Jessica F
Instruments: Flute, Recorder, Piccolo
Styles: Classical, Marching Band
Jessica F
Instruments: Flute, Recorder, Piccolo
Styles:
Classical, Marching Band
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-17
Texas State music minor
playing flute 23 years
played flute in middle school, high school & college
played piccolo 2 1/2 year Texas State marching band (bobcat) & played piccolo 2 1/2 years UT Arlingt
several piccolo solos in spring with Texas State symphonic band
My name is Jessica. I have been playing flute for 23 yrs and enjoy teaching beginner flute 6-8th grade and volunteer flute lessons for a local middle schools. I have been playing piccolo since freshman year of college. I work from home for apple and practice my flute about 10+ hours a week. When I start with a beginning student, I always ask the student to bring any music they are current learning, want to learn and a challenge piece to look forward to that way we are able to build a road map of the students learning and what skills we need to achieve to learn that acquired piece. I will start with basics and lay that out for the student and parent and require consistent 30 mins of outside practice each day to be able to build on skills in the lesson. Part of my lesson will working on reading music, learning scales visually with notes & fingerings as well as clapping rhythms prior to playing using a metronome. That way by building a foundation the student will have that to help achieve success.
My teaching experience goes back to late high school - early college days. My love for the flute dates back to middle school when I was in band and the flute teacher said i should play clarinet or another woodwind instrument and I was adamant about playing flute. I got lessons and continued to work hard. Over the years my band directors and flute instructors noticed I was improving which helped my confidence. I always encourage my students with praise and no matter how hard the music difficulty might be or how frustrating it may seem at the time, I let my students know they can always come to me to get help. I want my students to enjoy playing flute and not be frustrated and think of it like "homework" they should want to pick up their flute and play and find challenging music they want to learn. My classical music genre dates back to my grandfather and his love. He got me into the classical era remembering back as early as elementary school and having Bach or Beethoven or even watching classical concerts on tv on Sundays nights. My favorite is classical music and being able to do duets or trios with flute music to have some fun with different parts.
For beginning students I start with the Essential elements similar to what they learn in a middle school classroom. I have a student use a sprial or paper and pencil to keep track of their progress week to week as well as a mental reminder to refer to when they practice. I always recommend having a pencil and highlighter color of choice during lessons to be able to mark or make notes on music and highlighter as a memory jogger as needed. Using a metronome will help with students on building the rhythm foundation and once they get to a comfortable level with fundamentals I will have students bring in music that is a higher level to work on to keep their flute playing fun. I always encourage students to bring in any band music as well. I like to make out an adjustable "curriculum" to give to parents so they can also keep track of what the students will be working on each lesson or looking forward to if the student wants to prepare for the next lesson (based on ability).
I approach teaching with a fun atmosphere, laid back to be comfortable to ask questions, develop passion for music to allow progress and praise to build confidence so students want to try more difficult music to help build that motivation and eagerness to learn. I always like to use my first lesson as a get to know. Being able to ask students questions on why they choose to play flute, what inspires them to play, etc will allow me to mold my teaching to their wants and needs. My students wants and needs is my first priority but as long as they are gaining the necessary knowledge then its okay to have a little fun to make the experience enjoyable.
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.