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.