Guitar Lessons in Jacksonville, FL

Instruments: Flute Piccolo Music

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I did play French horn in high school-my junior year we had NONE, so I, along with a few others, volunteered to pick it up, and I ended up playing French horn for 2 years, and mellophone in my school’s marching band for my senior year as one of only 2 mellos that year. I was sad to leave my flute babies for my last year marching with my high school but it ended up being super fun, and I finally developed some upper arm strength, haha!

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Probably either writing or working as a graphic designer, I’ve always been a bookworm and I actually almost went into graphic design rather than music, I only changed my mind about halfway through my senior year of high school.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Sometimes the smallest changes have the biggest effect, always practice the hardest things first, and always keep your drink nearby-you’d be surprised by how much taking a water break can help you refocus and relax enough to figure out a tough part. Oh, and if you can, listen to what you’re preparing to play-sometimes hearing it is the best way to know how to play it.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Personally I think anyone can benefit from lessons-but if they’re at a point where rehearsals and sectionals aren’t helping much, or if they seem to be on the cusp of hitting a breakthrough sound-wise but can’t quite get it, even just a couple of private lessons can get them the help they need to be truly great!

When will I start to see results?
It depends on the student and what they’re working on-sometimes you’ll see them right away, sometimes it takes weeks or even months to be able to notice improvement. The key is patience and attention to detail!

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Honestly, I just thought it was the prettiest sound as a kid. I’ve always loved the way trills add that little bit of almost magical sound to a piece, and the range of sound is simply beautiful.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Double- and triple-tonguing. Getting your tongue to move in the way you need it to and articulate that fast is exceptionally tricky. But with plenty of practice, patience, and time, it comes around!

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
While I don’t have any that I use exclusively yet, Trevor Wye’s method books, which my flute professor at Murray State encouraged me to get, are probably the most complete set of exercises and have personally helped me the most.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Not really a piece, but playing in the pit orchestra for Anastasia, Phantom of the Opera, or Carmen would be a dream come true! If I ever got to do any of those I think I’d have to keep pinching myself!

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
First, finger warmups-my fingers tend to lock at first so I need to loosen them up. Then, tone/breath exercises (my flute professor at MSU, Dr. Stephanie Rea, gave us a set that worked wonders for my tone). Then I usually do scales-I have an app that gives me a random scale for me to do so I don’t get into a pattern where I can zone out and just get it done. Then, depending on the length of the session, I sometimes do exercises to keep my range as wide as possible-Trevor Wye has some amazing exercises for this. After that, it’s an etude or longer exercise. Then I get into my piece, usually playing it through once to get an idea of what areas I need to work on so I can break it into chunks and target those spots specifically. Then I try and do a nice cool-down so my chops don’t feel worn out-usually an easy excerpt or etude.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes! My grandfather had a bluegrass band with my great uncle and some friends, my father played upright bass, my 3 older sisters played clarinet, saxophone, and drums, and my younger sister is learning guitar and drums.

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