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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:
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(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!
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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!
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"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! |
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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. |
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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
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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 .....
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