Flute Lessons in Pleasanton, CA

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

I place special importance on relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices that not only enable students to perform better but also allow them to enjoy playing more. I am also a huge advocate for rest - it is such an important part of the learning process and it is essential to becoming a balanced musician (and human!). I offer my students the opportunity to lead and be responsible for their own learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I learn by doing and I believe that my students should play what inspires them! If it's classical, let's study Bach and Mozart together - if it's Latin, let's study Dave Valentin and Johnny Pacheco. I have always had a broad taste in music and I think it's wonderful when students bring me songs that inspire them. Let's work the chords out together and study the greats! I believe that the engaged student will be the successful student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Music

Learning about music involves so much more than technique or scales, but also relies so much on their emotions and mindset. I want to prioritize their own independence within these lessons in regards to choosing their own repertoire or experimenting with their own compositional style so that they can embrace how liberating and fun learning about music and being creative can be, rather than seeing it as a chore! I also want to make sure that their musical journey is built with the right mindset - a lot of the time there is unnecessary toxic, competitive energy within other musicians which defeats the whole purpose of inspirational collaboration that can come from playing music with others. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

Depending on a student's musical background, I would typically start with foundational exercises like scales/arpeggios/broken chords and discussions of essential music theory elements to help a student progress. If the student is brand new to the flute, I would also do some breath work, and introduce exercises to improve tone and understand tuning. After the basics, I'd introduce solo repertoire and help students prepare for any performances they would like to take part in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Music

My teaching career began at age 18. I started with only two students, and have since grown to teaching at three studios with 23 students across all studios. My main focus with all of my students is to expose them to all that music can offer them. Not only is music scientifically proven to improve brain function (it literally makes you smarter), it also promotes important qualities in young students; being an instrumentalist helps you learn responsibility (taking care of an instrument), discipline (daily practice), and perseverance (continuing to play despite mistakes). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love seeing my students grow in their knowledge and appreciation of music! Excellence is rewarding, and I teach the process to get there from whatever level we begin. I use positive reinforcement and notice what the student is doing right. Then, I give critique and an action plan to improve performance. It feels good for the student and teacher when they learn the methods to break down what is currently difficult into smaller pieces so that it is both manageable and possible to go further than they thought. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

From 1981-1993, I was the music director for URCS, a private school in Long Island, NY. I developed pedagogy and taught the high school band and choir. Since 1985, I have taught private lessons. Many of my students have gone on to be professionals in the industry. I absolutely love seeing my students click with understanding on their faces when they get the next piece of the puzzle they may have been missing regarding their playing. Read More