Teaching

Sarah’s Teaching Philosophies:

To help the student develop a relaxed tone and technique
To help develop constructive self criticism and a self-reliant approach
To help the student to explore their own individual interpretations of pieces studied
To encourage the student to explore a range of musical styles in some depth
To help develop a confident and positive approach to performance
To help develop an understanding of music theory

Areas of technique and repertoire to cover depending on student level:

Posture
Breathing
Tone development
Articulation
Correct fingerings and relaxed hand positions
Pitch control
Scales
Studies and exercises for tone, technique, articulation, sonority, flexibility, and freedom of phrasing
Pieces for graded syllabuses, baroque/classical, romantic and modern periods (including contemporary/extended techniques)

Lesson content:

I teach an array of students in individual lessons ranging from total beginner to highly advanced. I like to maintain variety by covering aspects of tone, technique and repertoire in each lesson, varying the emphasis according to the current needs of the student
Exam preparation: I teach the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (or its equivalent) exam syllabus for scales, sight-reading, repertoire, aural training, and theory to suit individual student requirements. I will help them prepare for the junior or senior diplomas of the Royal Schools of Music (DipABRSM or LRSM). I am also familiar with GCSE and A level music and University performance syllabuses
If pupils do not require to be entered for external examinations I suggest pieces that I think the individual student will enjoy, that will help their tonal, technical, and musical development. I am always pleased when students bring pieces to me that they wish to learn and I also enjoy working with students on pieces that are new to me, discovering the piece with them
Genre/styles: Baroque, classical, romantic, modern, baroque and modern flute, specialising in the following areas: baroque flute, eighteenth-century performance practice, C.P.E. Bach, and rhetoric
Workshops and masterclasses offered in performance practice and flute pedagogy
Teaching fee: £19 half an hour or £38 an hour both baroque and modern flute
Cancellation policy: 48 hours notice is required. The lesson fee will be charged unless the student can reschedule the lesson in the same teaching week.