Flute Lessons New Jersey / Private Flute Instruction New Jersey
 Flutist Geri Rizzo | 609-665-1731

Play the Flute for Relaxation and Libation!

Meet My Teachers:
Claude Monteux   |   Jim Walker   |    James Pappoutsakis - at NEC  |   Frances Blaisdell - at Manhattan School of Music |   Gary Schocker
Warmups | Fingering Charts | Staff Paper | Teaching Technique | Recommended Books on Fluteplaying | Discount Flute Music

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 and of course teaching them theory and all the above!  I especially welcome adult players who used to play and want to play for fun and libation once again. 

I also specialize in coaching for competitions or going on to a more serious level of playing.  It is very gratifying to take a beginner to the advanced stages of flute playing.

A big part of playing the flute correctly and better, a good side effect, is relaxation As an instructor in TM (Trancendental Meditation) I can incorporate this into your "sessions" especially if you are experiencing a closed throat and being tense.

See my response to Fabrizio on "Linked In" regarding teaching and today's technology,
here:

(L) Playing duets at Atlantic City Medical Center in Pomona for
 volunteer program with student Josepha Pennrose, an adult student who is herself a teacher by profession.  Josepha just loves the flute and playing for pleasure.

(R) Stefanie Farrell, my student of ten years came to me as a beginner with braces.  Stefanie now attends Drexel University in
Philadelphia, majoring in pre-med and minoring in music, and sits first chair as a Freshman in the University Band, as well as engaging in jazz ensembles.

PRIVATE FLUTE LESSONS
Call 609-665-1731 / Email me: geri@magicfluteweddings.com


SKYPE... for Online Lessons
Live far way?  That is not a problem today!
Just download "Skype" and we can see and listen
to each other right on your computer screen
in the comfort of your home!  It's easy!
Contact me at geririzzo@gmail.com for more information!
 

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!

"Which is correct:  "Flutist" or "Flautist", I am often asked.  I always prefer to be called a flutist as I play the flute, not the "flaut".
So, curious, I looked it up and here is your answer: "Flautist" is derived from the Italian word for flute "flauto", and then the American
"ist" was added.  You may use whichever term you prefer, it doesn't matter to me.  What does matter to me, is that I am a fluteplayer!

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. 

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 when you do this.

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.

ON CHOOSING A FLUTE:
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!  New on the market and designed by former Powell flute technician DiZhao is the DiZhao flute.  This flute is remarkable in that it gives the young student an easier capability to produce a sound and is made like much more expensive flute.  I highly recommend these flutes. 

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.

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!

Flute Fingering Chart | Download Staff Music Paper Free

Flute Trill Chart | Scales/Explanation  | Flute Scales  |  The Circle of Fifths  |  Learn to Memorize the Circle of Fifths

I highly recommend for scales and technique:
Taffanel and Gaubert's ..... 

Scales in Complete Circle of Fifths, Arpeggios, Technical Exercises
"The  Bible" of Flute Technique!


17 Grands Exercices Journaliers De Mecanisme By Paul Taffanel.
Arranged by Philippe Gaubert. For Flute.
Published by Leduc. (524006720) See more info...

Click here for some recommended books on flute playing!

Various: The Ultimate Collection Of Flute Solos with Piano Accompaniment
See more info here and get more great flute music discounts!


Award Winning Wedding Ceremony Music!
Magic Flute Wedding Musicians
www.magicfluteweddings.com


Flutists!!  Join Flute Gigs and get gigging!!

 

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