Flute Lessons in Downey, CA

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Hello! My name is Wes, and I am a multi-woodwind instrumentalist based out of Long Beach, CA. I attended California State University, Long Beach for my master's degree, and The Ohio State University for my bachelor's. Though I am mostly seen playing a saxophone, I am classically trained on clarinet, flute and even oboe! I play a wide variety of styles of music, from jazz to pop, and perform and record with big bands, small jazz groups, pit orchestras, and much more! Read More

Instruments: Flute Music

Teaching is one of my passions in music and I have a long-extending background in this discipline with almost 20 years of music experience as a performer and over 6 years as a teacher. In July 2020, I graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I have also had the opportunity to hold several professional roles by teaching music education privately and in a classroom and have been fortunate enough to work with all the age ranges. Read More

Instruments: Flute

Lessons are customized to the needs of each student and include instruction in the following areas: Learning how to practice effectively and efficiently Play the flute with a beautiful tone and excellent technical proficiency Perform music from a wide variety of genres Sight-read with ease Improving rhythm and an understanding of basic music theory Breathing, balance, and postural ease in sitting and standing Intonation exercises - playing chamber music together Awareness techniques and mental preparation to manage performance anxiety, reduce discomfort, and unlock free, expressive playing Audition/competition preparation, stage presence Extended Techniques for tone development and applications in repertoire, beat-boxing Learning how to improvise Become a successful and knowledgeable musician Studio recitals and other performance opportunities Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Oboe

I began teaching at the Xavier University Junior School of Music (Louisiana) at the age of 18. My teaching experience now spans 30 years. While most of my teaching, over the years, has been primarily private, I also have several years of classroom teaching experience. I enjoy teaching music because I believe that it is one of the most endearing methods of sharing information. One of my motto's is that I am an educator first, music is simply the vehicle by which I choose to educate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

My methods depends on the skill level and interest of the student. Fundamentals are key, but I always try to incorporate them with music that the student is interested in learning. I believe that music should never be boring, and practicing should never be a chore! I also believe that musicians of all skill levels can and should improvise, as it is a fundamental form of creative expression that is often overlooked by classically trained musicians. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

With beginners, I focus on developing sound fundamentals. It's important to avoid any bad habits and beginning students are lucky in that they have the opportunity to establish proper technique from the very start. As students progress, I use books such as the Universal Method and Rubanks Duets to learn to read notes and understand rhythms. Duets are an amazing tool as they hold students responsible for their individual part, while still functioning as a supportive and interactive activity. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

Once the student begins to progress more, I will then move forward to more complex terms, theory and genres of music that it is applied. For older students and adults, I will ask what their goal is in wanting lessons with me and I will do my very best to keep the lesson engaging, fun and I will guide them as clear as I can to reach their dreams and beyond. Read More