Flute with Emily A.

Playing the flute has given me so much joy, and it is my dream to pass that joy along to others. Whether you're just starting out, picking the flute up after a long time away, or looking to hone your skills, I can help you reach your flute goals! In all my lessons, beginner to advanced, students learn how to make beautiful music, sight read, understand basic music theory, and practice safely. We work out of the Rubank method book, but I also utilize handwritten exercises and songs. I also always encourage my students to bring music they want to learn. I've covered everything from classical and jazz music to pop songs and show tunes! Absolute Beginners: In our very first lesson, students learn the parts of the flute and how to make a sound. We learn about flute care, and how to correctly hold the flute. Basic music theory is introduced at this level, once the student can consistently make a sound with the headjoint. Securing the basics at this level is very important, but with games and simple songs, we make it fun :) Beginners: Fluent note-reading is my focus at this level. Music is a language, and it takes time for students to feel comfortable reading it! My students begin learning how to sight read at this level, and learn all of the basic scales (C, G, D, F, Bb, and Eb). Normally, I start playing duets with my students at this level as well, and will continue to do so once in-person lessons become safe again. Intermediate: Musicality and greater understanding of basic music theory is my goal at this level! Students learn how to shape musical lines using dynamics and articulation. We cover techniques like trills and mordents, and can begin to dive into flute repertoire, or songs they really enjoy and want to play! I send my online students audio of me playing one line of a duet at this level, so they can practice playing along. Playing with a piano (recording or in person) is also encouraged at this level! By the end of this level, students will have a firm grasp on most common flute techniques, as well as all of the major scales. Advanced: Individuality is my goal at this level. As advanced players, my students begin to think about the sounds and interpretations they want to achieve. We look into different ways of thinking about interpretation, and how to execute those goals. We delve into more complicated music theory terms to better understand the music, and begin looking at minor scales. More advanced techniques may be covered, depending on the repertoire.