Jenna Countryman M
5.0
(3)
Instruments: Piano, Flute, Recorder, Piccolo
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Folk, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Jenna Countryman M
5.0
(3)
Instruments: Piano, Flute, Recorder, Piccolo
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Folk, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 6-80
BM, Florida State University, Flute Performance MM, San Francisco State University, Flute Performance - all coursework completed, degree not fully completed
2011-Present: Regular performances as member of Symphony Parnassus, 2016: Solo concerto performance with the New Hammer Concert Band at University of the Pacific, 2010: Wesley Farrand-Day Piano Chamber Music Competition - 2nd place winner, Alumna of San Francisco (2008-2009), Jacksonville (2002-2004), and Berkeley Youth (1999-2000) Orchestras, Winner of Jacksonville (2004) and Berkeley Youth Orchestra(2000) Concerto Competitions
Hi, I'm Jenna! I'm a professional flutist, flute teacher, and music educator teaching in Lafayette, Alameda, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I specialize in improving students' playing by teaching practice efficiency, confidence and focus. I use both traditional and non-traditional techniques to help flutists understand rhythm, tone, intonation, technique (finger skills), and musical expression. After working with me, students play more accurately, more expressively, and have a deeper understanding and appreciation of their musical repertoire. They are more successful in all their musical endeavors, from chair placements and band or orchestra solos to solo recital performances and auditions. My teaching philosophy: Being a musician is more than just playing the right notes at the right time. It’s about hard work, passion, and dedication, but it’s also about playfulness, creativity, and joy. My goal is to create a safe space in which every student has the opportunity to express themselves and develop the musical tools that will allow them to do so effectively. 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. More interested in beatboxing than orchestral excerpts? You got it! Want to focus on high notes and tone this week instead of fast fingers? Let’s do it! Want to learn that crazy hard piece you heard Jasmine Choi play on Youtube? I’m game if you are - and you’ll be more motivated and learn faster because of it. I encourage my students to examine what concepts they are avoiding and why (hint: it’s probably because it’s hard), and to really nail the basics. With this approach, students learn to teach themselves, improving dramatically in the process.
I first started teaching in college, taking courses in flute pedagogy in 2007, and working privately with local high school students. Since 2011, I have had a regular studio of private flute (and recorder or piccolo) students as well occasional students on other wind instruments and piano. I've also taught a variety of wind and chamber ensembles. I believe that every student is unique and learns best when that individuality is celebrated. I teach the way that I do because I want my students to have the confidence that I often lacked growing up and because I want them to know all the things I wish I’d known when I was their age. I work with students of all ages and levels to achieve their musical goals, from cleaning up and solidifying fundamentals to preparing for major performances, auditions, and a career in music. My students have won competitions and successfully auditioned for youth orchestras and music programs like Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra and Ruth Asawa School of the Arts.
Every student unique and learns in their own way. During lessons, I often compare concepts to other activities my students know and love - their favorite sport, video games, or books. I love sharing my “magic tricks” - shortcut exercises to make tricky passages instantly easier, and you’ll definitely catch me encouraging my students to listen, listen, listen! Every genre of music has something different you can learn and it adds to your own creative toolkit. For beginner-intermediate flute (and piccolo) students, I typically use the Rubank Method books. For more advanced students, I add supplemental material for scales, tone, and technical work, and we begin working on traditional repertoire, audition, and competition pieces.
During lessons, I often compare concepts to other activities my students know and love - their favorite sport, video games, or books. I love sharing my “magic tricks” - shortcut exercises to make tricky passages instantly easier, and you’ll definitely catch me encouraging my students to listen, listen, listen! Every genre of music has something different you can learn and it adds to your own creative toolkit. I expect students to practice regularly and thoughtfully - seeking to play their very best and working to improve every time they pick up their instrument. Consistent practice and preparedness is a vital part of being a successful musician and allows us to use our lesson time to progress and have fun, rather than repeat and get bored. While we take lessons seriously, we also make sure to have a good time
Anjana
Jenna is a very loving teacher to my daughter. My daughter looks forward to her flute classes every week and that itself speaks volume about Jenna. She encourages her students to do their best and motivates by challenging them to practice every day. Jenna is very accommodating and understands the needs and challenges for both parents and kids likewise. Thank you Jenna.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.