Melissa's Flute And Piccolo Lessons
About
For a more detailed description, visit my website at https://melissamam107.wixsite.com/merkelflutecorner
I am an experienced flute teacher who loves working with students of all skill levels, from complete beginner to advanced. I hold a Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and have been teaching private flute lessons since 2013. I have experience working with students of all age levels, including students in grades K-12 and adults.
As a flute teacher, I strive to empower my students to reach their musical goals and to help them build confidence as both learners and as musicians. Each lesson is tailored to the individual needs of each student, incorporating tone and technique exercises as well as classical pieces and duets. Depending on the student's interests, I also provide instruction in audition preparation and in learning band and orchestra music. My past middle school and high school students have achieved success in auditioning for the Worcester State Youth Orchestra, the MMEA Eastern District Junior and Senior Festivals, and the John Philip Sousa National High School Honor Band. I have also guided adult students in joining community bands and orchestras. In addition to private teaching, as a Fellow at the Marrowstone Music Festival, I led flute sectionals, mentored students in orchestra rehearsals, and coached a woodwind quintet. Additionally, while earning my Bachelor of Music degree, I led sectionals for middle school flutists and cotaught classes for the University of Colorado Boulder Summer Music Academy.
I have studied with and performed for a number of professional flutists, including Sir James Galway, Jim Walker, Dr. Jonathan Keeble, Christina Jennings, and Colorado Symphony flutists Brooke Ferguson, Julie Thorton, and Catherine Peterson. As a result, I have a variety of tools to pull from in helping you or your child meet their musical goals.
Music has played such an important role in my life, and I love having the opportunity to build positive relationships with students and their families, helping them build a love of music and increasing their self-confidence!
Specialties
Students age
Student experience
Able to read music
Musical styles
Student has instrument
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I work with students of all ages and experience, ranging from absolute beginner to intermediate/advanced. The first lesson is free of charge and will give us a chance to get to know each other and discuss you or your child's previous music experience and flute goals. I individualize my teaching for each student, so whether you're picking up a new hobby, play with an ensemble, or have a son or daughter preparing for a school audition, I can give you tools to best meet your goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing the flute since 2004. I hold a Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
I first started teaching private flute lessons in 2013. In 2019, I was accepted into the Marrowstone Music Festival Fellowship program where I mentored high school and undergraduate flute students in addition to performing in orchestra and chamber music concerts. I also mentored and led sectionals for middle school flutists as a Camp Counselor at the University of Colorado Summer Music Academy. Outside of teaching flute, I taught public speaking for undergraduate students at the University of Illinois during the 2019-2020 school year. I also worked as a School Aged Child Care Lead at Sandburg Elementary School from 2015 to 2018.
As a performer, I have extensive experience performing solo, in large ensembles, and in chamber groups. As a flute soloist, I performed at the 2017 National Flute Association Convention as a Masterclass Competition winner. I also performed for Sir James Galway as a masterclass competition winner at the the 2017 Once a Flutist Festival. I was also a winner in the Chicago Flute Club's 2020 Nicola Mazzanti Piccolo Masterclass Competition. I have been accepted to and performed at a number of orchestra festivals and masterclass programs, including The Pacific Northwest Flute and Piccolo Forum, Eastern Music Festival, Marrowstone Music Festival, and The Consummate Flutist at Carnegie Mellon.
The large ensembles groups I have worked with include the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the University of Illinois Modern Ensemble, The University of Illinois Wind Symphony, The Baroque Artists of Champaign Urbana, the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, and the University of Colorado at Boulder Opera, Wind Symphony, and Orchestra. I premeiered several pieces as Principal Piccoloist with the University of Illinois Wind Symphony at the 2019 Concert Band Director's National Association Conference.
I believe in the importance of studying music from music multiple traditions. I have completed coursework in Irish, Middle Eastern, and Indian music in addition to classical music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer new students a 30-minute introductory lesson for $10. This first lesson gives us a chance to meet each other and decide if we're a good fit. During this lesson, I will check our online setup, ask about your goals and your previous flute experience, lead you through a few flute exercises, and help select method books, pieces, or exercises for your next lesson. After this first lesson, I charge $50 for a 30-minute lesson, $75 for a 45-minute lesson, and $90 for an hour lesson.