Houston, TX Flute Lessons

Details ***
All lessons are tailored to the students needs and goals. I like for all students to have serious music/etudes to work on as well as something fun that you enjoy playing. I teach everything from classical to pop music, beginner to advanced, age 4 to 99. Whatever your goals are, I can help you achieve them!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music stand and chair

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide nothing, students must have instrument, books and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
Contemporary flute techniques and performance.
Early childhood music and movement for young children.

re committed to a regular 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.

Although classically trained I also enjoy classic rock and appreciate music from other cultures as well.

I frequently write arrangements for flute choir and other ensembles, and so I can help students who want to learn more about arranging and composition.

In addition to the flute I also have experience with the piccolo, alto, and bass flute. I love performing and I share my passion for music with my students.

*** Lesson Details ***

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 can only offer very limited help.

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 the Piano Pronto 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 added my own features to the two tuition options TL already offers. 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 call the Schedule-As-You-Go the A La Carte Package, for those who cannot commit to a regular time. There is no reservation of a time slot and you pay for a few lessons at a 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 ***
I primarily concentrate on classical music, but I also have experience with extended techniques, which include singing and playing at the same time, key clicks, and multiphonics.

melody genius of jazz artists like George Van Eps, Joe Pass, and Bucky Pizzarelli. It was then I realized that the guitar could be an "orchestra."
In the small town where I grew up, there were no guitar teachers so I studied with outstanding Guitarist Ed McGuire. Later, I studied formally with several renowned professors of guitar, including Bruce Holzman at FSU and Randy Reed, a professor at Duke University in Durham North Carolina.
I have also performed in Master Classes for Classical Guitarists Atigoni Goni and Dimitri Diatchenko.
Before making North Florida my home, I toured and played throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast in a variety of venues and styles from Rock to Jazz to R&B.
Even after settling down I have stayed active in the music business, playing and teaching. I continue to work regularly performing solo, or in ensembles throughout Florida from Tallahassee to Jacksonville.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher who prefers to motivate my students by instilling my love of, and enthusiasm for, music in them rather than using any kind of "scare" tactics. I had a very few "knuckle rapper" style teachers over the years and found them to be very unmotivating.
A large percentage of the progress a student makes happens between the lessons. The more they practice, the faster they improve.
I also believe in building a solid foundation that my students can build upon. A good teacher teaches a student how to teach themselves.
On guitar, I encourage, but don't insist on, my students learning to read music. Some styles of guitar do not require it, but I do mention the gigs I have gotten over the years because I could read.
On all instruments, I am a big believer in great technique, musicianship and improvisational skills.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio is in back of the house as an addition. It has its own separate entrance and is approx 160 sq feet. Well lit and with heat and air.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide a music stand if needed. Students must have their own instrument. They will need to get their own books, though I do provide much supplemental material.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Classical, Blues, Flamenco

de Monterrey, Symphony of Southeast Texas, and Opera in the Heights.

Shannon has been a faculty member at various colleges, is currently Adjunct Professor of Music at Brazosport College, and also has an active private studio, Leigh Studios. She is the College Music Society South-Central Regional President; and is an Advisory Board member for the Houston Flute Club.

Shannon received her Masters of Music degree in Performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She also studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and received her B.A. degree in Performance, and B.S. degree in Music-Business from Winona State University, and has studied with world-renowned instructors.

Shannon has received grants for her work, from the Minnesota State Arts Board, American Federation of Musicians, Rome Festival Orchestra, and the Winona Music Guild, and was the 1997 recipient of the Vivian Menees Nelson Music Award.

Shannon is also a sponsored triathlete and trainer/coach/race director, and gives workshops on the importance of healthy living, nutrition and exercise for musicians. She is a board member for The Lake Charles Triathletes. And she is a strong advocate for music, health, and triathlon. Sponsors: Maggie Martinez-LMT, Eating for Performance, Bikesport, DeSoto Sport, Gu Performance Energy, Rudy Project, Amit Jethva-DDS, Leigh Enterprises.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am pretty easy going. I want you to feel comfortable and at ease, but we do need to focus and can have fun doing it. :)
I utilize various methods for each instrument, which is determined by the students learning style and ability; needs, so this can change as time goes on (not sticking to one particular publishers materials). I have done (and continue to do) extensive research into materials available for each instrument I teach, and supplement with my own, to utilize the best out there for "YOU" for the best possible progress. While ensuring an extremely well-rounded musical education, so you can progress at the best possible rate. Since each student's potential is different, each will progress differently. This is also determined by your dedication to daily practice (the more you practice, the quicker you will progress & the more accomplished you will become). This is a 'Team Effort'; I give the guidance and tools. You practice, utilize learn these tools, and off we go! The sky is the limit!

*** Specialties ***
Classical, jazz
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FITNESS: Shannon has been athletic most of her life. she is a Certified Personal Trainer, and Specialist in Exercise Therapy, with 10 years experience in triathlon. She is a sponsored athlete. She applies her years of teaching experience to helping you reach your physical and nutritional goals, to be the healthiest you can be. She's not for quick fixes/results. It's all about a transformational lifestyle change. Enjoy the journey! It's well worth it! (see info above).

-home music studio is centrally located in La Mesa between the 8 and 94 freeways. 10 minutes from SDSU, 12 minutes from Grossmont, 19 minutes from El Cajon. Plenty of free parking, a waiting area for parents and siblings, and shopping close by. Many of my parents drop their kids off and run errands during lessons.

“Dave provides a structured template for learning which is tempered by a lot of humor.” –Judith T.

tate University, located in Kent, OH, and I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music Education. I'm definitely a fun-loving, outgoing person, and my teaching style is tailored to my students; a think-outside-the-box style, and hands-on.

Let's get together, reach for those stars, and grab your goals!

udents' specific needs and enjoy finding new ways to develop each child's potential. I use creative approaches to assist in musician growth, including singing, composing, dictation (writing melody and rhythm by ear), and body movement.

I look forward to working with you!