Composer Snapshot: Claude-Paul Taffanel
As professor of flute at the Paris Conservatoire from 1893 until his death in 1908, French flutist and conductor Claude-Paul Taffanel was...
Favorite Warm-ups Series: Breathing
One of the biggest initial challenges in playing the flute is getting used to the amount of air needed to produce a good tone. Although...
Recital Planning Part Two
This post is a continuation of my previous post on recital planning. Check out Part One by clicking this link:...
Recital Planning
Balance in repertoire on a recital program plays a key role in creating an enjoyable, memorable experience for the audience as well as...
Composer Snapshot: Sigfrid Karg-Elert (November 21, 1877 - April 9, 1933)
German composer and keyboard player Sigfrid Karg-Elert is best known for his works for harmonium and organ. At the age of 5, he moved...
Stepping up to the next level
Private lessons are a long-term journey as opposed to a destination. Since the term “better” is in reference to a student’s previous...
"I Don't Want to Hear That!" - The truth about recording yourself frequently.
I often urge my students to record themselves practicing, and to do so on a consistent basis. Music is a continual growth process. We...
"Oh Please No, Not Scales!!" - An inspirational perspective on scales for students of all
“Ugh, I don’t want to read about scales... they are soooo boring. I would rather practice ‘real music’ instead of scales.” If I got paid...