Flute Lessons in Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

It is important that when attending private lessons that a student receives individualized instruction geared to their specific level of playing and their musical desires. Because of this, I like to utilize a systematic approach to lessons--each week students work on scales (Major, minor, chormatic), etudes/lesson books, solo repertoire, duet and a piece of choice. Once we've learned all the fundementals, I like to give students the ability to choose their repertiore (with guidance of course!), offering 3-5 examples of possible solo work--but we're always working on a "fun" piece of choice.I believe that engaging students in the selection process of repertoire helps create ownership, especially when practicing.I like to have students set tangible short and long-term goals so that we're always improving during lessons. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

It's important for me to know my students personally! I want to know what other hobbies you have and what inspires you. I can give a little "tough love" when it's required and I like to push my students to apply themselves on their instrument. I also have a growth mindset and acknowledge that everyone learns differently. I want to figure out how each of my students learn optimally. I want to make things achievable and break music down into digestible, accomplishable targets. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience goes all the way back to my senior year of high school teaching not only my students at the Chatham school of rock but also my peers in high school as well as college. My philosophy is simple, music is taught best through experience. Technique books, and etudes have their place for the basics but I believe there is no substitute for putting on a backing track and getting to playing. Read More

Instruments: Flute

With each lesson, as my students improve and become more passionate about their music, I feel a sense of gratitude and reward them always for their accomplishments. So, with each lesson, I set small, steady goals for my student, depending on their level and so forth. Positively acknowledging their successes encourages them to keep moving forward, and makes them more passionate and more well rounded musicians. Note: I love to use metaphores and compare musical notes and ideas to every day situations, such as food, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I start beginners off with the Rubank Elementary Method, which introduces reading, scales, arpeggios, and expressive devices such as dynamics and articulation. I also like students to start with improvisation, composition, and ear training as soon as possible. I encourage them to both work on whatever repertoire interests them and find new types of music they don't know they're interested in yet. More advanced students may progress to some of the more advanced music theory, technical etude books, and scale/arpeggio exercises. Read More

Instruments: Flute

Flutist Suzanne Francis received her BA from Kutztown University and a MM from Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts. Her principal teachers include Bart Feller, Emily Skala, and Susanna Loewy. She resides in Princeton, NJ performing regularly with the Princeton University ensembles, the Brook Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Voices Chorale, the Bronx Opera Company, and Berks Sinfonietta. As a founder and Principal Flutist of the Garden State Quintet, she is an advocate for emphasizing the prominence of contemporary music while staying rooted in the foundations set forth by traditional pedagogy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

I use what some have called the target approach. With this method you are working on one concept at a time, and you should always have one concept in mind while you practice. Some examples of beginning concepts are 1) keeping a steady beat, 2) sound quality, or 3) smooth finger technique. In one practice session using the target approach you may spend 10 minutes on target 1) and 15 minutes on target 2). What is important, however, is that you continue to work on a target every day until you find yourself performing that single concept flawlessly and effortlessly. Read More