mikedflute

How much are lessons?
Tuition is $550 for a 10-week session of ten 50-minute
lessons. Tuition is $225 for a 10-week session of ten
25-minute lessons. Tuition includes a free lesson
planner (if needed), entry fees for MMTA exams and
contests, the cost to participate in the annual recital
and access to my lending library of hundreds of flute
books and magazines, flute instructional videos,
classical and jazz CDs, piano and orchestra
accompaniment tapes, ear training tapes and CDs and
flute solo and ensemble literature.

What will we cover in lessons?
Flute students can expect to receive a solid foundation in
the basics of tone production, technique, ear training and
what makes music work. Other than that, no two students
will follow quite the same path. Some students focus on
repertoire and competitions, while others study
completely for fun. Some have issues with mental blocks
or stage fright, while others have physical challenges.
Some students prefer to work on aural skills and playing
by ear. Goals range from being able to play for family
gatherings to becoming a professional musician.

Composition students learn music theory, notation,
compositional techniques and an exploration in to what
makes music work and not work. The exact curriculum
depends on age, experience and interests and it ranges
from the simple exploration of sound and students
learning about themselves as composers to producing
meaningful, large scale compositions and music for social
change. Some students write music exclusively for their
own performances, while others focus on communicating
their vision to others. Students can also learn to write
lyrics, songwriting techniques and choral arranging.

Do I have to compete and take the MMTA exams?
No, they are not a requirement, but they are strongly
encouraged and are covered in your tuition. Some are
non-competitive and are fun ways to gauge and reward
your progress and get feedback from other professional
music teachers. Others come with a monetary prize and
prestige. As a former winner of the national first prize in
the college-level woodwinds division, I can tell you from
personal experience that these programs provide a unique
opportunity for growth and are deeply rewarding.

How do you expect payment?
Payment is accepted by cash, check or money order.
Tuition is due prior to the first lesson of the session.
Tuition is prorated for students who enroll mid-session.
Missed lessons are forfeited, as is the time lost when a
student is late. However, it may be possible to schedule a
make-up lesson for a $15 fee.

Is there a way to study with you for less?
Yes. I sometimes teach through a program sponsored by
the MusicLink Foundation which is endorsed by the
Minnesota Music Teacher's Association Their mission is
to "link qualified music teachers with promising students
in need." Contact them to see if you're eligible.

I also teach group lessons. The fee for group lessons is
split between each participant, so it costs less. Ten
50-minute lessons for a private student is $550, but only
$225 each for a duo, $183.50 each for a trio and $137.50 for
a quartet. Students are responsible for finding their own
group partners and they must enroll together.

Are group lessons as effective as private lessons?
Yes. In fact, I love this approach and my doctoral dissertation
was based on it. Group lessons are much different but they
have many advantages. First of all, they can be more fun,
especially for children who enjoy doing things together. Flute
students also learn to become comfortable performing for
others and develop important listening, evaluation and
mentoring skills through guided peer evaluation. And they
can work on ensemble skills (rhythm, intonation and balance)
through duets, trios, and quartets. Composition students
have the opportunity to regularly critique each other’s work
in progress. Private students will sometimes also sign up for
group lessons for these reasons.

What will I need to get started?
If you are a beginning flute student, all you will need for your
first lesson will be a pencil and notebook. If you have a flute
already, that's great. Eventually, you will need a flute, with
case, cleaning rod and cleaning cloth; a music stand; a
metronome; a tuner (intermediate and advanced students); and
music. I will be happy to make recommendations on all of this.

Composition students will need a notebook, a pencil with an
eraser and staff paper.