Lessons
I teach four different instruments:
Silver Flute
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Irish Flute
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Celtic Harp
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Tin Whistles
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and two styles of music:
Classical - silver flute and Celtic harp
Irish - wooden flute, Celtic harp, and tin whistle
Some of my students stick to one instrument and play either classical or Irish music. But I'm happy to teach you more than one instrument and both styles of music.
It's up to you!
Classical - silver flute and Celtic harp
Irish - wooden flute, Celtic harp, and tin whistle
Some of my students stick to one instrument and play either classical or Irish music. But I'm happy to teach you more than one instrument and both styles of music.
It's up to you!
|
Why Take Lessons? My students take lessons because they want to: Compete in All-State (classical) and Fleadh (Irish) competitions Play in the school marching band or orchestra Get a better seat in band Learn to play in Irish sessions Play better during their gigs Play music with their family members Play only in the privacy of their own homes Keep their fingers and their brain active as they get older Learn the instrument they always imagined learning. Now they've retired and have the time |
I teach students of all ages, from this 5-year old harpist to students in their 80's. |
How I Teach
Each student is different. Learning styles, goals, musical interests, and skills vary from person to person, and I adapt the way I teach accordingly.
For example, I teach my silver flute students and school-age Celtic harpists to read music. But I also expose them to learning and playing music by ear, without reading it on the page.
That is the traditional method of learning Irish music on Irish instruments (Celtic harp, wooden flute, or tin whistle). Students learn fingering techniques and how to apply them to songs and tunes by watching the teacher. The approach results in a wonderful lack of dependence on the printed music.
A note to adult students: I tailor lessons to the approach you prefer, not requiring you to read music if you don't want to. On the other hand, if you already read music (we call that "paper-trained") and have been learning Irish music on traditional Irish instruments by reading music, I will nudge you towards doing it without reading the notes.
Each student is different. Learning styles, goals, musical interests, and skills vary from person to person, and I adapt the way I teach accordingly.
For example, I teach my silver flute students and school-age Celtic harpists to read music. But I also expose them to learning and playing music by ear, without reading it on the page.
That is the traditional method of learning Irish music on Irish instruments (Celtic harp, wooden flute, or tin whistle). Students learn fingering techniques and how to apply them to songs and tunes by watching the teacher. The approach results in a wonderful lack of dependence on the printed music.
A note to adult students: I tailor lessons to the approach you prefer, not requiring you to read music if you don't want to. On the other hand, if you already read music (we call that "paper-trained") and have been learning Irish music on traditional Irish instruments by reading music, I will nudge you towards doing it without reading the notes.
Education and Teaching Credentials
Bachelor of Music Education - University of Delaware, with a concentration in classical flute; teachers were Max Rairigh, Pat Kendall, Eileen Grycky
Masters in Instructional Design & Technology - Philadelphia University
Celtic harp study in Ireland: in Colmkille with Janet Harbison and at the Scoil Eigse in Cavan,
with Grainne Hambly and others
Workshops and classes with numerous tin whistle and wooden flute players
Experience
3 years as a public and parochial school band teacher
30 years as a private music teacher
Bachelor of Music Education - University of Delaware, with a concentration in classical flute; teachers were Max Rairigh, Pat Kendall, Eileen Grycky
Masters in Instructional Design & Technology - Philadelphia University
Celtic harp study in Ireland: in Colmkille with Janet Harbison and at the Scoil Eigse in Cavan,
with Grainne Hambly and others
Workshops and classes with numerous tin whistle and wooden flute players
Experience
3 years as a public and parochial school band teacher
30 years as a private music teacher
