Flute Lessons in Great Falls, VA

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I find that the most important part of studying an instrument is that the student gains an appreciation of music. Therefore, I make it an important part of my lessons to work on at least one thing that student is particularly interested in. I find that praising students often even when they make small gains is good encouragement and serves to further encourage them to play well and enjoy what they play. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bassoon

Although it is my responsibility to teach fundamentals of playing the instrument and reading music correctly, I spend as much time as I can on not becoming enslaved to the printed page. In other words, once a student begins to play at a higher level, I introduce how to express oneself and the music in an aesthetically satisfying manner. Breaking down the barriers caused by musical notation and enabling an individual to express themselves musically and with proper phrasing and sensitivity is my primary goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music Keyboard

I have made sure to transfer all of these skills to my private teaching. I am very direct with my students and act as facilitator in lesson discussions, and to try not making decisions for them. I heavily employ the "trial by fire" and "sink or swim" methods, as I've found those the most effective in my lifetime of learning new things. However, I am flexible in going back and reteaching and remodeling, as long as we still keep our "eyes on the prize", whether that be personal rewards, scholastic musical awards, musical career advancement, music therapy approach/feelings, etc. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style varies for each student's individual needs. For beginner students I often try the easiest way for the student to enjoy the lesson while also giving the most value in their time. It is my desire to show every student that they have what is capable of making great music, now. Creating a supportive environment for the student to explore their instrument in all ways and gain the understanding that everything they do on their instrument is an opportunity to learn and grow is of utmost importance to me. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I have experience teaching flute and piccolo students ages 6-60, from brand new beginners to advanced high school students and beyond. I have worked with students in a variety of settings, from one on one private lessons, small group sessions, to flute sectional coaching. My primary goal is always for lessons to be a fun and positive experience at any level. While I emphasize technique and fundamentals at all levels because I believe these are essential to develop the skill required learning any instrument, I always like to end lessons with a skill appropriate duet, because the best part of music making is being able to create and share it with others. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Teaching is my passion, because it provides the constant challenge of finding ways to unlock a young musician's potential. No two students learn the same way. While I can rely on my "bag" of techniques and methods, I believe each student requires and deserves a unique plan to help them reach their fullest musical potential. Part of what I love about teaching involves the time spent getting to know a student, and working with them to construct a plan that leads to success. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

My teaching style is based on an open system, which allows the student to express their ideas and concerns about the topics covered in each lesson, in order to build the educational strategy that can best benefit the student. As an professor, the educational development of each student will always be a priority, but as a musician I recognize that there are activities that can facilitate this work, such as collaborations between different students to perform chamber music, collaborations between the student and the teacher to play musical duos during lessons, among other activities that keep the student interested and curious at all times. Read More