Lessons
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What is the purpose of the consultation-lesson?
We offer a complimentary consultation-lesson to prospective students, so that they and their families have an opportunity to visit the studio and get a sense of our approach to teaching and making music. If you are a beginner, you will have the opportunity to hear the faculty perform a piece of music so that you have some idea of what may be achieved musically. If you have had prior musical experience, you have the opportunity to play some of your favourite music and receive a sample lesson. The meeting will conclude with a discussion of what the possibilities and expectations are at the studio.
What is a good age to start taking lessons?
While The Flute Studio is experienced in teaching students from a wide range of ages and abilities, the earliest age we prefer to accept students is 6. In exceptional cases, we may teach younger children (e.g. If they have older siblings who are already taking music lessons or if the child demonstrates exceptional musical potential for his/her age). Parents of students age 10 and younger are invited to observe lessons so that they can help their child at home. Ideally, parents should also be learn to play their child's instrument so that they can act as role models as well as teachers in guiding their child's home practising.
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How often should I practise?
Regular, daily practising is essential for developing musical ability. This is an even more important factor than natural talent in ensuring musical success. Putting in sufficient time, being patient and doing intelligent practising will ensure success. Parents can help their child to establish a positive and regular practice schedule.
How can I help my child to succeed?
Congratulations on wanting to be involved in your child's musical education. Our experience shows that parental involvement leads to greater musical success and joy in their child. Knowing that you are a part of the learning process means a great deal to your child. It will also enable you to share in your child's accomplishments in a more meaningful way. For parents of younger students, we send out a guide to help you get started on the right foot. In essence, make sure they're not over-scheduled so that you can help your child to develop a regular practise routine. Lots of positive encouragement goes a long way to helping your child to feel that making music is a joyful experience for herself as well as for the people she loves. If you are sitting in on your child's lessons, take detailed notes and observe how concepts are taught in lessons, so that you are able to continue the same positive pattern of learning at home. Ideally, the parent will also be learning to play the instrument along with her child.
What can I do to maximise my musical progress at The Flute Studio?
Apart from regular daily practising of your weekly assignment, attending concerts is hugely important. We recommend going to concerts that aren't just limited to the flute. We often go to the symphony, the opera and chamber music concerts. On the Internet, there are great sites that screen world-class concerts of classical musicians of the highest calibre. One such site is www.medici.tv – while there's a nominal monthly subscription fee, there are also some programmes which they offer for free. Of course, listening to recordings is also very instructive as well as inspiring!
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What kind of instrument do I need to get?
First of all, you need to have regular access to an instrument that is in good working order – that means having it repaired or tuned when necessary. Just like a car, instruments need regular maintenance. Playing on an inadequate instrument is not only frustrating but can seriously hamper progress. Be cautious of shiny, new instruments at a bargain price – they may look good but can be a waste of your money. We can offer suggestions at the consultation and during lessons on reputable instrument-makers that make affordable instruments. As a student's level of playing increases, they may also require a more advanced instrument better-suited to their abilities – we will also offer guidance in this area.
Do you prepare students for Royal Conservatory of Music examinations?
Yes, we have had extensive experience in preparing student for RCM exams – both flute and piano. Preparing for an exam can be a good goal towards which to work. However, we only do so if the student himself wants to go through the exam process. We have a well-established record of students achieving grades of 90% and above in RCM examinations.
I am planning to audition for university and conservatory music programmes. Can you help me?
 If you are an existing student of the studio, let us know at least 1 year in advance. If you are new to the studio, we recommend a minimum of 2 years' study with us in order to be adequately prepared for your audition. There are a lot of details which will need to be addressed – many of which you as the applicant may not have anticipated. You will be expected to be able to play an extensive range of scales and arpeggios. You will also be required to demonstrate your musical interpretative maturity. We have prepared many students successfully for the audition process – success depends on being properly prepared. It is your responsibility to find out the exact audition requirements of each of the schools to which you intend to apply and the sooner you get that information to us, the better we'll be able to design an appropriate course of study for you.
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