Flute Lessons in Sharpsburg, DC

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium 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: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Students can expect to work from a variety of method books to study instrumental techniques, and music theory. For beginning students I prefer Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, but also work with any method book a student uses in their band class. Students will also work from the Peters/Yoder Master Theory Series. We will also incorporate a students "favorite" music to help develop listening skills and gain a level of comfort and familiarity with improvisation from the very beginning of their lessons with me. 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: Piano Trumpet Flute Clarinet Double Bass

Over the past 10 years I have developed different methods of teaching musical concepts so that if the lessons don't make sense the first way I explain them I can teach it from a different angle. Not everyone can learn the same way so you have to be flexible with different teaching styles. I like to make sure the student learns not only what they need to know, but also what they want to know. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I love watching students learn and helping them to progress. There is nothing more satisfying than sharing my love for playing music with students! I set realistic goals for each student depending on their starting point. Assessing where each student is with their playing is the most important aspect of teaching. Too hard and the student will get discouraged. Too easy and they will be bored. I encourage them to select at least one piece of music that they would enjoy learning to keep their interest. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with a songbook, such as the Accent on Achievement method book. Once the student has a grasp on the fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire. For adult students, I try to find out what the student is interested in pursuing, and then if they are a beginner, I teach fundamentals through the Rubank method books and supplement with songs that are approapriate to the student's taste. Read More