Lessons
As a flute teacher, it is my goal to teach whole musicianship. This includes mastery of the instrument: thorough sound control, flexibility of technique, and the ability to express an individual, informed interpretation of musical works. During their program of study, students should expect to learn works from a variety of musical eras and styles; we talk about era-specific instruments and stylistic traits of the major historical genres. All students learn works from the standard flute literature, but I also encourage students to explore special topics, such as works by underrepresented composers, electro-acoustic trends, and composers of specific geographic regions.
Lessons include a focus on creating a beautiful, even tone through a variety of tone exercises. Technical exercises are shared by the studio each semester, and incorporated into games and studio activities, and each student is assigned appropriate solo and chamber music literature.
Studio classes are an important part of building a flute community. Each semester, we share a technique challenge, as well as a semester theme; previous semester themes have included vibrato, articulation, Music from France, and pedagogy. I strive to incorporate guest speakers and performers who excel in areas where I have less experience. I want my students to see that there are limitless ways to incorporate music-making into their futures; my way is only one of several options.
Most importantly, I believe in a healthy approach to playing the flute and incorporate that into my teaching. You've heard the mantra, "Attitude is everything?" Not entirely - but it sure helps! Happy, healthy people make happier, healthier flutists and musicians. By focusing on why we've chosen to do the work we do, I encourage each student to find an intrinsic motivation. Establishing goals with each student is a key component of my pedagogy. By envisioning where they want to be, we are able to reverse-engineer a path to get there. When you're working with the goal in mind, whether that goal is to ace an audition next month or to land the dream job in ten years, it's much more motivating to put in the work.
Lessons include a focus on creating a beautiful, even tone through a variety of tone exercises. Technical exercises are shared by the studio each semester, and incorporated into games and studio activities, and each student is assigned appropriate solo and chamber music literature.
Studio classes are an important part of building a flute community. Each semester, we share a technique challenge, as well as a semester theme; previous semester themes have included vibrato, articulation, Music from France, and pedagogy. I strive to incorporate guest speakers and performers who excel in areas where I have less experience. I want my students to see that there are limitless ways to incorporate music-making into their futures; my way is only one of several options.
Most importantly, I believe in a healthy approach to playing the flute and incorporate that into my teaching. You've heard the mantra, "Attitude is everything?" Not entirely - but it sure helps! Happy, healthy people make happier, healthier flutists and musicians. By focusing on why we've chosen to do the work we do, I encourage each student to find an intrinsic motivation. Establishing goals with each student is a key component of my pedagogy. By envisioning where they want to be, we are able to reverse-engineer a path to get there. When you're working with the goal in mind, whether that goal is to ace an audition next month or to land the dream job in ten years, it's much more motivating to put in the work.
What to Expect
Lessons focus on the development of sound control, including proper fundamental posture and breathing. These are necessary in order to have good tone production. Students should also develop sufficient technical skills to express themselves creatively and musically. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills as they relate to the flute and to flute playing through a range of musical eras and genres.
Lastly, students are encouraged to explore what motivates them to be the best musician they can be. We all have a highly individual, deep and complex relationship with music - does your practice mentality help or hinder your development?
Lastly, students are encouraged to explore what motivates them to be the best musician they can be. We all have a highly individual, deep and complex relationship with music - does your practice mentality help or hinder your development?
Expectations
Students are expected to maintain a dedicated practice schedule in order to progress on their instrument; I will work with students to determine what will best suit their goals. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in a school or community ensemble, as well as Dr. Robinson's flute ensemble at South Dakota State University.
It is the responsibility of the student to establish a focused, daily practice routine. This can include singing, dancing, clapping, counting rhythms, practicing instrument fingerings, and slow, methodical practice of the assigned material. For college students, this should include score steady and regular, focused listening.
Students and/or parents who consistently fail to demonstrate adequate practice habits may be asked to discontinue lessons, or may be referred to another flute teacher.
Students are expected to maintain a dedicated practice schedule in order to progress on their instrument; I will work with students to determine what will best suit their goals. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in a school or community ensemble, as well as Dr. Robinson's flute ensemble at South Dakota State University.
It is the responsibility of the student to establish a focused, daily practice routine. This can include singing, dancing, clapping, counting rhythms, practicing instrument fingerings, and slow, methodical practice of the assigned material. For college students, this should include score steady and regular, focused listening.
Students and/or parents who consistently fail to demonstrate adequate practice habits may be asked to discontinue lessons, or may be referred to another flute teacher.
Lesson Fees and Rates
Lesson length depends on the level of skill and maturity of the student. Lessons can be scheduled in increments of 30, 45, or 60 minutes, at rates which vary depending upon length. Discounts are available for students who schedule lessons by the fiscal quarter, or for families that choose to schedule in groups.*
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Make-up lessons are not always available, so please plan ahead!
*In cases where lesson fees create a financial hardship for a motivated student, it is sometimes possible to arrange a lesson sponsor, essentially a scholarship for a portion of the lesson fee. We can discuss this at your trial lesson.
Lesson length depends on the level of skill and maturity of the student. Lessons can be scheduled in increments of 30, 45, or 60 minutes, at rates which vary depending upon length. Discounts are available for students who schedule lessons by the fiscal quarter, or for families that choose to schedule in groups.*
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Make-up lessons are not always available, so please plan ahead!
*In cases where lesson fees create a financial hardship for a motivated student, it is sometimes possible to arrange a lesson sponsor, essentially a scholarship for a portion of the lesson fee. We can discuss this at your trial lesson.
New Students
As with a new job, not every teacher is the right fit for the student. Please contact me about a no cost trial lesson!
This gives us the opportunity meet, and for you to ask any questions you may have. Everyone learns - and teaches! - differently, so it will help us to decide if we're a good fit.
As an added bonus, if you do decide to audition for the studio, we'll have a better baseline for your first official lesson.
As with a new job, not every teacher is the right fit for the student. Please contact me about a no cost trial lesson!
This gives us the opportunity meet, and for you to ask any questions you may have. Everyone learns - and teaches! - differently, so it will help us to decide if we're a good fit.
As an added bonus, if you do decide to audition for the studio, we'll have a better baseline for your first official lesson.