I get this question every once-in-a-while. Do I bow or not at the beginning and the end of my performance – or just the end? Answer: It depends. If your audience is applauding as you enter the performing area (ie; stage), then yes, you do bow. It is your courteous acknowledgement of their applause. If your audience is not applauding when you enter, you do not need to bow. (unless your teacher told you to) […]
To Bow or Not to Bow? Read More »
When I first started teaching flute many years ago, I had the benefit of teaching part time in a nice music store in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah. The staff there was very friendly and knowledgeable. One thing I did often was walk into the sheet music section of the store and find my friend Roger. Roger seemed to know everything. He always knew! I remember using him as my “What Is
What Is That Song? Read More »
So, I have an older son (18) who used to only use the metronome in practice if I told him he had to. He didn’t fight me on it, he just didn’t prefer it. I used to explain to him the benefits of letting it help him find a steady beat. I also encouraged him to learn to “feel” it within his body or use his foot… or arms… or anything to help him keep
The metronome for flutists Read More »
The best age for learning the flute is: (drum roll…..) Almost any age! I began my middle son when he was only 2 years old. He cried and begged every day for me to “poot” with him. (poot meant flute) He was jealous of the time I was spending with his 5 year old brother while practicing. So, I did it. I purchased a plastic baroque recorder and we began lessons right away.
The Best Age for Learning the Flute Read More »
“Song Choice”. For some reason I feel like American Idol is coining this phrase. But, I’ve been using it for years. When choosing a piece to practice or perform, where should we turn? Well, it depends on if the choice is ours or our teacher’s. For the sake of this article, the choice will be ours only. I have students who consistently bring Disney Music books to the lesson after Christmas Holiday. They are
Song Choice for Flute Read More »
As a musician, flute teacher, and mother of professional musicians I have learned a thing or two about motivating others to get their practicing done effectively. My family and I (excluding my husband) perform a lot. My boys actually have been paid to perform since they were six years old. (true!) Sometimes several times a week. This has gone in waves over the years, but I tried to count the performances we were involved in a
A Very Motivating Practice Read More »
Can a 9 year old practice the flute alone? Yes. And no. Children are so darn smart! I have had 24 years of experience teaching children under the age of 10 (and over, but that’s not the subject here). Children are so darn smart! I know they can do many, many things, but one thing I know is that they are really good at shortcuts. Especially boys. 🙂 In my experience, when a child
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There are great sounds in my home tonight. I have one child practicing in his room. He just turned 10 and is working on the Serenade a Pierrette by Szulc. I love it. He’s having troubles remembering the slur in a certain measure, so I get to hear that measure a lot tonight. I have another working on the Flight of the Bumblebee down in the studio. He’s 14 and really, really good. I love
Why the flute instead of another instrument? Why did I choose to play the flute myself? Well… I have a pretty fun story. It all began waaaay back in about 1982 when my family was cleaning out my grandpa’s old root cellar.He was moving to another town, so we had to get everything out of the house. I was only about ten years old and had fun looking for all the treasures you can find
Why the flute? (part 1) Read More »
