Flute Lessons in Oxon Hill, MD

Instruments: Voice Flute

For young children (ages 4-10), I focus primarily on building a foundation in rhythm, pitch matching, and vocal warm ups (wolf howls, lip trills, tongue trills, etc.). I also encourage young children to bring in songs they enjoy singing, and use those songs to help build their understanding of musical structure. For slightly more experienced children (those who already can read music) I teach using the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) guidelines. 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

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: Flute

I am passionate about the flute and love sharing that with students. I graduated from James Madison University where I studied with Carol Kniebusch Noe, played four years in the JMU Flute Choir and in the JMU Wind Symphony. Later I went on to get a master's degree in Arts Management at City University in London. I continue to play locally with the Vale Flute Choir as well as the local band Rok. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

When it comes to teaching, I like to tailor each lesson to what the student needs, and that may be slightly different for each person. I find duets are a great way to get better at sight reading and improving tuning, so I usually bring a level appropriate duet or two to each lesson. Scales, basic music theory and even some music history are all part of lessons, in addition to other repertoire to develop tone, technique, and musicianship. Read More

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

My methods depend entirely on where the student is beginning. If the student does not play in a school setting, I will usually start with Essential Elements. If they are playing in band, I will use whatever their teacher starts with in band and progress from there. If the student has been playing for a while and no longer can use Essential Elements, I will see what music they are interested in. Read More