Expectations:
I expect every student to come to their musical studies with an open mind, willingness to learn and grow, and excitement about achieving their musical goals.
Be on time for your lesson and avoid scheduling other appointments during your weekly lesson time.
Preparation is key; be ready for your lesson by practicing; completing worksheets, composition projects, and listening assignments; and having all appropriate materials.
Communicate any specific musical goals or personal challenges that will impact lessons. I value each student’s experiences and needs and strive to create a welcoming, calm, non-judgmental environment to encourage growth and confidence. I will work to tailor the lessons to each student’s unique interests and learning style.
Playing in ensemble with others is an important component of your musical education. I encourage students to participate in as many studio events as possible; also consider giving concerts for your family, enrolling in band, and playing at your place of worship.
Hearing other musicians is a great way to expand your musical horizons; seek out opportunities to hear live music of all genres.
Playing with a pianist is essential for understanding the complete nature of your pieces for flute and keyboard. As you progress in your studies, we will work together to find an appropriate collaborator for your performances.
Have fun! Lessons are a great way to explore all the things you like about music and to take your skills to the next level. Please always feel free to bring your ideas and interests to the lesson so we can work on the things that excite you.
We loved having a master class with Guest Artist Jennifer Hunt.
Practice:
Learning a musical instrument is a collaborative effort between the student, teacher, and parents. Parents can be a key part of a successful lesson experience by encouraging students in their practicing. Through addressing practicing in the lesson and at home, we can all ensure that the student makes the most of the learning opportunity presented by private study. Practice goals will be discussed with each student and included, with any assignments, in the lesson binder.
I recommend that students practice at least 5 days a week for a time period commensurate with the length of their lesson and their skill level.
Attendance:
Arriving punctually for your lesson will ensure that you will get the benefit of your full time and that my schedule will run smoothly and efficiently. Regular lessons are important in encouraging practice routines and progressive musical development; avoid scheduling other appointments during your lesson time.
If you need to miss a lesson, please give me advanced notice (24 hours, minimum) so that we can reschedule. Lessons missed due to school holidays are excused with proper notice.
Each student is allowed 2 make-up lessons per semester (Sept-Jan & Feb-Jun) when requested at least 24 hours in advance. Additional lessons missed or canceled by the student will not be able to be rearranged or refunded.
Because I reserve a time for you each week and because the price of tuition includes more than just your weekly lesson, I charge for last minute cancellations.
Make-up lesson scheduling will be more flexible in the case of extraordinary circumstances like illness, family emergency, and extreme weather. Please contact me ASAP in these cases.
Occasionally I may need to miss our lesson appointment. In most cases I will be able to give you notice of a week or more so that we’ll be able to reschedule. In the event that no suitable make-up time can be found, the lesson will be credited to your next series.
Required Materials:
a flute in good working order
a cleaning rod and cloth
a music stand for practice at home
a metronome & tuner
sheet music and other materials as indicated by the instructor
a lesson binder where the student can gather practice tips, assignments, and hand outs