, that's why it's so important for the students to stay motivated, and enjoy the classes and the practices at home. For this reason I always try to adapt the methods and repertory that I use in my classes, to the the students' personal needs, combining their personal taste in music with exercises and pieces that help to improve their performing and technical skills. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I have taught all kinds of topics to all kinds of students and like to accomodate the particular interests of different students. I often find that students should set performance goals even if it is just a performance for friends and family. This helps establish workable milestones in the student's progress. I also like students to help model their own education by studying repertoire that interests them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

My approach to teaching can be different based on the age and level of the student. In general I like to keep the pressure off my students and above all find ways to make learning fun and enjoyable. My ideal lesson is one that the student will remember, whether it's a concept we talk about or a song that we learn. I try and teach my students more than how to play notes on a page and to learn songs, but how to discover and tackle projects themselves that otherwise might seem too big a challenge. Read More