Flute Lessons in Gladstone, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

Teaching is the best decision I have ever made in my entire career. When students first start I always ask them what their goals are and what they would like to work on. My goal for them is to watch them grow into the best musicians they can be because I see so much potential in them. For band students, during marching band camp, I asked my students to play what they could and gave them feedback afterward including suggestions on how to correct bad habits early on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

My approach to teaching anyone music is to present it as a unique language, one that anyone in the world can use to communicate with anyone. Therefore, my initial emphasis for each student is to help them master the flute in terms of technique and tone so that they can then concentrate on the style of music that they love. Lesson plans are very detailed and great emphasis is placed on problem solving and working out ways to improve while the student still juggles a busy schedule. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I am demanding in terms of focus and dedication. There is pride shared when a student is successful. I don't measure success based on how many auditions or competitions someone has won, but a smile after completing a difficult task, a concept that finally hits home, or the enjoyment a student has when they can experience their improvements are the successes I strive toward. These are things a student and a teacher can control. Read More

Instruments: Flute

Student level of proficiency and interest will guide my instruction. This will range within the genres of jazz or classical performance, which also will include listening to and discussing what makes a performance excellent. I have specific background in flute sound and tone production have been the student of the renown flutist and teacher, Frances Blaisdell. Information on Miss Blaisdell can be accessed by an internet search. I would as applicable also use piano and keyboard harmony to enhance jazz instruction. 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 Flute Recorder Piccolo

 In addition to teaching I am an active freelance flute and piccolo player. I love playing in symphonies and opera orchestras and have worked with conductors Pierre Vallet, Keith Chambers, and David Bernard among others. I particularly love the exhilaration of soaring above the orchestra on piccolo. I have performed at venues throughout the city including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Symphony Space.  I received my Bachelor's in Music in Flute Performance from New York University, graduating summa cum laude in 2007. Read More