Tell us about your studio, including the state that you’re in. What ages do you teach and what are your students like?
I teach intermediate to professional with students ranging in age from from 12 to 68. I specialize in teaching adults and working with low flutes and piccolo. My studio is warm and friendly and many of my students have various interests, hobbies, and careers.
What are your favorite teaching materials?
Taffanel and Gaubert is my go-to for intermediate and beyond. I also enjoy working with the Rubank Method and supplementing with various resources that the student and I choose together.
How has the pandemic changed your studio?
My studio has gone predominantly online and, in some cases, lessons have stopped completely.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching and what has been your biggest challenge?
My most rewarding experience has been watching one of my university students perform for their degree recital. The biggest challenge is working with adult students who place a ton of pressure on themselves.
What things that you learned from your own teachers that you say consistently to your students?
Understanding, forgiveness, and playing in a relaxed way are probably some of the bigger items but being able to just make music regardless of errors is probably the biggest take away that I try to instill in my students.
Describe the funniest or most memorable thing that has happened during a lesson on student performance.
I was working with an adult student, who shall remain nameless. He had two masters degrees in other fields, was quite prominent in the community, and a very busy guy. He asked me to teach him some piano and not tell his wife so he could surprise her with his skill….he also swore a lot in lessons…and had quite the wine cellar.
What studio policy has been your (sanity) saving grace?
24hr cancellation policy: Lessons cancelled with less than 24hrs notice will not be rescheduled and the fees will not be refunded. Lessons cancelled with more than 24hrs notice (by the student or myself) will be rescheduled or refunded at the convenience of both parties.
If you were able to instill one quality into future teachers, what would it be, and why?
Empathy…understand that students often are dealing with other life events and the hour we spend with them might be the highlight of their week. Teach them to be firm but supportive of their students.