The Hey Flutes Studio offers expert-level training whether you are a struggling 5th grader, a busy high school student, or an adult returning to the flute.

In the studio, success is measured by the goals of the student.

Do you want to feel less nervous when you perform? Are you hoping to play at your church or community band? Or do you need help preparing for auditions and competitions?

I am prepared to help you with any problem you want to tackle.

While I may be a seasoned professional classical musician now, playing the flute did not always come easily to me. When I was in 5th grade band as a kid growing up in Southern California, I couldn’t get a sound out AT ALL in my first week! My band teacher’s idea of reassuring me was telling me that I would “definitely get a sound out by the Christmas Concert” (not at all what I wanted to hear in September!). My parents were worried that I would quit before I even got started, so they signed me up for flute lessons with Jennifer Green. Ms. Green was an amazing teacher: clear, encouraging, and always assigning me the perfect pieces to make me grow as a player. In no time, I was the strongest and fastest flute player in my band, and by 6th grade I was playing in the district honor orchestra. I was hooked on playing the flute!

It wasn’t all smooth sailing from there, though. Recitals, talent shows, and competitions were tricky. While I had certainly practiced enough to perform well, I did not realize that something called adrenaline would get in my way. My lips and knees were shaking so badly in my second studio recital that I actually had to walk off stage instead of performing my second piece. Why was I having such a difficult time when I was so prepared? Apparently, what I was dealing with were issues of self-confidence, perfectionism, and lack of experience. Getting onstage by myself just once a year with all eyes and ears on me turned into a scary thing and at the time, I didn’t know how to turn solo performance into something positive. What I later learned in music school (and let’s face it, from life) is that in order to get comfortable performing in front of people, you need the right mindset as well as what’s often called “exposure therapy.” It took me ages to learn that the audience is actually on my side and hoping to see me shine. And it wasn’t until high school and college that I had enough repeated and positive exposure to performance that I was able to manage my unwieldy nervous system.

In the Hey Flutes Studio, there are numerous performance opportunities for students throughout the year as well as a supportive environment for students to grow.

Most importantly, members of the studio will learn how to achieve their goals through well-organized practice and how to express themselves through music on stage.

You can join locally if you are in New Jersey or online from your home. I also have limited availability for lessons in NYC near Lincoln Center.