About
I offer flute lessons for all ages and levels, from learning how to read music, to preparing for honor band and college auditions, to adult students exploring music as a fulfilling life experience.
I use a curiosity-oriented approach with my students, to best help them achieve their individual aspirations. I love working with my students and seeing them gain confidence through the course of our lessons. I believe that learning the flute should help a student progress while being engaging, specialized to the student, and fun! For students looking to enter music competitively or professionally, I use a variety of preparation techniques to work the mental, physical, and musical challenges involved in music performance.
I have a B.A. in Music Performance from UCLA, a Masters' in Music from Carnegie Mellon University, and have performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and others. I also won several competitions including the Beverly Hills National Auditions, UCLA All-Stars Concerto Competition, as well as being a semi-finalist for the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.
I love seeing students have those "light-bulb" moments and seeing their confidence grow. Regardless of age, I believe that finding fulfillment through music is an incredible experience and am glad to help someone else find that joy and success.
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chad D.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The most important thing for me to know with a new student is what their goals are and what they're curious about, so we can lean into musical challenges that help to meet that curiosity and those goals. At the same time, my curiosity helps me to better understand where a student's gaps in knowledge are, and helps me individualize their lessons.
If the goal is simply to enjoy learning a new instrument, I often ask the student to tell me what kinds of songs they would like to learn, and I help them do that, in addition to the basics that are needed to play the flute. This helps students stay engaged and loving their instrument!
If the students' goal is to become a professional musician or to pursue a music degree from a university or conservatory, we work on various techniques to manage performance anxiety, like Alexander Technique, breathing, and meditation, in addition to the standard technical and musical work needed for a high level of performance.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.A. in Music Performance from UCLA, and a Masters' in Music from Carnegie Mellon University. I teach group classes through Ravinia's "Sistema"-based orchestral program to elementary and middle school flutists, and previously taught with Harmony Project and the Music Partnership Program Fellowship in Los Angeles. I have performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and won several competitions including the Beverly Hills National Auditions, UCLA All-Stars Concerto Competition, as well as being a semi-finalist for the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. I have also been a guest panelist for Jim Walker's Beyond the Masterclass. My primary teachers include Alberto Almarza (Carnegie Mellon), Diana Morgan (Colburn), Denis Bouriakov (Los Angeles Philharmonic and UCLA), Erin Bouriakov (UCLA), and Sheridon Stokes (UCLA and Movie Scores).
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
What types of students have you worked with?
Overall, I have worked with students from ages 8 - 65. My students have included young flutists learning how to play music for the first time, as well as adult woodwind doublers trying to improve their flute skills, and adult students who play for enjoyment.
Because of this, I have experience teaching the basics (how to read music, how to make your first sound on flute, etc), as well as more intermediate to advanced skills (managing performance anxiety, preparing for auditions, developing vibrato and intonation, musical interpretation, performing at a high level, etc).
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
In your first lesson with your teacher, try to determine not only whether they could help you grow as a flutist, but also provide you meaningful mentorship in your musical pursuits. A truly great teacher encourages a student to grow their skillset while being supportive.
You should never be afraid to ask questions if you struggle with something or need something explained again. Music teachers are here to help you learn and enjoy music!