Question 1

How much is tuition?

Accepted Answer

The first lesson is always FREE, so you can feel free to meet me and see if I am a good match for you. During our free lesson, I take the time to get to know you, your interests, your goals, and go over the studio contract and materials. Please note, if you cancel your free lesson less than 24hrs in advance for anything other than a medical emergency, you forfeit your free lesson.

$15 per half hour
$25 per hour

Tuition is due at the beginning of each lesson, though paid in advance at the beginning of each month is preferred for book-keeping purposes. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, venmo, and paypal (processing fee applies).

Tuition covers instruction, recital space, pass-off rewards, some technique materials (folder, tone exercises, pass-off chart, etc.), and website account with access to studio and personal recordings.

Tuition does NOT cover instrument, technique books, repertoire, or accompanist fees.

Discounts for referrals apply. See studio contract for details.

Question 2

Do you teach online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only for intermediate players. Beginners need to be in person, and so do advanced students. Returning adults may do online instruction, but I haven't found it to be very effective.

Question 3

What flute should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Beginners should rent a closed-hole flute from a local music shop such as Riverton Music or Summerhays. Reputable brands include Trevor James, Gemeinhardt, Pearl, and Yamaha. Small children (under 4 ft) will need a curved head-joint.

Intermediate players should buy an open-holed from a dealer such as Sherry Lee, Jeff Weissman, Carolyn Nussbaum, and JL Smith. Sometimes stores such as Riverton Music and Summerhays carry good options, but do not employ flute-specific technicians. Good brands to look for include Trevor James, Resona, Altus, Amadeus, and Azumi.

Advanced players should never purchase without having tested a flute for at least a week. They need an open-holed with extended B footjoint and C# trill key (split E facilitator and D roller are nice too) from a licensed flute dealer. Great brands include Powell, Haynes, Miyazawa, and Muramatsu. Brands such as Burkart and Brannen are professional models and are very expensive.

I have not found Amazon to be a reputable source for flutes. Sometimes you can find quality instruments on Ebay, so again, look for the brands mentioned above.

Question 4

Do you teach Suzuki method?

Accepted Answer

No, though I do like their books and incorporate their tone exercises.
I focus on the western method: learning scales and the circle of fifths.

Question 5

When does my student need an open-holed?

Accepted Answer

Once they've learned their major, minor, and chromatic scales, and their hands are big enough to reach the holes.

Question 6

How often do you do recitals?

Accepted Answer

Every six months, one usually around Easter, and the other anywhere between October and Christmas. If we don't do a formal Christmas Recital, we usually do a casual Christmas performance where anyone can come and share a carol.

Question 7

Do I need an accompanist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you don't have one, I can hire one for you. The additional cost will be passed on to you as part of tuition.

Question 8

When should I start my child on Flute?

Accepted Answer

As soon as they are interested and can practice effectively. Indicators that a child may be ready for flute are:
1. They can blow bubbles through a straw or underwater for 8 seconds or more
2. They can move their fingers one at a time, usually seen in drumming fingers, wiggling fingers, or playing a recorder or penny whistle.
3. They can hold their arms up for at least 30-60 seconds
4. They can play a recorder, penny, whistle, or fife
5. They can produce a sound by blowing across a bottle or straw.

They are not ready for flute if:
1. They can not blow
2. Are less than 3 feet tall (arms will not reach)
3. Can not place fingers down one at a time
4. Can not hold arms up for at least 30 seconds (lessons will be spent doing push-ups)

To prepare a child for flute:
1. Learn piano OR
2. Learn to play the recorder OR
3. Learn to sing AND
4. Encourage them to whistle AND
5. Encourage them to blow bubbles, blow on a pinwheel, and blow across bottles, or anything hollow with one end plugged.

Question 9

Can boys play flute?

Accepted Answer

YES!! The most celebrated flute players in the world are men: Sir James Galway (yes, he really was knighted for his flute playing), Emmanual Pahud, Jean-Pierre Rampal, just to name a few. Fact is, boys will grow up to be men. Men have larger jaws, bigger chests and throats... physiologically men are better equipped to produce deeper, richer, more projecting sound on the flute. If you think flute is girly instrument, check out Ian Clarke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJUMsRic2U4
.

Questions and Answers

Introductions