Flute Lessons in Gwynedd, PA

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: Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

For beginners, I start with the basics of sound production, and move onto reading music and basic songs shortly after. I try to teach things both visually and by ear, so that the student does not feel that they have to wait to play fun music until they are advanced enough. I believe in a strong base of music theory (scales, arpeggios, understanding intervals), so that the student can use their musical knowledge in many subject areas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Ukulele

Music has been a big part of me for most of my life. I started playing piano at age 8 and saxophone at age 9. During hish school and college, I recieved many awards and recognitions for my playing. I recieved my Bachelors in 2014 and my Masters in 2015. During my musical studies, I have studied with many stellar musicians and teachers, and I strive to impart the same amount of excitement and energy to my students that these musicians imparted to me. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I encourage student involvement and investment by allowing them to individualize their own lessons. What are the student's goals? Where do they need to be at a certain point in time? All students regardless of goals will learn fundamentals of music theory as well as flute tone and technique. I also encourage flute students to learn a variety of genres, even of those outside of their main focus. A well-rounded education requires the flexibility to play in a wide array of styles as an opportunity may arise. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

For beginning piano students, I usually employ the Faber or Alfred Series books. They are intuitive and the various books (Lesson, Theory, Technique, Performance, etc) complement each other well! They also have an "older beginner" series that is great for teens and adults that are new to piano. I also encourage my students to try composition, even if it is very simple melodies. This is usually after they have established a good grasp on beginning music theory concepts.  For beginning voice, we begin half with the essential signing technique as well as the beginning musical concepts such as pitch, rhythm, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Acoustic Guitar

For my beginning piano students, I emphasize the twelve major and minor scales with proper fingering, first one octave and then two octaves. These exercises strengthens fingers and create more familiarity with the keyboard. I use the book, Level 1 The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien and the companion book, Musicianship for the Older Beginner. I have seen results when these books are used in tandem. The student increases in technique and start to master music theory simultaneously. Read More