In each lesson I incorporate the following:

♥ Theory - How music is written, giving a lot of
      attention to scales and method studies
♥ Rhythm and Dynamics
♥ Technique and Phrasing
♥ Expression / Interpretation
♥ The flute repertoire
♥ Orchestral Studies / Tone Color        

I tailor my lessons to the student's needs and level.  Not all flutists are aiming at becoming a virtuoso or even educator, they just want to play!  I then take a fun approach, teaching them the rudiments through the kinds of music they enjoy listening to!  I especially welcome adult players who used to play and want to play for fun and libation once again. 

However, I specialize in coaching for competitions or going on to a more serious level of playing.

Music teaches beauty and discipline, and lessons should also be fun!  I love playing duets with my students.  It helps them to hear what a "seasoned" player sounds like so they can follow suit!

I am available on my studio phone to schedule lessons:   609-839-2609 or email me here: geririzzo@gmail.com 
 

First Flute Lesson - Blowing into the head joint:
Can you blow into a soda bottle?  Then you can blow into the flute...Position the head joint hole to center on your closed lips, and roll down to position the mouth plate snugly between the lip and chin... then blow across just like you would blow into a soda bottle!  As you blow across, imagine blowing a "feather"... never blow hard, you are playing a flute... not a trumpet, and learning to blow this way from the start will develop your embouchure and later, color, in your playing. 

So many flutists today are looking for that "big" sound by contriving their flutes.  First of all, my idea of a "big" sound is one that is achieved by practicing correctly with the right head joint for you.  Since there are so many to choose from today, it can be very confusing.

Did you know you could take a good high level student instrument, and with a professional head joint achieve the sound you want at a fraction of the cost?  Of course, we all want the expensive professional instrument, but not all of us can afford it, and until you can, this is a good interim "fix".  The best way to get the right head joint for you is to visit your local professional flute repair person and try them out!  My pick is a Haynes silver head joint with a gold riser, but that is just me!  I love the sound and color of the Haynes.  I also love Pearl flutes. They are easier to play with minimal effort and provide resonance and brightness wrapped up in one.  They are also priced more reasonably than any flute on the market, and you can get more bang for the buck!

You can go to www.nfaonline.org to check and see when/where the next flute fair will be.  Go, and try everything!  You will be like a child in a candy shop, but if you are seriously looking for the right flute or head joint for you, this is the way to do it...  I also believe a person's individual physiognomy has a great deal to do with their sound.

Remember, as you go lower on the scale, you need to widen your lips and project your chin out a bit, jutting out your bottom lip, just a little, and widening the embouchure.  It works!  Try it! As you go higher - especially in the top register - you want to make more of an "o" with your lips, as in a pucker or a pecked kiss!  Your chin will naturally retract back with this as it should.

GERI'S WARMUPS
Before you get those fingers moving, breathe the breath of life
into your instrument, warm it up and warm YOU up!  Here's How!

Click Here for Great Articles in the "Flute Rag"
This one focuses on breathing issues and more!