Piano with Sheila M.

My interest in music began at the age of seven when I began private instruction in classical piano, and by the age of ten, I began playing the flute. I received my Bachelor of Music with a degree in Music Education from the University of Redlands, where I studied flute with Sara Andon. There, I performed in the university's Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Orchestra. During my third year at university, I studied abroad at the Zoltan Kodaly Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemet, Hungary. In 2013, I graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Masters degree in Flute Performance where I studied flute with Sandra Kipp. At CSUN, I performed in the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Northridge Flute Quartet, and various chamber ensembles. *** Lesson Details *** In my studio, students will receive a well rounded music education. We will navigate through a variety of topics such as sight reading, music theory, music history, and a wide range of repertoire (from Beethoven to the Beatles!) While I have high expectations for my students, I do my best to keep the lessons comfortable and lighthearted. My hope is that the student is always engaged during lessons. My three expectations: 1. Students must come to each lesson prepared both mentally and physically (this is especially important for flutists-- make sure to warm up prior to the lesson!) 2. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. This is non-threatening territory and I am here to guide each student. We're human, so mistakes will inevitably occur. My expectation is for the student to learn from those mistakes so that they can take something away from each experience. 3. For parents-- Be involved! Younger students tend to excel substantially when a parent or guardian is proactive in the process, particularly with online lessons. This means encouraging them to practice, coming up with a rewards system, and occasionally sitting in on lessons to take notes or help during online lessons as I cannot physically be there. This way, you can reinforce what we accomplished during the lesson at home together. *** Required Materials *** Flute students must own a well maintained flute, as an instrument that is out of adjustment causes frustration and can initiate bad habits. In addition, the student must also have a metronome and tuner (there are some great apps for these), a music stand and the required flute repertoire. Piano students must have a working acoustic piano or digital piano in their home for piano lessons. The student must also have a metronome and the required piano repertoire.