Flute Lessons in Searingtown, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style is focused on playing as much as possible and encouraging good practice habits. The most important thing I can do as a teacher is teach my students good practice habits! This includes showing students not only WHAT to practice, but HOW to practice it. By spending as much time as possible in the lesson playing together, I have found that my students have more fun playing in the lesson, learn more, and in turn practice more during the week! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

The first thing I like to establish with my students is a solid practice routine. There is no formula that works perfectly for everyone, but I do have a very good system which can easily be altered to fit each students individual needs. The next step is to set realistic goals. When students have a clear vision of what they are working towards, it is much easier to stay motivated and on track to achieving those goals. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I want all my students to have a strong foundation of technique and theory, so I have all my students wok on scales and scale patterns. For a students solo repertoire, I will give all my students lots of choices. I use collections such as Forty Little Pieces for Beginner Flutists (Louis Moyse) for beginners, 24 Short Concert Pieces (Hal Leonard) for intermediate, but I also have my own supplemental repertoire list with music for all levels (especially more advanced). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

For Beginner students I have them start with the recorder. The instrument allows for a smooth segue to the flute being that the student can see their fingers and the recorder does not require the same air speed and lung capacity that the flute does so the student can pace themselves. For intermediate or advanced students I will go through orchestral excerpts, etudes, or technical studies with them. I follow the same model with my adult students, if they are just starting out I will recommend beginning on recorder to solidify fingerings however the mental and physical capacity of an adult versus a young child are very different. 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 Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For beginning students just starting out method books like "Hal Leonard's Essential Elements" is very popular and useful or other similar method books that public schools use. In addition to working from the popular school method books and any band music I will assign different things for my students to work on to keep our lessons fun and engaging. Each student will receive instruction from me that will inspire them to practice and want to learn more and get better. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music

As a teacher, I am learning from my students as well - each person is a unique journey in the world of music and each person teaches me something about communication, understanding, motivation, time-managing during lessons and in individual practice. My main objective is to make the lessons a joy, a positive, motivating experience, to boost self-confidence and provide enjoyment, fun. I teach different people differently, using my background in psychology of learning, understanding individual needs. Read More