Mary L'Hommedieu -Private Flute Instructor
About
Hi! I have been a private flute instructor for 25 years, teaching all levels and all ages, in New York and Washington states. I have also been a flute adjudicator for Middle School solo and ensemble festivals, in Pierce and King counties. I have a long history of flute/piccolo performance in many musical groups including wind ensembles, bands, orchestras, small chamber groups, duos, trios, quartets, flute choirs, solo flute presentations/concerts, masterclasses, etc. I enjoy teaching very much. I let students set their own goals (whatever they may be) and I help them with anything along the way. I emphasize the happiness in learning something new and the joy of music!
I enjoy helping students achieve more skills in playing the flute and teaching them how to "craft" a piece with musicality and phrasing. Well played music is rewarding to students and teachers alike!
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask them to demonstrate different musical abilities to me. I am looking for: good postures in sitting, body positioning in holding the flute, finger/hand positions, air support, tone production, pitch embouchures, airstream directions, airstream speeds, breathing, etc. Also, I am looking at how well students know fingerings of notes (and names of notes), how well rhythms, articulations, scales and phrasing have been learned. I also, like to know what flute pieces students have completed and what exercise books they have been working with. I ask them what they would like to work on with me. Perhaps what musical time period they are interested in would give me information about what pieces I could suggest for them to try in our lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
See Bio info
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My teaching rates are as follows: $40/hr; $32/45 min. and $22/ 30 min.
How did you get started teaching?
The owner of Browne Music Store (on Long Island, New York) asked me to teach flute lessons to his daughter, and then he hired me in his store to teach flute lessons in the evenings.
What types of students have you worked with?
All levels and abilities, and students ages 8 to 83 years old!!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I got to see Willie Nelson in person this summer. I figured he was getting up there in age and while he is still performing, I wanted to hear the Legend!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The student and a teacher have to be a good fit together. Not every teacher will be a good fit. Try taking a couple of flute lessons with different teachers and see which one you like best. And remember, just because a person plays the flute very well does not necessarily mean that they can, or will be a good teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are they willing to put in the time to practice to become a better player?