What age is best to start flute lessons?
An early start is ideal. But it is never too late to begin flute lessons. Around five years of age is a great time to begin.
What is the curved head joint and why do you use it?
The curved head joint flute is a full-sized flute. The curved head joint brings the keywork closer to the body so a small player doesn’t have to crane their neck or compromise hand position to reach the keys. We know the player is ready for the straight head joint when they can comfortably hold the flute in playing position with proper hand positions.
Do Suzuki students learn to read music?
Yes. Suzuki students learn to read music when it is developmentally appropriate. Very young students learn to play “by ear” first. This is a fundamental principle of the Suzuki approach. Children learn to speak their native language before learning to read and write. We learn music in the same way—by listening and imitating then reading and writing.
How long will it take to learn to play the flute?
Most students will be playing simple songs and pieces within a few months. Every student learns at their own pace. Depending on the student’s age and prior experience with musical instruments, some preparatory work may be needed. Progress is directly proportional to the time and effort invested in daily practice. It is the teacher’s challenge (with the parent’s help) to make this process fun and rewarding.
Where are the lessons?
Most students taking individual lessons come to my home studio in the Highlands Douglass neighborhood of Louisville.
Are online lessons available?
In extraordinary circumstances online lessons are an option. During the COVID lockdown everyone had online lessons. We were glad to have the option and made the best of a difficult situation. However, in person lessons are preferable since it eliminates technical glitches and makes hearing and seeing one another much easier.