Flute, Piccolo, and Baroque Flute Lessons
Contact Bethany If you are interested in scheduling a "getting to know you" trial lesson, or if you are a band director or music teacher interested in flute sectionals/clinics/master classes, please fill out the form on the Contact page. About Private Lessons Bethany maintains an active studio as a flute teacher along with her performance work and enjoys working with students of all ages and levels (4 years old to adulthood; beginner to professional). Her approach addresses all facets of flute performance, including sight-reading, rhythmic reading, effective use of vibrato, technical proficiency, musicality and exposure to the flute repertoire in a positive, encouraging atmosphere. Bethany has completed Suzuki Flute teacher training in Books 1-10 and Practicum, and she has pursued other pedagogy training to build a broad repertoire of teaching techniques. Her teaching style is strongly influenced by the Suzuki philosophy idea that, given the right nurturing support and thoughtful, hard work, any student can grow wonderfully as a musician and as an accomplished learner. She helps students to develop not only skills of musical mastery, but also a positive "growth" mindset that emphasizes creative problem solving, strategic thinking, persistence, and attention to detail during the learning process. Students develop both ear-training skills (learning music by ear) and music reading/rhythm skills using separate sets of repertoire and technical exercises. She has experience working with students who have a variety of special needs (e.g. autism, selective mutism, ADHD, anxiety, etc.). Chamber Music In addition to their individual lessons, students can participate in occasional chamber music opportunities (small ensemble playing). This experience helps students to develop ensemble skills such as tuning, blending, and musical awareness. It also helps them build teamwork and social skills. Involvement in a community of musician peers provides wonderful opportunities for growth and enrichment. Clinics / Sectionals / Master Classes Bethany is available to teach flute sectionals in public and private schools in the Twin Cities area. Location Bethany's centrally-located studio, halfway between Minneapolis and St. Paul downtowns (near Cretin exit from 94), is convenient for access from all over the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Scholarships If finances are a limiting factor, but you are committed to your learning, please get in touch. Bethany keeps a list of scholarship/grant resources to help remove barriers to a great music education. Beginning Band Students If your child is starting band this year, you are highly encouraged to begin flute lessons before the school year starts. Individual guidance from a flute-specific expert will empower your child to develop strong fundamental skills and healthy habits and to hit the ground running. This will enable them to get the most out of their band experience, where the main focus is on development of ensemble skills. |
Student Performances and Events
Bethany regularly organizes performances and events for her private students to provide them with opportunities to grow and enjoy playing their instruments for others. Her students often play at studio recitals, flute ensemble concerts, competitions, and UMFA (Upper Midwest Flute Association) events such as its Marathon Flute Concert (an annual fundraiser for UMFA's scholarship fund) and its Rising Stars Festival (a non-competitive solo & ensemble event at Flute Fest). Many of Bethany's students play in local youth orchestras MYS and GTCYS, organizations with multiple levels of orchestras that provide opportunities for students at different levels of skill development. Many of them have also auditioned for and played in the MMEA All-State Bands/Orchestras and/or honor band festivals hosted by colleges and universities in the region, performed with the Minnesota Sinfonia on their Youth Outreach Concerts, or even pursued music majors in college after graduating from high school. Several of Bethany's adult students have greatly enjoyed playing in local flute choirs such as Flute Cocktail and/or in community bands and orchestras. College Teaching In addition to teaching private flute lessons in the Twin Cities, Bethany teaches as adjunct flute professor at the University of St. Thomas. She previously taught at Winona State University. Etude for Youth Bethany enjoys teaching Capitol Hill Middle School flute students through the Etude for Youth program, an impactful local non-profit which provides free lessons for students from low-income families. The program accepts tax-deductible donations to support their mission. Summer opportunities Bethany strongly encourages her students to pursue opportunities to expand their musical growth during the summer. Scholarship funding is available from several sources to help students access these wonderful growing experiences.
COVID Policy Note: Bethany offers in-person lessons for fully vaccinated students who agree to her COVID/other illness policy (exceptions only allowed for serious adverse health reactions to vaccines). Online lessons are offered as an occasional alternative when students are sick or have transportation issues, but in-person lessons are highly preferred as the regular format. For especially dedicated and focused students who have transportation issues or other compelling reasons that make in-person lessons impossible, exceptions may be made for having regular online lessons, but in-person lessons are highly encouraged when possible. For current students: schedule, lesson conflict form Above: In February 2015, Bethany and her colleague Andrea Myers directed UMFA's Suzuki Flute Choir, which premiered 4 new works generated by a ComposerQuest challenge they proposed the previous fall. See more videos on UMFA's youtube channel!
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