Top Pro

Ellen Burr Flute And Improvisation Lessons

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Los Angeles, CA & Online

About

I have been teaching flute to students of all ages for over half my life. I began teaching shortly after I began studying, so my approach is one of discovery. I have also studied many different philosophies of learning and I adjust how I explain things to the way the individual student learns.

I love seeing the "aha" moment in the student's eye. I enjoy teaching my students how to practice, how to see patterns and listen more deeply. I pride myself on helping students efficiently prepare for competitions, auditions, school tests and concerts.

Highlights

Hired 2 times

1 employee

36 years in business

Serves Los Angeles, CA

Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Zelle

Social media

Specialties

Students age

10 - 13 years old, 14 - 17 years old, 18 - 25 years old, 26 - 44 years old, 45 - 64 years old, 65 or older

Student experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 - 2 yrs of formal training, 2 - 4 yrs of formal training, 4+ yrs of formal training

Able to read music

Student can read music, Student cannot read music

Musical styles

I can recommend a genre, Rock, Blues, Classical, Jazz, Folk

Student has instrument

Students who have an instrument, Students who plan to buy an instrument, but don't have one yet

Lesson length

45 minutes, 60 minutes

Reviews

0.0

0 reviews

Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our reviews policy.

caren R.

Ellen is a passionate flute player and a wonderful instructor. I first started taking in person lessons with her about six years ago. After a year, I moved across the country and have been having my lessons via Zoom ever since. Its worked out great. I highly recommend Ellen, shes very inspiring, a great teacher and a pleasure to work with.

February 16, 2026

rita E.

I have been working with Ellen Burr on and off for the past 30 years. Ellen is an amazing teacher who combines her flute expertise with fun and patience. She is a great teacher who not only instructs you but brings out your best qualities. I highly recommend people of all ages to work with Ellen.

January 30, 2026

judy K.

Ellen is an absolute gem! My 12 year old son has had three flute lessons with Ellen so far and I’m amazed by the impactful adjustments she’s made in his technique and general attitude towards practicing. On our first meeting, she captured my son’s heart by having him deconstruct his flute to show him the nuts and bolts of his instrument. This is his third year playing flute and he has had 3 different flute tutors, but I feel like this is the first time that the instrument and instructions clicked for him. We look forward to working with Ellen as my son has sights for auditioning and leveling up to the next orchestra group within his school music program. If you or your child is looking for a dynamic, intuitive, and talented flute instructor, don’t look any further and call Ellen!

January 30, 2026

yahaira S.

Ellen is a wonderful teacher. I learned to play when I was a teenager and decided to go back to it after around 20 years. It was not easy but Ellen has been very patient and professional. She is always inspiring me to practice and celebrating my accomplishments but at the same time giving me challenges to help me overcome my fears. I am grateful that a friend of mine recommended Ellen because it has been a great support in my journey re-learning and developing better techniques.

January 30, 2026

Kay K.

Ive been taking lessons from Ellen for almost two years. She is just the best! She is not only an incredibly talented musician, but she really knows how to teach and is loads of fun. She teaches on many different levels…emotional, physical, spiritual…and she is open to teaching what the student wants/needs. I feel incredibly lucky to be studying with her; she is truly world class.

November 25, 2016

Laura K.

Luck, flukiness and a bit of research converged, enabling us to find Ellen 7 years ago. Keeping her through the years as my daughters flute teacher has, however, been a very intentional process. Ellen is a brilliant musician, a meant-to-teach teacher, a creative soul who seeks to understand each student in order to help equip them with the skills needed to be better musicians.

November 22, 2016

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

I have studied different learning modalities and personality types. I listen to the student play, find out what their goals and aspirations are and work with them to come up with realistic goals. I assign a combination of solos, duets, etudes, technical exercises for tone, articulation, breath control, expression. I have taught everything from classical to rock to musicals including Klezmer & Bollywood. I make sure that the student is enjoying what they are playing and seeing results so that they become self motivated.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have a Bachelor in flute performance and a Masters in music composition. I have taken masterclasses with some of the flute greats including Jean-Pierre Rampal, Michel Debost and William Bennett. I also have studied jazz improvisation. I am endorsed by Yamaha Musical Instruments.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

At my studio apt. in Hancock Park, CA; and at a home in east Santa Monica: 45 minute lessons are $75; hour lessons are $100. (I do not offer 30 min. lessons, as I feel they are not very productive.)

If I travel to your house add another $20-$40 depending upon location.

How did you get started teaching?

I started teaching when I was a high school junior, 16 years old and section leader of the top band. A girl from the lower band wanted help with her audition to get into the top band. When we were done, she offered me some money. I asked, "what are you doing?" She replied, "you just gave me a lesson." I told her it was my first lesson I ever gave, so she could pay me if she came back for another.

What types of students have you worked with?

Every type of student from age 6 - 80. I used to teach recorder to the young ones. However, now I only work with ten year olds and older on flute and piccolo only. I have taught doublers, beginners (adult and kids) retired and returning flutists.

Services offered

Flute