Curtis Bay, MD Flute Lessons

I combine many years of professional performing experience in a variety of ensembles and genres, with my advanced education - a Doctorate in Music Performance, to bring a love of music and of playing the flute to my students. I get passionate about helping my students set and meet - even exceed - their goals. Lessons and repertoire are tailored towards individual learning styles.

I hold a degree in Music Education and has been a flute instructor for years. I offered quality flute lessons to students from beginner to intermediate level.

Also, I incorporate music fundamentals such as sight reading, scales, rhythms, practicing techniques and performance skills into all my private flute lessons. Additionally, elementary and advanced music theory studies are included in flute lessons to help each student feel more comfortable and confident when playing the flute in any musical environment

I am a professional flautist and have taught flute for more than 20 years to students of all age groups. Throughout my years teaching I have also been a part of a multitude of orchestras and chamber groups, held solo concerts, and done recordings for American composers.

During this time I have developed teaching methods and lesson plans starting with embrasure and breathing techniques and leading to strong memorization techniques through scales and arpeggios. I have also prepared students for solo and chamber music recitals, multiple who have gone to national and international level competitions.

I encourage my students to play music of all periods including classical as well as contemporary while keeping the environment of my lessons very friendly and fun.

I look forward to meeting you and teaching you all I have to offer!

As a devoted instructor, I have a passion for teaching students of all levels. I use knowledge I learned from my flute professors and create a teaching style based on each of my students' individual needs. I value the student being able to create their own ideas and suggestions.

I cover topics from developing proper form to producing a beautiful tone, creating own musical ideas, performing with self-confidence, developing a helpful warm-up, and preparing for an audition.

I teach flute lessons in the heart of Mount Vernon, just a few blocks away from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. With four years of teaching experience and a wealth of creative knowledge gained from my time at Oberlin College and Conservatory, my teaching caters to every age and ability. In addition to studying at Oberlin (and now Peabody) I grew up in a very musical household, and have two younger siblings.
I love working with all types of students, whether they’re preparing for college auditions, just beginning the flute, or only looking to play for fun, and I also have experience with students with special needs. Please contact me through this website if you would like lessons, and I will respond within a day!

Jonathan is Artist-in-Residence at American University in Washington, DC and teaches flute at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. He performs with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and other ensembles in the Washington DC area. Jonathan lives in Arlington with his wife, cellist Amy , and daughter Sarah.

He maintains an active teaching studio at his home. He has been principal flutist of the Mexico City Philharmonic, and has made recordings for NPR and the Discovery Channel. An active chamber musician and soloist, he has been featured at the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC; as soloist with the New American Chamber orchestra, and at the Old Isleworth Festival in London, England.

He holds a MM from Juilliard where he was a scholarship student of Samuel Baron. He studied with Thomas Nyfenger on a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, and in Paris with Michel Debost.

My expertise is in jazz improvisation and doubling. If you are looking for somebody to teach you the Poulenc Sonata, there are other qualified teachers. If you are already a great sax player and you need to get your flute chops up for a broadway gig, I'm your guy!

Most of my professional work involving flute usually is accompanied by a clarinet, bass clarinet, or saxophones, so I am an expert on any combination of those instruments. I do not play double reeds.

I have experience teaching students from ages 5-40. I am open to beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. I tailor each lesson to each individual student where we will outline your goals and what you want to take away from taking private lessons.

I have experience preparing students for competitions and auditions. At any level, for any player, I focus on covering fundamentals and building a strong, solid foundation. I have taught one-on-one, in small groups, in large groups, flute ensembles, and in masterclass settings. I am happy to teach group lessons or sectionals. I look forward to meeting and making music with you!

Flute lessons for beginning and intermediate students with an emphasis on technique and musical literacy.

Sierra Schmeltzer is a freelance flutist in the Los Angeles area specializing in chamber, solo, and orchestral music. Kick starting her solo career, she won first prize in the Oregon Symphony’s Wiscarson Concerto Competition at the age of 16. Sierra is currently pursuing her Master of Music degree at the University of Southern California, where she is studying with Jim Walker, a previous principle of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and well-known studio musician.