Beginners of the Flute
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At the beginner level, students are interested in learning to play the flute but have never played before. Or, students have been introduced to the flute with a different teacher through private lessons or at school in group situations. We focus on fundamentals of flute playing such as posture, hand position, breath control, and instrument care. We learn to play the middle and low registers of the flute, from middle C (the middle note found on the piano keyboard) to high D (two octaves above middle C). We play familiar melodies and work up to reading and playing music that is about a half page long. All students in my studio are encouraged to participate in the annual studio recital, held for friends and family in December. The focus for beginner students is to have a positive experience playing in front of others so that hopefully stage freight or performance anxiety can be avoided in the future. This can also be the first experience of playing together with other instruments or students of other levels.
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Intermediate Students
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At the intermediate level, students are ready to be challenged to play more difficult repertoire and to perform in front of others. Students can choose to take RCM Examinations, become more active in music related opportunities at school, or participate in competitions such as the Kiwanis Festivals of Greater Toronto. We focus on improved technique and tone control as well as developing musical phrasing expression. We learn to play in the extreme high register of the flute, up to high C (three octaves above middle C). Basic music theory is introduced, and students can choose to take additional theory lessons and complete the RCM Theory Rudiments Exams.
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Advanced Students
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At the advanced level, students are able to play repertoire in Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and various 20th century styles. Students can choose to play in masterclasses in front of internationally renown teachers of the flute, and can begin preparing to move on to a teacher who focuses on professional level students. Students can continue to take RCM Examinations and participate in open level competitions. For students who wish to take music as a major in university, I encourage them to prepare comprehensively at this level by playing in youth orchestras, taking theory and history classes, and taking a leadership role various musical communities.
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