Flute with Alison D.

How many people can say they have wanted to play the flute since they were a child and actually stick with it? From the first time Alison heard the flute's sweet breathy sound at a Vermont Symphony Orchestra concert at the age of four, there was no question music performance was her calling. Alison began studies as a Vermont resident, learning beginner to intermediate flute technique and performance under the tutelage of Heidi Baxter and the Upper Valley Music Center. Throughout her High School career, Alison developed abilities as a collaborative performer participating in Districts Bands, chamber ensembles, and attending summer music programs such as Skidmore College's Summer Flute Institute and the New England Music Camp in Maine. In 2002 she also began teaching beginner flute students. In 2004 after winning the Rosenburg Scholarship in Music, Alison chose to continue her studies under David Lavorgna as a music performance major at Goucher College. It was here Alison advanced her skills as a classical musician taking classes in musicianship, music theory, music history, chamber ensemble performance, and sitting first chair of her section in Chamber Orchestra for the duration of her studies. Also during this time, she expanded her musical understanding studying music abroad in Prague, taking Independent flute technique lessons in Florence Italy, and attending many of Goucher College's lecture series and world music events. Also in 2008, she began private Irish Flute instruction with Laura Byrne. As a soloist, Alison performed a variety of standard classical music repertoire for flute in the Baroque to 20th century eras and graduated top of her class in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance. Now living in the Cambridge/Somerville area of Massachusetts, Alison continues to expand and improve her skills as a performer and teacher. You can see her perform regularly with local bands at some of the Boston areas top music clubs and accompanying local Children's Music super star Jeff Kaupi, putting a new twist on well known Children's Music folk tunes and Jeff's original compositions. *** Lesson Details *** Before your first lesson, Alison will give you a call to discuss the student's specific wants and needs. This is because she has discovered lessons are much more meaningful to her students when they have specific ascertainable goals to work towards. Each lesson draws from a variety of methods and techniques Alison uses in her own practice to improve musicianship, breath control, and tone. Students can expect to work on some of the following during their lessons: Developing a beautiful rich sound Ear training, intonation Diaphragm support and breath control Counting and reading music Sight reading Music Theory Breath placement Practice strategies to enhance productivity Building both solo and ensemble performance skills How to overcome performance anxiety Yoga for flutists (breath and posture improvement) Injury prevention Flute maintenance Music from a variety of genres and classical music composers *** Specialties *** Beginner Students Classical music performance Chamber ensembles Chamber Orchestra Band Repertoire Performance technique/ Stage Presence