Do you need help getting started?

You are thinking about starting the flute or piano as an adult. Or, you already know how to play and want to make music on the flute or piano more regularly. You may want to understand music theory and technique more deeply, or learn to play your favorite music. How do you begin? How do you overcome obstacles on your musical journey?

I am here to be your guide. I will provide structure, inspiration, and advice and make sure that lessons are personalized to your goals and wishes.

What Adult Students Are Saying

A package of flute lessons or piano lessons includes:

How to Get Started

I listen to your needs and give you the tools and inspiration to meet your goals

I am an expert and passionate music teacher who has guided adult musicians at all stages of learning. I look forward to meeting you and finding out if flute lessons or piano lessons in my studio are a good fit for you.

Building Enthusiasm and Motivation

When a student makes a connection with a teacher who inspires and believes in them, enthusiasm and motivation develop easily. By listening to your questions, interests, and needs, I adapt each lesson to be valuable and inspiring for you. Together we will learn to enjoy the process of practicing and hear your progress over time.  

What I Teach

I encourage adult students interested in flute lessons or piano lessons to commit to a regular lesson time. While not everyone is able to fit in a weekly lesson, you may find that a lesson every other week or every 4 weeks will fit your life better. With consistent effort over time, you will see the musical skills you can develop in flute lessons or piano lessons. I value both accuracy and creativity, note-reading and improvisation, following what is on the page exactly and finding your own voice. We will work on whatever aspects of music-making are most meaningful to you, and I will also encourage you to stretch and challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone. You will have a chance to observe you own learning process. As adults, we can analyze our thinking patterns, notice how we learn best, and become curious about our approach to developing new skills. Flute lessons and piano lessons are a chance to enjoy the adventure of learning something new while enjoying your growing musical skills and expression. 

How I Teach

I bring multiple pedagogical approaches to the flute lessons and piano lessons I teach. I have 11 years of teaching experience and a deeply reflective teaching practice. I recognize the investment you make when you decide to take flute lessons or piano lessons. I keep my studio deliberately small (10-15 students each week) and I think about my flute and piano students throughout the week, reflecting on our lessons so that I can bring fresh insight each week. I give my best energy to each lesson. 

We learn most deeply when we involve our whole selves: our physical bodies and their movements/sensations; our emotions and capacity to express, empathize, and connect; and our intellect with its ability to analyze, imagine, and observe. I have over a decade of training in Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Integrative Education, two holistic pedagogical approaches which give me tools to bring the students’ whole self into each piano lesson and flute lesson. Confidence comes from a healthy mix of safety and challenge, and I have a breadth of teaching tools and approaches to create that balance for my students. (If you're curious to learn more, I spoke with Dr. Heidi Kay Begay on her podcast Flute 360 about the way Dalcroze movement education can help us play with more freedom and clearer musical intentions.)

Every learner is different. I love finding what works for you. When it comes to learning how to read music, approaches to practicing at home, and choosing what music to learn, there is no one-size-fits all approach. There are a number of wonderful method books available, and I like to get to know each student before deciding which book is right for them. Students in flute lessons often work from the Moyse 40 Little Pieces, standard repertoire from FluteWorld, or pop and folk tunes from FluteTunes. My students in piano lessons use the Piano Safari Series, the Hal Leonard Adult Piano Method, and Donald Waxman’s primers. As part of tuition, you receive instrument consultations any time they are needed. I can advise you on the right instrument for you, depending on your needs and budget. Flutes for rental or purchase are available at two local stores I recommend, Flutistry and Leonard’s. Piano lessons can begin with electric keyboards, or used or new acousitic pianos. 

My Training

I completed a 4-year certification process in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, with exams in eurhythmics, solfege, piano and vocal improvisation, and pedagogy. I was the first Integrative Education Fellow at Integral Steps, completing a year of observations, workshops, and supervised teaching to gain a deep understanding of integrative education which addresses a balanced development of mind, body, and emotions. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s degree in Flute Performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College.