Flute Lessons in Miller Place, NY

Instruments: Flute

I began teaching when I was in High School, where I had several students of varying ages and skill levels.  I taught private lessons in their homes.  I encourage regular practice, and weekly lessons.  A mixture of method books and my own personal written lessons I have found to be the most effective teaching strategy. Books with a variety of popular solos I also utilize.  Method books are necessary for skill, but can get boring and repetitive for younger students.  Keeping things fresh and interesting is my main focus in teaching. Read More

Instruments: Flute

As I mentioned I use a similar method to my teachers, which includes ear training, practice on the instrument and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

Having taught many students over the years, my favorite books for young beginners are the Rubank series and Pares Scale book. These give a good foundation and progression and have easy to read fingering charts. Once a student gets going with these I introduce simple duet books so that, by playing with me, they develop a strong sense of tone and intonation. The first solo books I recommend are collections of solo's by famous composers, these give the student the chance to gravitate toward the style and composer they like best. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I like to get to know my students before real in depth work can begin. Why are you interested in music? Why flute specifically? What other activites interest you? etc. I ask these questions so that analogies can be made to show how most things apply to all interests. Practice techniques in sports are similar to those in music for example. Knowing a student's personality outside of music also helps when setting goals, such as what to work on specifically in each lesson, what they are working towards in their own practice, and what future plans they have for music. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I have been teaching for more than four years, and each time I encounter a student, I encounter new challenges. I am somewhat stern, yet kind, and I can easily make students laugh. I also try to find out more about the subject that each student likes so that we can both incorporate a bit of fun into the lesson. My sense of humor has come in handy more that once when I find that a student is struggling. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I also want to stress the variation of the type of music a student plays... learning different compositions in many styles, be it baroque, romantic, folk, or even just rock songs, helps a student to have more fun learning and also become more musically rounded and intuitive. I also always encourage my students to listen to the pieces they are playing! This gives them a better understanding of the piece as a whole. Read More