Flute teaching update!

Flute update!!

There is so much I could write about fluting! I've been praying that God would send me a flute student-- just one would be enough to start with.

I let a local-ish piano teacher know I was starting to teach, in case she could give me referrals. Not long afterwards I received a phone call from a sweet sounding lady. We chatted for long time about all the issues we face as flutists-- her flute journey, and mine. When she told me what she is looking for in a teacher-- it was all the things that I have been learning and I am so excited that I will get to share with someone who is ready for the same journey that I have been on. At the end of our conversation she said that she would very much like to take lessons from me!

It's quite different than what I had anticipated. I had thought that my first student was going to be some four, five or six year old--starting with the Suzuki method... fresh clean plate-- from scratch. But as I think about teaching adults-- I'm getting even more excited!

Just in case, anyone interested in lessons, here is my information:

With children younger than twelve, I will be specializing in the Suzuki method. (I am currently working towards Suzuki registration.) I will write another blog about the Suzuki method later but let me just say briefly-- the Suzuki method focuses on ear training. In the beginning children learn their songs by memory. This does not mean that sight reading and music theory is neglected.  A good Suzuki teacher will be able to recognize when the child is ready to start reading, and begin them on a thorough reading path. By this time, the child is so in love with music that the path to reading is much easier. When Suzuki students get to book, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on their age), they are well able to read all the repertoire they desire. Although we always encourage them to learn their songs by memory. As James Galway put it:

"I think it is time we joined the really serious people in our profession and started to play by heart, from the heart, and try to connect to the heart of the people who come to listen to you play".~Galway

For children older than twelve, we can discuss what will be the best route-- especially if they already have piano experience etc.

I welcome adult learners. I have been on quite an amazing journey of discovery myself, and am finally getting some questions answered that I have had for years. I'm very eager to share my journey with flutists who are more mature in their playing, and ready to take it to the next level. An adult learner can expect to cover material such as: playing in tune, harmonics for a beautiful third register, proper breath support, and more.

Currently lessons will be in my home in Inchelium. My rates are

$20 for 30 minute lessons
$28 for 45 minute lessons
$35 for an hour lesson.

10% off if you schedule 10 weekly lessons, and pay for them in advance.

I'm pretty generous with my time though, since I don't have lessons back to back. You can expect to be offered a cup of tea and sit down and visit-- if you so desire!



Flute Background in Brief:

I've had about 8 different flute teachers over the years. The ones that have made the most impact on my playing are: Carol P Tarling. (High School years). Elizabeth Velez Urie, and most recently: Emma Shubin.

Suzuki, fluting, and teaching!

In the last few years I have been really enjoying playing my flute. When I began to play again after quite a few busy years away from it, I realized I was going to need a new flute if I was going to make any progress at all. That led to an exciting adventure, with lots of research, phone calls, and travelling. We ended up visiting a fine flute dealer in Seattle. 

With Courtney Westcotts help, I was able to pick out a fine flute that is perfect for me. Since flute playing is in many ways an extension of the human voice, it's very important that flutists choose a flute that is well adapted to his/her own personal physical attributes and bodies. There is no brand of flute that would work for everyone. You have to try them out and see which works best for you, in creating the desired sound that you want. I was thrilled to be gaining this education in choosing flutes. And I LOVE my Altus-- which is what I selected.

Since my children have been taking Suzuki piano, I have gained a deep love and appreciation for the Suzuki method of learning. It's a method that believes "Every child Can." Every child can learn and excel, and be the best. With the right education and training, every child, even those with seemingly no natural musical ability-- can indeed learn to be musical. In fact it's often called Talent Education-- because all children can be talented!

Since I've been learning and growing in my own flute playing I've been eager to learn all the flute pedagogy that I can. It's fascinating to me. When I was younger-- before I had kids, I had some random flute students along the way. I didn't really have the tools to help them be successful. In fact, even my teachers didn't have the tools to help me be successful. I was finding so many obstacles in my own playing that my teachers were not helping me overcome and it was frustrating! (while it might work for some students for the teacher to say: "OK, now play that with vibrato!", it didn't work for me. I needed to know what was happening with the body and how to control it. I couldn't just "do it" because someone told me too! I needed tools)

In 2012 I began taking some flute lessons from a teacher via Skype. This was the first teacher that had some tools to help me (I’d had 6 teachers before this), and I know I improved a lot with her help. But... then my life totally changed and I began a new pregnancy/baby journey with Bethany! My fluting was on hold!

In the fall of 2014, I finally found the Suzuki teacher I had been looking for. Someone who can help me become my best, and someone to teach me flute pedagogy, -- so that I can be the best teacher in the area, and provide the tools so that everyone I teach can excel at flute, and have fun in the process! Since I'm loving this education so much, I have decided to begin down the road to being a Suzuki Registered teacher! I'm so excited! (It may take some time since I'm a Suzuki Mom to 3 kids, homeschooling them, and taking care of a baby! There are auditions to prepare and classes to take). 

The only thing I am lacking right now, are some flute students. I realize that I am quite far from any real populations that might contain students, but I believe that it will be worth anyone's drive to bring their children to me for flute lessons. I believe I can teach children as young as 4 and up, in a way that will set them in the right direction for a lifetime of flute enjoyment.

Look for a web site coming soon, with studio requirements and other helpful flute information!