Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to practice?
Yes! Absolutely! Playing an instrument is very similar to playing a sport. If you only show up to practice once a week, you're going to be sore every week, and your skills might improve, but very, very slowly. If you show up every day, you'll be able to see and feel your progress, which is exciting and fun! The time that you put in to learning your instrument at home directly correlates to progress in your lessons. Playing music is more fun when you have gained more skill. The bottom line rule in my studio is that all students much show progress every week. Every student starts from a different place and moves at their own pace, but if you are taking private lessons, you must demonstrate a strong interest in continuing to improve and learn by practicing.
How much do I need to practice?
I will work with each student to determine an appropriate daily practice goal. Usually, the length of a student's lesson is similar to the amount of time they should be putting in at home regularly. If you are taking 60-minute lessons, plan to practice 60 minutes each day. If a student has an ambitious goal or is very serious about improvement, more practice may be recommended. Consistency is very important - it's much more effective to practice for 30 minutes five days in a row than to practice for 2.5 hours the day before your lesson! I've found that practicing is one activity that does not tolerate procrastination! Of course, all students need days off, family time, and things come up like big projects at school, but if practicing is part of your regular daily routine, you can take unexpected conflicts in stride and enjoy a day off once in a while.
Do I need to provide my own instrument?
Each student must have their own flute to use in lessons and at home. If you don't already have an instrument, please contact me and I will be happy to help you find an appropriate instrument in your budget. Renting from a local music shop is a great low-risk option for beginners. I prefer Jupiter brand student flutes for their sound quality, solid construction, and durability. While used instruments can be a good way to save a little money, always go through an instrument dealer who can assess the quality of the instrument and make sure it's in good working order. Instruments on Craigslist and eBay often look like an amazing deal, but many end up costing hundreds of dollars more in repairs in the long run. Use caution!
Do I have to practice?
Yes! Absolutely! Playing an instrument is very similar to playing a sport. If you only show up to practice once a week, you're going to be sore every week, and your skills might improve, but very, very slowly. If you show up every day, you'll be able to see and feel your progress, which is exciting and fun! The time that you put in to learning your instrument at home directly correlates to progress in your lessons. Playing music is more fun when you have gained more skill. The bottom line rule in my studio is that all students much show progress every week. Every student starts from a different place and moves at their own pace, but if you are taking private lessons, you must demonstrate a strong interest in continuing to improve and learn by practicing.
How much do I need to practice?
I will work with each student to determine an appropriate daily practice goal. Usually, the length of a student's lesson is similar to the amount of time they should be putting in at home regularly. If you are taking 60-minute lessons, plan to practice 60 minutes each day. If a student has an ambitious goal or is very serious about improvement, more practice may be recommended. Consistency is very important - it's much more effective to practice for 30 minutes five days in a row than to practice for 2.5 hours the day before your lesson! I've found that practicing is one activity that does not tolerate procrastination! Of course, all students need days off, family time, and things come up like big projects at school, but if practicing is part of your regular daily routine, you can take unexpected conflicts in stride and enjoy a day off once in a while.
Do I need to provide my own instrument?
Each student must have their own flute to use in lessons and at home. If you don't already have an instrument, please contact me and I will be happy to help you find an appropriate instrument in your budget. Renting from a local music shop is a great low-risk option for beginners. I prefer Jupiter brand student flutes for their sound quality, solid construction, and durability. While used instruments can be a good way to save a little money, always go through an instrument dealer who can assess the quality of the instrument and make sure it's in good working order. Instruments on Craigslist and eBay often look like an amazing deal, but many end up costing hundreds of dollars more in repairs in the long run. Use caution!
