I believe music can make us more confident in ourselves, leading to more fulfilling  self-expression.

 

I have learned that with my growing confidence with my instrument, my confidence in myself has grown as well.  I grew up a pretty shy person, but was performing from a young age.  As I got older and continued expressing myself through my flute, I realized my general confidence was also growing. I noticed I spoke up more and wanted my voice to be heard.  I have always said I feel more comfortable with my flute than without, but it has brought more comfort for me without it too as the years go on.  I feel with my flute I can most accurately and creatively express myself, and that is what I hope for my students as well.

 

I encourage students to play what they love, and I find ways to incorporate their favorite music into our lessons while still achieving individual goals in playing with fundamentals.  Each student's lessons are individualized to find what works best for them and encourage their creativity to explore their own sense of self-expression. Learning about many genres, techniques, history of music, and the flute gives us the chance to find what speaks to them.  For instance, many students love learning their favorite Disney songs or the newest pop song on the radio.  We find ways to incorporate our general flute learning into the music students want to play! To keep the creative juices flowing, we come up with exercises together to change up our learning and make those fundamental practices more fun. This along with standard learning to help with any auditions, school music, and competitions students may have helps create a well-rounded musician, and have fun in the process!

I have students participate in recitals throughout the year, field trips, and flute ensembles. They also participate in youth orchestra auditions, band auditions, and the summer flute day!  Students get to help come up with recital themes, what they play in their lessons, and help make fun warm-ups! We’ll roll out the red carpet for Night at the Movies with flute arrangements of our favorite soundtracks (popcorn included!), and play all of our favorite holiday songs for our Winter Recital.  If students choose to participate online, they'll get all the one-on-one feedback and fun, as well as getting to connect with other flute students online through virtual recitals and studio meetings! All of these fun activities are sponsored by our studio cat mascots, Oliver and Penny.