Flute Lessons in Gainesville, VA

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I am always trying to have a fun lesson. I know that some students are in school all day and are tired by the end of the day, so I create obtainable goals for each student. Each week we will be able to see the progress that they have made without feeling discouraged that they did not reach a certain number in their method book. I want all of my students to work hard and I know all of my students can suceed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I played music all my life. I began to play the flute at the age of 9 years old and the piano at around 12. I graduated from Washington Adventist University with a degree in music performance. I have performed with the New England Symphonic Ensemble in various countries all over the world including England, Thailand, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Jamaica, Caymen Islands and South Africa. I have performed with the Mid America productions concert series in Carnegie Hall, New York. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

I am a consummate musician and music educator. With over 45 years experience in the music education profession, I have taught numerous students, ranging in age from children through adult, beginner through advanced levels. I have considerable teaching experience in both the public and private school setting, as well as at the college and university level. In addition to my teaching activities, I have been active as a soloist, recitalist, conductor, lecturer, author, and administrator. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo Music

Making music should be fun! Part of that joy is being able to see your own progress. That's why I work with students' individual needs to set realistic goals for each lesson while keeping an eye on long-term goals. I create a warm environment for students to experiment and ask questions so they can better understand their instrument, musical ideas, and their own thought processes. I'm also conscientious to avoid getting too lost in the weeds of technique or theory that we forget to listen. Read More

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: Piano Guitar Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Oboe Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start with basics: learning how to hold the instrument, put it together, etc. Then when that is solid we learn a few notes. From there we go to the Rubank books. At the same time, we start reading music that I find appropriate for them. For adults, it depends on what they want to learn. Popular songs or songs they request. But I also push for technical mastery of the instrument so I push for knowledge of scales and then keep pushing with more challenging/fun pieces. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Students can expect to work from a variety of method books to study instrumental techniques, and music theory. For beginning students I prefer Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, but also work with any method book a student uses in their band class. Students will also work from the Peters/Yoder Master Theory Series. We will also incorporate a students "favorite" music to help develop listening skills and gain a level of comfort and familiarity with improvisation from the very beginning of their lessons with me. Read More