Crystal's Flute Studio

The first lesson begins with getting to know the student and their musical goals. Whether a student wants to prepare for school band, auditions, ILMEA, competitions, or simply play for enjoyment, I tailor each lesson to their individual needs. From there, we establish a strong foundation through tone development, breathing, technique, scales, and musicianship while working on engaging repertoire. My goal is to create a positive, encouraging environment where students build confidence and enjoy making music.

I hold a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Music in Flute Performance from Northern Illinois University. I have studied with Scott Metlicka, Maureen Moller, Dr. Rebecca Johnson, and Oliver Kraft. In addition to maintaining a private studio, I teach flute in public schools in the south suburbs of Chicago. I also serve on the Chicago Flute Club Annual Student Competition Committee, helping to select repertoire and support one of the region’s premier student flute competitions.

* 30-minute lesson: $25 * 45-minute lesson: $37 * 60-minute lesson: $50 I also offer a free 30-minute trial lesson so prospective students and families can see if we’re a good fit before committing to ongoing lessons.

I began teaching while completing my undergraduate studies after taking courses in flute pedagogy and music education. I quickly discovered that I loved helping students build confidence and achieve goals they never thought possible. Since then, I have taught students of all ages and experience levels in private lessons, online, and in public school settings. Watching students grow as musicians and gain confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

I have experience teaching students of all ages, from children as young as 7 through adults. I work with beginning, intermediate, and advanced flutists, including students preparing for school band, ILMEA auditions, solo and ensemble contests, competitions, and college auditions. Every lesson is tailored to the student’s individual goals, learning style, and experience level.

Look for a teacher who takes the time to understand your goals and creates a positive, encouraging learning environment. A great teacher should help you build a strong technical foundation while making lessons engaging and enjoyable. It’s also important to find someone whose teaching style matches your learning style, so don’t be afraid to schedule a trial lesson to make sure it’s a good fit.

Before your first lesson, think about what you’d like to accomplish. Are you just getting started, preparing for auditions, improving your tone and technique, or playing simply for enjoyment? It’s also helpful to consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to practicing each week. Having clear goals helps your teacher create a personalized plan that will keep you motivated and making steady progress.