Students:

I do not expect nor want perfection from my students. I do not expect them to become professional musicians or music majors. I do expect a positive attitude, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

Every student progresses and learns differently. I focus on the process of learning, and I support and help each student on their own journey. Because of this, I expect each student:

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• Be willing to experiment with an open mind! You have no idea what you’re capable of if you stop trying--keep trying, it DOES get easier!

• Communicate with me (and your parents) about any issues you are facing with practice, scheduling, performance, etc. Your lessons are a safe and open environment to talk about anything. It is an opportunity for self-growth. I am always willing to listen and help.  

• Ask questions if something is unclear –– sadly I still have not developed telepathy skills. 

• Silence your cell phone (not vibrate, silent!) so we can focus on you without distractions

• Participate in as many studio classes, field trips, recitals, workshops, as possible. 

• Support and encourage other members of the studio with kindness. 

• Read and respond to emails, texts, voicemails within 24-48 hours.

• Please bring your flute, all assigned music, and notebook to each lesson.

Students are expected to practice most days of the week and come to their lessons prepared and warmed up.

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• I will help each individual develop a daily practice schedule/plan and practice journal

• QUALITY of practice is much more important than QUANTITY! 

• Consistent, focused practice throughout the week is essential to achieving goals

• You are your own teacher in the practice room, so it is critical to really listen to and assess what you are doing to help improve your skills. The mantra is listen, reflect, learn, improve—repeat.

• Assignments to read, listen, or other online assignments are part of weekly preparation

• Specific practice advice and guidance will be given → please try it as instructed. I want to save you time, not waste it with needless work.

• Primary goal: learn or discover something new every time you play!

• Of course, I understand that life can be extremely hectic sometimes! If a busy week happens with school or family obligations, just tell me.

Adult students: we will customize your program to cooperate with your life. 

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Parents:

You are responsible for holding the student accountable for practicing. There is a direct relationship between parental and family involvement and a student’s success and improvement lesson to lesson. I want this weekly reserved time to be a positive investment and experience for everyone, and you are welcome to ask questions at any time during the student’s education. 

• Practice is part of this commitment. Private lessons offer the opportunity to learn the valuable skills of goal-setting and time-management in addition to playing the flute. Consistent, focused practice throughout the week is essential.

• I completely understand (and expect) that everyone will have some practice lapses, due to illness, travel, or special family circumstances. However, repeated failure to practice and/or the absence of a strong commitment to improve may result in my asking the student to discontinue lessons. Adult students may determine their own level of practice, involvement, and commitment. 

• Lessons = teamwork. The Team = the student, the teacher, and the parent(s). Parents are expected to encourage students, to remind them to practice, and to help them obtain needed materials in a timely manner. When parents are involved and take music in their child’s life seriously (asking questions before or after lessons, taking an interest in their practicing at home, etc), students make significantly more progress.

• Parents are expected to communicate any problems the student is experiencing at home regarding motivation, stress, or anything else that may impact their musical development.

• Students will be expected to listen to a variety of recordings, complete online activities, read articles, watch videos, and complete assignments outside of regular flute lessons.

• Parents are expected to sit in on the first lesson (and when possible more), and are welcome to attend any lessons at any time.
   

Parents of Students Younger Than 11: I require active parental participation for any student who is under the age of 11. 

• Attend all lessons 

• Follow along, taking notes or video in the lessons 

• Help their child practice material covered in the lesson at home. I will do my best to make sure you understand how to help your child during practice sessions.

• Ask questions before or after lessons about anything

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Special Learning Needs: 

I expect to be informed of any special learning needs, including but not limited to the following:

• Severe allergies (animals or food) or health concerns that might affect playing flute

• Any physical impairment such as hearing, visual or motor skills issues

• Any cognitive learning concerns (memory, language processing, reading, etc)

• Anxiety concerns

• ADHD or autism spectrum concerns

I have years of experience helping students with various needs. In order to best help the student, it is imperative that this information be communicated to me to ensure you/your child experience a comfortable learning environment. It also allows me to use my special skills and tools appropriately. Any information shared with me remains 100% confidential.