Stephanie F  
Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Recorder, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Mallet Percussion
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, Musical Theater, Marching Band

In 2000, I left medical school to pursue music and have never regretted the decision!  I went on to receive my bachelor's in 2004 and master's in 2012, both in instrumental music education.  I recently relocated to South Tampa after being a full time 4th-8th band director for 10 years in Chicago.  I also taught kindergarten music and K-3rd group piano.  I have been teaching private lessons on all instruments for 13 years, with an average of 10 students per week in my studio.  I have taught private lessons to students from age 8 to 60, at all levels of experience.  I especially love teaching beginners, at any age, to provide a well established basis of fundamentals, in order for those students to easily achieve great musicianship later on in their development.

I create custom lesson plans, goals, and objectives based on the individual student's needs and interests.  Strong fundamentals are essential to readily achieve musical success, therefore, I begin with the essentials of posture, breathing, sticking/articulation, and best practice habits.  If a student already has a method book or repertoire with which he or she is learning, I am happy to continue with current music, or I have many method books and resources to recommend.  I also often write and arrange music for my students.  I love to help students discover their own musical passion and provide appropriate arrangements to motivate and inspire growth!