Ear Training with Allison V.

Welcome to my profile! I provide a warm and encouraging environment for students to make the mistakes necessary for learning an instrument and exploring their musical creativity. My passion for music has inspired me to pursue teaching and performance professionally in order to help others achieve their musical dreams. My ultimate goal is for my students to gain all the skills necessary for creating meaningful musical experiences for themselves. Specifically I try to help them gain clean technique, a pleasing and expressive tone, basic understanding of music theory, and enough knowledge of music history to play with appropriate expression. I try to accomplish these goals by clearly explaining careful and deliberate practice techniques that remove the stress often associated with daily practice. Students will reap the benefits if they are committed to a daily practice schedule, are attentive during lessons, ask questions, and are honest with themselves about what is and is not working. I began my teaching career in college while earning a Bachelor's in Music from Southwestern University (magna cum laude). I currently play as a soloist and with groups including AURORA: Trio for Flute, Harp, and Cello, the Shimmer Flute Choir, and Sounds of Silver Flute Quartet. I am also an active member of the Music Teacher's National Association and volunteer coordinator of the Houston Flute Club. I love performing and I share my passion for music with my students. *** Lesson Details *** ***I only teach lessons in my studio or online for certain subjects. I DO NOT TRAVEL TO STUDENTS' HOMES.*** Flute Lessons: I offer lessons that cover just about every aspect of playing the Western concert flute. Students can expect to become well-rounded musicians who are knowledgeable about flute technique, tone, music theory and history. I use a combination of the Rubank Method and Flute 101 books with handout supplements. The biggest changes I've seen in my students after a few months is a better understanding of how to practice efficiently as well as improved tone. Furthermore, every year many of my students earn superior ratings of 1 on their UIL solos. Every Spring my students and I participate in Flute Fest, a day-long celebration of all things flute, including concerts, masterclasses, and a solo and ensemble contest. A few weeks later we have our annual studio recital where everyone shows off their hard work. A NOTE ABOUT WOODEN FLUTES Occasionally I am asked to help students play wooden, non-western flutes. Although the very basic fundamentals are the same, I do not play these flutes and do not teach them. Piano Lessons: Piano is not only fun to play for its own sake, but provides a foundation for all music making. Students will learn about proper posture and hand-positioning, note-reading, rhythm, and a little history as well, using a mix of the Piano Pronto and John Thompson book series. Music Theory Lessons: I can help students of any instrument better understand the fundamental concepts of music theory: scales, intervals, chords, part-writing, etc. Theory lessons take place at the piano to demonstrate concepts. However, students do not have to play piano to take theory lessons. I typically use a combination of the Master Theory curriculum and other handouts, unless the student is already working out of another textbook. **Online theory lessons** use the same curriculum, but with the screen share feature to help my demonstrations. Summer Curriculum: During the summer I offer additional group classes on different subjects, including theory and ear-training. I try something new every year to provide a variety of opportunities for students to learn and grow in their musicianship. ***Tuition Packages*** I have combined my own policies with TakeLessons'. I consider the Recurring Schedule a Subscription Package, where clients pay the same amount every month, equal to the value of four lessons, regardless of the number of lessons attended. This guarantees a permanent reservation of your time slot. I only allow Schedule-As-You-Go under special circumstances. Please send me a message first if you are unsure about committing to a regular time. I am happy to answer questions about tuition through the Ask A Question feature! *** Studio Equipment *** My studio is located in the front room of my home and includes a music stand, piano, and comfortable chairs in case parents would like to stay for the lesson. *** Specialties *** While I teach all aspects of music-making, I give particular focus on rhythmic accuracy (counting and reading rhythms). clean technique, and efficient practice strategies.