Basker Flute Studio

Basker Flute Studio

5.0Exceptional(6 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

Welcome to the Basker Flute Studio!

I provide a proven, comprehensive system for learning to play the flute that is both fun and effective. I teach all ages and levels. There are opportunities to play with others and to perform as well. I have developed a flexible approach in my teaching tailored to the individual student. Students are encouraged to perform in recitals, where they can showcase their musical talents and skills with friends and family. For those who are so inclined, there are opportunities to enter auditions and competitions. As an active member of the Music Teacher's Association of California, I offer my students the opportunity to participate in the Certificate of Merit program. CM provides a system that helps students maintain a steady and focused approach to their musical studies, including music theory, performance skills, technique, ear-training, and sight-reading. In essence, the program assists them in becoming more well-rounded musicians with access to a large audience to share music with. Participation is voluntary. Feel free to call or email me for more information and to schedule an introductory flute lesson. Thank you for choosing to invest in your own or your child’s music education. I look forward to assist you reach your musical goals!

What I enjoy the most about teaching is watching a student take on the challenge of learning to play the flute or a new song and how they are transformed by the process. As their technique and musicality improve, they become a more confident performer and develop a deeper appreciation for music in general. It's great to witness their sense of fulfillment, as they share their music with family, friends, and even strangers.


Highlights

1 employee
29 years in business
Serves San Mateo , CA
Offers online services

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    HC

    Hao C.

    Posted July 01, 2021
    It brings me great joy when I meet someone who has found his or her passion in life... something that they would probably do even if they werent being paid for it. That is Mr. Basker in a nutshell. We have worked with many fine music teachers in the past (piano, flute, choir, etc...), but in terms of passion for what they do, Mr. Basker is at another level.
    My daughter has been taking flute (and more recently piccolo) lessons from Mr. Basker for over two years now, and she has greatly improved. He possesses a wealth of knowledge about how to prepare for auditions, CMs, etc...and just great insights on how to go about learning the flute or piccolo. He is smart and effective with his lessons...and hes an all-around nice guy. So, no matter where you are in terms of your flute or piccolo skill set, Mr. Basker will be of great help to you on your journey of learning.
    ... Show more
    July 07, 2021

    LL

    Linda L.

    My 12-year old daughter has been taking flute lessons with Wayne Basker for about two years. Previously, my daughter played piano for 6 years before switching to flute. Wayne is not only a dedicated, talented musician, but also a great teacher. He is so friendly, kind and easy to work with. Wayne is always so professional with a wonderfully positive attitude. He is very attentive and passionate about helping students to reach their goals. Wayne always goes the extra mile to help out with my daughter to prepare for Certificate of Merit and auditions for youth orchestras. He is always encouraging (even when my daughter encounters challenges with more difficult pieces) and offers advice on various different ways to improve. When he teaches, he focuses on tone, technique, basic music theory, developing strong practice habits, and musicality. It is rare to find a teacher who is so caring, instills the love of music in a child, and inspires them to do better. I highly recommend Wayne to anyone who is looking for a flute teacher!
    ... Show more
    April 17, 2021

    JJ

    Janine J.

    In a short time, my daughter has made remarkable progress on the flute under Wayne’s tutelage. He has always demonstrated the utmost professionalism as a teacher. When you find a great teacher, you hang on to him as hard as you can. Wayne is one of those rare finds. Janine Jung, San Francisco, California
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    April 10, 2021

    ML

    Marjory L.

    Wayne taught my daughter from age 11 to 14 and he performed at my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. He was a memorable flute teacher and a fine performer. Over the years I’ve come to know Wayne as a patient and hard-working teacher who is absolutely great with kid. Enthusiastic, trustworthy and resourceful, Wayne is an asset to any organization, especially an organization involving kids. Marjory Luxenberg, Millbrae, California
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    April 10, 2021

    PJ

    Patty J.

    Wayne is a wonderful teacher, so professional and dedicated. He is organized in his approach and comprehensive in his program. He is also very down to earth and fun in his teaching style and relates well to my 12-year-old daughter. He is of fine character. Patty Johnson, Foster City, California
    ... Show more
    April 10, 2021

    AM

    Arthur M.

    “Wayne Basker has served in the capacity as Flute Clinician many times for the Millbrae School District. I have always found him to be an excellent motivational force for the aspiring young Flutist. He relates to the students well and always has a keen sense for what is needed to inspire these young musicians.”
    Arthur McGaw, Band Director (Ret.), Taylor Middle School, Millbrae, California
    ... Show more
    December 10, 2020

    Frequently asked questions

    1) I begin by learning of the student's music background and goals.

    2) I explain the commitment involved in learning a musical instrument, including practice time and investing in some necessary music accessories.

    3) Prior to our first meeting, I confirm that the student has a flute. If they don't, then I provide resources for rental, or purchase.

    4) If the student already has a flute, I have them play some notes to ascertain their skill level. I then create a plan to guide them in their development as a flutist.

    5) I answer any questions they might have and set up an introductory lesson.

     

    I have been teaching flute in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 25 years. I have taught private and group lessons at numerous schools, where I have coached hundreds of students, enhancing the level of their school bands and orchestras and successfully preparing them to win auditions and competitions.

    I received a Bachelor Degree in Flute Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Additionally, I completed music courses at San Francisco State University, Brevard Music Center in North Carolina, Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, and the California Music Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame de Namur, in Belmont, California. In San Francisco I studied flute with Paul Renzi, Leone Buyse, Lloyd Gowen, and Barbara Breeden. In Los Angeles I studied with Victor Morosco, and in New York with Keith Underwood. I received advanced coaching from Michel Debost, Thomas Nyfenger, Ransom Wilson, Julius Baker, and Geoffrey Gilbert.

    In addition to performing the symphonic repertoire and Broadway musicals in several Bay Area bands and orchestras, as well as on several Alaskan Cruises, I performed in the Jazz-Pop-Folk genres with many notable musicians including singer/guitarist Joan Baez. I regularly performed with jazz pianist Merle Saunders, with composer/pianist Nolan Gasser, and with the eclectic guitarist Richard Patterson.

    Individual lessons are conducted on a weekly basis. They range in length from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on age and level of commitment. Tuition is due once a month prior to the first lesson. The price is the same whether there are 4 or 5 lessons in a month. Please contact me for more details.

    I grew up in a family that had a great love of music. As a child, I regularly listened to recordings of the great Classics and as a family we often attended live symphony orchestra concerts. I was fascinated by all of this and intrigued at how the music brought our family closer and gave us all joy. I believe that those early life experiences served as my initial inspiration and motivation to want to play a musical instrument. First my sister played the cello and then later I began playing the flute at age 12. What I enjoy the most about teaching is watching a student take on the challenge of learning to play the flute or a new song and how they are transformed by the process. As their technique and musicality improve, they become a more confident performer and develop a deeper appreciation for music in general. It's great to witness their sense of fulfillment, as they share their music with family, friends, and even strangers.

    I have taught all types of students, from children to adults, from beginners through advanced, from amateurs to professionals and everyone in between.

    I enjoyed the recent projects of preparing some of my students for a Recital and for the Certificate of Merit Evaluation and Testing sponsored by the Music Teachers' Association of California

    If asked, I might suggest to a client looking for a flute teacher to:

    1) Ask the potential teacher to provide information on the teacher's musical education, teaching and performing experience, as well as some references or recommendations from previous clients.

    2) Set up an introductory lesson to 'test the waters' prior to committing to regular studies.

    3) Once you have chosen a teacher, allow some time for the teacher's method to unfold and for the student to forge a path for themselves as they learn to play a musical instrument. Be patient with yourself or your child. Learning to play a musical instrument is not easy and it takes a while. There are times of frustration and times of victory. If you stick with it, the results are usually worth it!

    Here are two questions I might suggest a student consider prior to talking to a potential flute teacher:

    1) Am I willing to carve out a little slot in my schedule to practice about 30 minutes a day, several days a week in order to build the proper foundation for learning a musical instrument?

    2) Am I willing to learn the material that my teacher assigns to me each week, so that I can progress more rapidly on the flute?


    Services offered

    Flute