Lesson Information – Please feel free to call me at (480) 202-7587 or e-mail me at cindysmith1231@gmail.com
I am so excited about teaching private music lessons! I began teaching privately when I was still in high school. The grade school band director would send beginner students my way and this is where I fell in love with teaching.
Now, I am happy to teach beginner flute students through the high school level. I am also happy to teach adults if interested. I also teach beginning piano and clarinet and voice.
Lesson FAQ’s:
Why take private lessons?
First of all, because it is fun! Private students get to improve more and play more music than a student who may simply participate in band. Because of the technique and tone exercises studied in a private lesson, a student will sound better and be more equipped to play solos, duets, and what I like to call “fun music.” Furthermore, most band directors are pressed for time and are not able to give individual feedback to each student in band. A band director’s focus is the overall sound quality of the entire ensemble. Most band directors love for their students to take private lessons, because more students who study privately add a better quality sound to their band program.
How long is a lesson?
Depending on the level of student and desire of the student and parent, a lesson can be either 30, 45 or 60 minutes. I typically recommend brand new beginners to start at 30 minutes. More intermediate and advanced levels should take a full hour lesson to work on tone and technical etudes as well as repertoire.
What takes place in a lesson?
FLUTE: Each lesson consists of work on tone, breathing, finger technique, theory, intonation (ability to play on pitch or in tune), musicality (ability to express the music), and flute repertoire. We will work out of books such as the Rubank method, Trevor Wye’s Tone studies, Taffenel and Gaubert’s technical studies, etude books, and repertoire ranging from Moyse’s Forty Little Pieces to Mozart’s flute concertos. We will also work on “outside music” that students bring in from band, church, or from simply wanting to play a particular piece. Finally, we will work on sight-reading and ensemble playing through playing duets in class.
PIANO: Each lesson consists of work on posture, finger technique, theory, musicality (ability to express the music), memorization, and piano repertoire. We will work out of methods books such as the Alfred’s and Faber’s method, theory, and performance books. We will also use some sheet music and on “outside music” that students bring in from band, church, or from simply wanting to play a particular piece.
What do I need for private lessons?
First of all, you need to be willing and eager to try new things, practice, have a little patience, and have fun learning! You need an instrument in good working order. If you need help finding one, please ask! Next, you need a metronome, books and music assigned by me, and any other music you need to work on. Finally, you need a blank notebook (either with lined paper or staff (music) paper.
Will there be opportunities to perform?
Twice a year, we will have a recital so that each student may gain experience in playing their instrument in front of others. Each student is highly
encouraged to participate in these recitals. We will also have occasional group lessons where students are able to perform in front of each other. Finally, we will take advantage of opportunities to play in nursing homes or compete in competitions to gain further experience in performance.
Cindy Smith Music 