Practice

Practice is essential for improvement, and is most productive when the student is self motivated. While I may recommend a certain practice routine, I will never try to make a student practice more than he/she is willing to practice. I realize that many students divide their time equally among many activities, and won't be able to practice as much some weeks. But to improve, it does take hard work. There is no magic pill that will turn you into a superstar flutist overnight. In order to play really well, it will take discipline and many hours of practice.

Good practice requires patience. You must be willing to learn every note, every rhythm, and every dynamic. Sometimes it will take ten or more repetitions of the same thing to get it right. You must pay close enough attention to know if you are getting it right, and when there are mistakes. Good practice is more than playing the same line over and over. Good practice is deciding to work on music that you may not play very well today. You will sound bad for awhile before you sound good. In fact, that's a good sign that you are really improving your playing!

Occasionally it may be necessary for the parent/s to help set up a regular practice routine. Students that are repeatedly unprepared may be required to keep a weekly practice record and have it signed by a parent each week. Chronically unprepared students may be asked to leave the studio.