MY STORY
Although I didn't come from a particularly musical family, I have come to love the flute since first picking one up as a member of Mr. Nelson's fifth grade band. However, my passion for playing the flute didn't truly begin to burgeon until about three years ago. Coincidentally (or not!), I also began taking my first private lessons around three years ago. My technical growth as a flute player accelerated significantly at that point in time, and this increase in my technical skill allowed me to play more expressively, experiment with new musical styles, and -- most importantly -- enjoy playing even more than before. Based on both my own experience and the the words of my friends and teachers, I have come to firmly believe that a flute player, or any musical instrument player, can only reach their full musical potential with the individualized attention of a private instructor. It would be an honor for me to catalyze a young flutist's musical journey the same way my private instructors did for me.
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
In both playing and teaching the flute, I abide by a quote from iconic flutist Trevor Wye: “It is a matter of time, patience, and intelligent work.” Music is very much a self-motivated sport, and students must first want to achieve the goals we set together before they can reach them. I will always encourage and support my students, but will never push them to do something they're unwilling to do. As far as flute-playing itself goes, I believe there are four main components that comprise a great flutist: rhythm, tone, technique, and expression. Each of these four essential elements will be developed through metronome work, etudes, tone exercises (such as long tones or harmonics), scales, basic discussions about music theory and history, and repertoire work.