About
Dr. Alan Berquist has been a flutist for over 30 years and educator for two decades based in Northern California. He is Adjunct Professor of Flute at California State University, Stanislaus and Diablo Valley College.
He was a student of Dalcroze Eurhythmics at the Marta Sanchez Dalcroze Training Center at Carnegie Mellon University with support from the Dalcroze Society of America in 2019. He performs with Ensemble 126, Etesian Duo, Bay Area Rainbow Symphony, and Awesöme Orchestra Collective. He has also performed with the California Symphony, The American Opera Project, Brooklyn Wind Symphony, and the Albany (GA), Astoria (NY), Madison (WI), and Tallahassee Symphony Orchestras.
Alan has performed in dozens of masterclasses across the country, for international flute luminaries like Sir James Galway, Paul Edmund-Davies, Karl-Heinz Schütz, Leone Buyse, and Julius Baker.
He holds degrees from Florida State University (DM 2020, BM 2002), University of Wisconsin-Madison (MM 2004), and a Certificate in Advanced Flute Studies from Carnegie Mellon University (2006). His principal teachers include Eva Amsler, Alberto Almarza, Stephanie Jutt, Caryl Mae Scott, and Susan Clark.
I enjoy helping and being of service to my community. Meeting students and colleagues to create art and unexpected beauty is a great joy.
Specialties
Students age
Student experience
Able to read music
Musical styles
Student has instrument
Lesson length
Photos and videos
Reviews
judith K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Lessons incorporate strong foundations in breath, tone, and technique through body awareness (kinesiology) in a constructivist atmosphere. Personally tailored to each flutist, holistic principles from Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics are a gateway to having you perform your best!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Doctor of Music-Flute Performance: Florida State University, 2020
Dalcroze Eurythmics training: Carnegie Mellon University Marta Sanchez Dalcroze Training Center, 2019
Certificate in Advanced Flute Studies: Carnegie Mellon University, 2006
Master of Music-Flute Performance: University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2004
Bachelor of Music-Flute Performance: Florida State University, 2002
Principal teachers: Eva Amsler, Alberto Almarza, Stephanie Jutt, Caryl Mae Scott, and Susan Clark.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lesson tuition starts around $80/hour depending on distance. I also operate on a sliding scale depending on family or individual income.
How did you get started teaching?
Performing and teaching go hand in hand, and from a family of educators it was a natural progression to pursue eduction that involved pedagogy and teaching for all musicians.
What types of students have you worked with?
From beginners to advanced graduate students, ages 8 to 98! All different needs and levels of commitment from just for fun to professionals.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Many performances are special, mostly with my chamber ensembles or large groups where we come together to make something bigger than ourselves.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find the person you get along with the most as it is a 1:1 teaching experience. The right fit will challenge you but also have compassion.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Understanding what it is you want to accomplish and the time you have to devote to improvement.