Information For Current Students

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**MAKING SURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT SET-UP FOR ONLINE LESSONS**

  1. Please remember to set yourself up facing the camera, so I can see your face (embouchure), instrument and fingers, while still maintaining correct posture.
  2. If possible, please use an ethernet connection – this will usually be more stable than wireless internet.  If you do not have an ethernet connection available, please try to move as close to your wireless router as possible.
  3. If you are using Zoom for lessons, please take a moment to make sure you have changed the settings.  This is extremely important – Zoom was made for speaking and automatically filters out background noise.  A nice feature for meetings, but unfortunately, it considers music “background noise.”  There are just a few steps to take to easily fix this!  
    Click here for written instructions
    OR
    Click here for a detailed YouTube video walkthrough for PC/Laptop
    OR
    Click here for a detailed YouTube walkthrough for iPad/iPhone/Android

Required Supplies/Tools

There are several important items all students should own:

  • Pencil – all students should have a pencil with them at all times!
  • Cleaning Rod – used to clean the flute.
  • Cleaning Cloth – used to clean the flute.
  • Music Stand – all students need to have a sturdy music stand.  Folding metal stands are acceptable, but as a student grows, many of these stands will not go high enough to comfortably read music.  I am happy to give recommendations for a good stand!
  • Metronome – a tool used to keep a steady tempo.  These are available online, at music stores and there are even apps available.
  • Tuner – a tool used to measure intonation.  These are also available online or at music stores.  Metronome/tuner combinations are available and recommended.  Tuner apps are available, but are typically less reliable.
  • Pad Cleaning Paper – this is a special paper designed to prevent pads under keys from sticking, due to moisture.  Pad paper is available in powdered and non-powdered.  The powdered paper is recommended, since it is more effective.
  • Flute Stand (optional) – different from a music stand, this is a peg that unfolds and stands on the ground, providing a sturdy, reliable place to put your flute when you are not playing.  This can help prevent accidents from flutes falling off tables and chairs, and is certainly preferable to leaving it on the floor!
  • Sheet Music – this is the music that I will assign you to practice at home.  Please remember to bring your assigned music to your lessons every week, as well as any additional music you may need help with (audition music, school band music, etc.)
  • Mirror – practicing in front of a mirror is the easiest way for a student to correct bad habits and to visually see where the air is going, how they are holding the instrument and to look for the correct embouchure.
  • Thumb Guide and Finger Saddle (optional) – these are small plastic pieces that attach to the body of the flute (easily removed), and are designed to help guide a student’s hands to the correct places on the flute.
  • Scale Chart – knowing your scales are key to becoming a successful flutist!  I have designed a scale chart to help you track your progress.  Once you register for lessons, this document is available through the My Music Staff student and parent portal.

Important Links

Maryland All State Band

Maryland All State Band auditions take place in November of every year.  You must sign up through your school band director.  All 7th, 8th and 9th grade students who are enrolled in their school band are eligible for the All State Junior Band, and all 10th, 11th and 12th graders enrolled in their school band are eligible for the All State Senior Band.  Auditions consist of two-octave scales, two prepared etudes and sightreading.  Learn more about All-State auditions by clicking here.

 All County/GT Band

Most counties use the Maryland All State Band audition requirements for All County/GT Band.  You must sign up through your school band director.  Most counties only allow students enrolled in their public school band program to audition.  Another difference is that Junior Bands consist of grades 6-8, while Senior Bands consist of grades 9-12.  Howard County has an Elementary School GT Band and Honor Band – these auditions are different from All State requirements.

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Each county has a Solo and Ensemble Festival, open to all students in grades 6-12 who are enrolled in their school band.  Music must be selected from an approved list – please see me for an appropriate piece!  This is another event that must be applied for through your school band director.  Please note that Howard County also has a Solo and Ensemble Festival for Elementary School, but there is no Elementary School State Solo and Ensemble Festival.

Youth Orchestras

We are fortunate to live in an area with several high quality youth orchestras.  This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is looking for an additional challenge outside of school band.  Please click on the links below for information: 

National Flute Association
The National Flute Association has many online resources and holds an annual convention that is absolutely amazing!  Please click here for more information.
 
Flute Society of Washington
This is a local flute society that covers the majority of the Mid-Atlantic region.  They also have an annual convention in February in Reston, VA.  Please click here for more information.
 
Sight-Reading Help
Sight-reading is a challenging part of any audition, and it takes practice to get better!  Fortunately, there are now apps and websites to help improve your sight-reading skills.  Here are a few:
Summer Camps
Summer camps are a great way to not only keep yourself in good musical shape over the summer, but an opportunity for tremendous growth!  Here are just a few of the high quality local summer camps: