Welcome to the Flute Studio!
I am currently accepting students! I create custom-tailored lesson experiences for flute students of all ages and musical interests. For ages 4-11, I use the Suzuki approach to talent education to build musical skills for young learners.
I offer middle school, high school, and adult students weekly lessons to hone their flute and musical skills, a practice which cultivates skills of focus, creativity, patience, diligence and critical thinking, and encourages a sense of wonder and joy! For adult students, I'm well-versed in flute for many styles (classical, blues, rock, folk, celtic) and delight in sharing the many musical possibilities of flute as well as teaching classical fundamentals to adults. Whether you are a former high school flutist, a woodwind doubler, or an adult beginner dreaming of playing songs from your favorite anime, let's make it happen with flute lessons! The lesson lengths below apply to all ages of students (including adults):
30-minute lessons
Beginner & early intermediate
$40/lesson
45-minute lessons
intermediate & advancing students
$55/lesson
60-minute lessons
advanced students & audition prep lessons
$70/lesson
I try not to let cost impede anyone from taking lessons. If you have browsed my website and you're interested in what I have to offer but can't afford my regular rates, email me and tell me why you want flute lessons. I may be learning an instrument you play, or interested in learning about your area of expertise as a trade (permaculture, UX design, soldering?). Ask me about a skills trade or about research and writing opportunities. Please keep in mind that last minute requests for such opportunities are difficult to fulfill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I buy a flute?
Students age 12-adult can rent flutes from Strait Music or Music & Arts for $42-$60/month. Their rental programs are rent-to-own and include maintenance and repair.
For students age 4-11, we start on a flute headjoint and Nuvo Toot, which I provide as part of the Suzuki lesson materials.
Once the student is ready to transition to a child-sized flute, we'll discuss options including rental from me or purchase online. Renting is helpful as the student will grow out of the instrument size in 1-3 years, at which point we discuss upgrading to the standard student flutes that are available at band instrument stores in Austin like Strait Music and Music & Arts.
Where are lessons held?
I teach at two locations: my home studio in North Austin - Harris Ridge neighborhood, and University United Methodist Church on UT campus.
Teaching Philosophy
What happens when you learn to play a musical instrument? You examine the way you focus, nurture your creativity, practice patience and attention to detail, let loose your sense of wonder and spontaneous joy. If you play with others, you practice collaboration, empathy, compromise, and productive conflict. The better you get at your instrument, the more you exercise critical thinking skills that can be applied to other areas of life. In short, learning to play a musical instrument goes hand in hand with acquiring and refining valuable life skills.
This means that no musical instrument lessons can ever be a waste, no matter how long you end up playing the instrument. And for those who do keep it up for a while, or a lifetime, the benefits only grow!
I focus on the following, to strike a balance between building musical expertise and transferable skills:
Flute fundamentals:
- posture, breathing, embouchure
- recognizing and creating a beautiful tone
- articulation, dynamics, phrasing
Music Literacy, Ear Training and Theory:
- reading music
- playing by ear and other aural skills
- theory including song forms, improvisation and composition
Possible areas of focus for intermediate to advanced players:
- expanding range and technical ability
- advanced intonation, musicality, tone colors
- interpretation and developing your musical voice
- weekly etudes and scales, concert solo pieces and chamber music
- preparation for auditions, performances, etc.
- chamber music and collaborations
- contemporary and percussive flute techniques, using flute in various genres and ensembles
- part writing for flute in rock/folk/etc band
- traditional Irish flute playing (on Boehm system or Irish flute)
- chamber improvisation and livescoring improvisational theatre