Elizabeth E
5.0
(7)
Instruments: Flute
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk
Elizabeth E
5.0
(7)
Instruments: Flute
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
MM, New England Conservatory, Flute Performance BM, University of Oregon, Flute Performance
2004 - University of Oregon Music Major Scholarship 2004 - University of Oregon Mu Phi Epsilon Scholarship 2008 - University of Oregon Undergraduate Outstanding Performer in Woodwinds 2011 - New England Conservatory Entrepreneurial Musicianship Grant 2012 - Tufts University Performance Grant
As a flutist, my performing has taken me all over the US and the world. From my education at the University of Oregon and the New England Conservatory, I have reached the highest level of excellence in music. My performances have earned accolades from publications such as The Boston Globe, The Boston Musical Intelligencer, The Oregon Daily Emerald, and New York Concert Review. My love for performing is equal to my love of teaching. I use what I've learned from the very best teachers and pass it on directly to my students.
I think there is no better way to connect with people than through music. I am very dedicated to my students, and to making their musical experience positive and impactful to every other area of their lives. I began teaching at age 12 as part of my school's music program, and have continued ever since. As an undergraduate, I began teaching all ages and all levels. I've taught in a variety of locations and settings, both large and small. As a private teacher, I enjoy being able to approach each student as an individual. Some want to win competitions while others want to focus on learning songs they know. Balancing fun with growth, technique with musicality, and achievement with confidence are my ways to success as a teacher. I can assess each student’s goals and ability to learn by fostering what works best for them. Technique is very important, but so is playing music! We must never forget that playing music is what we’re here to do. In addition to requiring everyone to be comfortable with all scales, fingerings, and other basic foundations of the instrument, I provide and promote exposure to a variety of music, both in the flute genre and outside of it. This combination inspires and stimulates my students’ musical consciousness. At the heart of all I do, I seek to be a role model and friend for my students, fostering a sense of community amongst them and myself. I do this by encouraging collaboration. Whether coordinating chamber music and performing recitals, or providing other means of continued learning, I believe connecting with peers and learning from each other is how studying music can benefit them in a myriad of ways in life.
When teaching such a specialized topic as the flute, I cater to specific needs of that particular student by bringing out their strengths and providing consistent and genuine positive reinforcement. I use method books such as Trevor Wye, Rubank, and Anderson etudes, depending on the level of the student. In addition to those, I also provide some of my own materials such as scales, fingering charts, and pieces. Knowing that each student will learn at different paces and levels of energy, I balance technical elements with musical ones by having them coincide as much as possible. For example, I have students write some of their own pieces in conjunction with the technical elements such as scales as a way of making scales have real-life applications. Outside of the books, scales, and pieces, I also provide and promote exposure to a variety of music, both in the flute genre and outside of it, to continually inspire and stimulate their musical consciousness.
In addition to seeing music through each individual student's eyes, I foster a sense of community by encouraging communication, coordinating chamber music and performing recitals, and providing other means of continued learning. I make myself available via email and phone, always doing everything I can to continue the students' engagement outside of their lesson. I push each student as far as they are both willing and able to be pushed without crossing the line over either of those limits. My students are loyal to me because I understand them as people equally as much as aspiring musicians. The environment of positivity and growth that I build with each student echoes into every other area of their lives.
Betsy J.
I started lessons with Elizabeth in person, but then we both moved to different parts of the country. I looked into finding someone local to help me with flute lessons, but few had the credentials and no one had the fun-power of Elizabeth. I could never imagine my flute journey with anyone but Elizabeth. Since music is a personal obstacle I am overcoming, Elizabeth makes learning fun, challenging, and incredibly enjoyable. I would highly recommend anyone of any age to seek out Elizabeth for flute lessons. She will meet you right where you are, encourage you, reasonably push you outside your comfort zone (which is huge), and most of all make the whole flute adventure fun. I decided I wanted to play the flute later in life. While I enjoy music, I have absolutely zero musical ability (can’t sing, no rhythm, etc.). Deciding to play the flute was akin to going on an Outward Bound trip which tests you outside your comfort level. At my age music was/is a huge challenge. I called the local music store for flute lessons and they paired me up with Elizabeth. The first lesson she literally had to show me how to put my flute together. And we have never looked back. She has been so supportive and encouraging and knowing exactly the right tactics to make this an enjoyable adventure. Elizabeth has a wealth of knowledge. I love to listen to her explain music. She has the ability to break it down to the most simple form. Her patience is incredible. Once a year she plays a duet with me and we make a recording of a song I have been working on (yes… owing to my lack of musical aptitude….sometimes it may take me a whole year to learn one song). She is always so patient to help me learn… and then we have this end-of-year celebration recorded to document the fruits of our labor. It makes me feel so good to have her support and see my improvements. Elizabeth is so encouraging. While she is light-years (and beyond) ahead of me in music, she is so encouraging and thoughtful and understands this does not come easy for me. I am so appreciative of her understanding that it may take multiple lessons to get just a few measures right. No judgement, no awkwardness. She will explain things over and over. Also….Elizabeth easily has the ability to help even the most advanced flutist. Her credentials speak for themselves and while she is way over-qualified to be helping me, she does so with patience, humor, and perseverance. While this is my big challenge in life, I must say playing my flute brings me great joy every day and I have Elizabeth to thank.
Merry R.
It wasn’t until I began taking lessons with Elizabeth that I realized the benefits of private flute instruction. My friend, another student of Elizabeth’s at the time, recommended her to me. I went into my first lesson feeling very nervous and not knowing what to expect, but Elizabeth’s friendliness put me at ease right away. At the time, I was preparing for my second Junior Central District audition. Thanks to Elizabeth’s help, my score significantly improved from my first audition when I was self-taught. What I appreciate about Elizabeth’s teaching style is that she struck the balance between creating a comforting atmosphere while challenging me to bring out the best of my musical abilities. Although my time with her was short, I will forever appreciate what Elizabeth did for me as my first private flute instructor. I would absolutely recommend Elizabeth to any flute student.
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