Flute Lessons
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Looking for a flute teacher for 3rd grader
Sept 2012
My daughter is interested in learning to play flute. She has been taking
piano lessons for 3 years and can read music. We're in upper Rockridge area
and can go to the teacher's studio or teacher can come to our house but prefer
teacher coming to our house for lessons. Please recommend if you know of a
good flute teacher or if you teach flute. Thanks!
Kay
My daughter loves taking lessons from Deborah Schmidt, who has been her teacher
for six years. She is very kind and encouraging to children in the early
grades, often starting them on recorder until they're ready for flute. Her
students often stay with her through high school because of her warm personality
as well as her excellent instruction, and are among the best in their school
orchestras as a result. She teaches in the North Berkeley - Albany area, which
might be a long trip for you, but well worth it. Her home number is
(510)-785-9022.
Chris
I would like to highly recommend Sarah Holzman for your 3rd graders flute
lessons. Not only is she highly experienced teaching flute to children (both
through private lessons and in schools) she is also a professional flute player,
performing in symphonies and chamber groups. We are lucky that she has just
relocated from SF to Berkeley and is now taking students in Berkeley. She has a
home studio in the Berkeley HIlls. Her number is 415 505-2062. Carrie
I would like to recommend Laura Scarlata, who is a flutist on the faculty at
Crowden, and has a home studio in El Sobrante. I have observed her teaching
recorder and music appreciation at my son's preschool and can attest to her
enthusiasm and patience. She teaches flute to children and adults and can be
reached at lscarlata@yahoo.com. You can check her Crowden bio at
http://www.crowden.org/CCMC/Faculty/LauraScarlata.htm Lisa
I second the previous recommendation for Laura Scarlata. Her enthusiasm is
contagious, and she is a seemingly endless source of good advice and instruction.
Flutist Parent
Looking for East Bay flute and recorder teacher
Feb 2011
We are considering either flute or recorder lessons for our
kids (and possibly for me, too). Does anyone have
recommendations to offer? We're in the Albany/El
Cerrito/Berkeley area. Thanks!
Sara
My daughter took flute lessons from Eileen Hadidian in
Albany -- she is an excellent teacher and very attentive to
the student's learning style. Her email is ehmuse@comcast.net
Shelley
Annette Bauer, based in Oakland, fantastic musician and lovely person;
contact her via the lessons link on www.sacrecorders.org
musician friend
In response to your question wanting to find a flute or
recorder teacher for children and possibly yourself, I would
like to give you the contact information of a wonderful
flute teacher, who is accepting new students. Natalia
received her flute training at UCLA (with an additional
degree in psychology), and has been performing with two
local orchestras, teaching privately and at a performing
arts camp. She is a talented young woman, graceful, kind
and patient, who I can whole-heartedly recommend. Local
references available upon request. Natalia
Kaminska-Palarczyk, 510-910-2722, or by e-mail:
nataliakapa@gmail.com
ym
Nov 2010
We're looking for recommendations for a flute teacher who can really
inspire and connect with kids, and who also has excellent technical
skills.
interested parent
I highly recommend Caroline Reutter in Oakland. (510) 482-5214.
She is a wonderfully talented muscian and experienced teacher with
a vivacious personality and a genuine gift for helping and
inspiring her students.
My 10-year-old daughter began playing flute at her elementary
school last year. She had a very hard time getting started. It was
difficult for her to produce a note and she became so discouraged
that she almost quit after the first few weeks. One day, Caroline
visited the school to work with the new flute players. My daughter
was so excited that afternoon when I picked her up from school.
She told me all about Caroline and how helpful she was and then
asked me if she could please take lessons with Caroline.
My daughter now loves playing the flute and has accomplished so
much during the past year. She plays beautifully, is enthusiastic
about practicing, and regularly puts on ''concerts'' for me at
home. She was a featured soloist at school band concerts
throughout the past year. My daughter adores Caroline and looks
forward to her weekly lessons. She tells me that Caroline is very
good at explaining things to her, like how to play certain notes
or rhythms. From what I have observed, Caroline is patient and
kind, but at the same time, she likes to challenge her students
and keep them working hard.
My older daughter, who has been playing flute for three years now,
has also taken some lessons from Caroline and learned a lot from
them. Caroline has helped her to challenge herself with more
complicated pieces of music.
Karen G.
I highly recommend Caroline Reutter as a flute teacher. She is
extremely qualified, classically trained, and has studied with the
Principal Flutist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Her
classes are enjoyable as well as interesting and challenging. She
teaches all ages and is just wonderful and easy-going. My
daughter started lessons with her 6 years ago in Berkeley. Since
then, Caroline has moved to the Oakland/Piedmont area. My
daughter is now 19 and still enjoys her flute lessons, which now
consist of high level duets, classical etude studies, and famous
solo pieces (of exquisite sound!). The drive from Hercules to
Piedmont for lessons every week is well worth it. Through
CarolineC",b"s wonderful teaching, my daughter held the 1st chair
flute position all through high school in the symphonic band and
has continued with playing into college.
She can be reached at (510) 482-5214 or (510) 717-5981.
Barbara S.
I highly recommend Stacey Pelinka. She plays professionally and is
a talented and experienced instructor. She teaches in Berkeley and
will be taking new students starting in February.
http://www.staceypelinka.com/flute.html
info@staceypelinka.com | 415.509.5613
best wishes
April 2010
Hello,
Can anyone out there recommend a good flute teacher? IC",b"m
looking for one for my 10-year daughter who has been playing
for almost two years. Her current teacher is relocating to
another state. I checked the BPN website and the posts seem
a little outdated. Any recommendations are appreciated.
Thank you.
Flute Mom
Definitely try Albany Music School (on San Pablo, just
opposite El Cerrito Plaza).
I have known the director for several years. She teaches
flute and piano and she's incredibly sweet/patient with kids
and she's very prepared technically.
My kids simply love her: she has a wonderful way to
communicate music theory and teach practice to children,
while holding their attention in a fun way (so progress is
fast and effortless).
They teach piano, voice, flute, violin, guitar and drums and
they offer group classes for small kids (age 3-5) and
private lessons for everybody else (including adults).
9825 San Pablo Ave, 2nd floor (opposite El Cerrito Plaza) El
Cerrito, CA 94530 Tel. 510-528-4047 web:
www.albanymusicschool.com E-mail: info@albanymusicschool.com
Jack Jack
Sept 2009
Looking for a flute teacher for beginning lessons for 11-year
old. Thanks!
Emma
I highly recommend Matt Morrish at Musically Minded. This guy is
funny, personable, and very skilled both as a musician and
teacher. The studio has a lot of other teachers too on other
instruments. Matt is a gem. Check him out. 510 428 4094.
www.musicallyminded.com, admin@musicallyminded.com.
Matt's fan
I'd like to highly recommend Annete Skloot. She was my flute
teacher when I first started. Her cell phone # is 510-517-9208.
She's a delightful teacher, patient, and good with kids!
rosie
I would recommend Jane Webber in Berkeley, near Live Oak Park -
510-841-6111, voice mail - 510-761-6116, email:
jwebber.music@gmail.com.
My daughter has taken lessons with Jane for the past 7 years,
since she was 7 years old, and we have been very happy. Jane is
great with kids - patient and kind - and I would highly
recommend her.
MK
Jan 2009
Our daughter would like to resume her study of flute with
a private teacher. She's played for about two years now
and has taken a break of about a year. We're in North
Berkeley - our daughter is fifteen, attends BHS, and is a
sweet, thoughtful student who really loves the flute.
We've checked the archives but the recommendations are a
bit old, and we'd love either an update or a new
recommendation. And since we're on the subject, does
anyone know of a small band that needs a flute player?
Many thanks...
I can wholeheartedly recommend Katie Triest as a teacher for
your daughter. She teaches both piano and flute from in her
home in North Berkeley. Our daughter took piano lessons
from her and we found her both a supportive coach and a
skilled teacher. You can reach her by phone at 510-525-8298.
bt
My daughter recently started using Carol Alban as a flute
teacher (she was referred by another family) and we all
think she's great. She is Principal Flutist with the Bay
Area Chamber Symphony. Composes her own music and is active
in lots of local events. She often has her students
participate in performances. Her email is carolalban@aol.com
Good luck.
Pamela
Preparatory Music program at the Holy Names University has
been our resource for many years for both private
instruction and small band/orchestra, for our two
daughters.
Cathy DeVos is a great, very experienced flute instructor
there for private lessons.
Also, the new Winds Orchestra is being formed right now
and auditions are at 9am on January 24. You don't need to
show a great performance for these auditions, but just to
ascertain the level you're starting at.
The orchestras get regular chance to be part of larger
music concerts at the Regents Theater, perform at Dunsmuir
Mansion at Christmas time etc.
For more information, please call Catherine Baird at (510)
436-1224; baird@hnu.edu.
The place is located right off Redwood Road exit of HW 13
(a 10 min drive from Berkeley).
Maria
Bob Giles is an excellent & patient flute and guitar teacher he is located in
Albany and gives private lessons, near Solano Ave 510-558-0222
www.bobgilesart.com/
Sharyl
My son has been studying flute with Jane Lenoir, a truly incredible flute
teacher who lives in North Berkeley. Jane is an amazing musician and an
inspiring teacher. She is very positive, caring and upbeat, but the thing I
appreciate most about her is how she instills in the students a love of music
of all kinds. She is classically trained (Oberlin), but is an accomplished jazz
flutist as well. She has my son playing Brazilian choro and Celtic music as
well as classical. She's great with kids- has raised two sons and is well aware
of the pressures on teens- and is understanding while always helping the
student move to the next level. Her website is www.janelenoir.com., and cell
phone is: 415-260-8111.
I think she currently has a couple teens from BHS Jazz Band as students.
Debbie
I know a fabulous musician who is a flutist. He teaches
near the North Berkeley BART station. He teaches flute and
several other instruments, but his first instrument is
flute. His name is Ernie Mansfield of Mansfield Music. I
highly recommend him. He is very competent and attentive to
the students he teaches. He can be reached at 510-524-2055.
Leah
I highly recommend Kristin Brooks Davidman as a flute
teacher. She taught my daughter and several of her friends.
My daughter loved her. Kristin is very supportive and
encouraging. She is not a ''crack the whip'' type teacher. She
has recitals in her home at the holidays so all her students
can play for each other.
She teaches all ages, including adults.
She's on Parker St. in Berkeley, here's her phone number
(510) 848-2268.
N.L.
Nov 2007
Hi,
I'm looking for flute teacher for my 10 year old son. He has been playing in
his school's ''band'' program for over a year and taking occasional lessons
from his aunt. His aunt thinks that he would really benefit from some
regular one on one or small session lessons. He gets frustrated with his
lack of progression at times, loses confidence and then his desire plummets.
My husband and I are completely unmusical and will have a difficult time
assessing the qualifications of a teacher, so I could use some help on that
aspect. I am also looking for candid comments about specific teachers not
just ''We think he/she is great''. What kind of teacher are they? How do
they motivate their students, etc. You can e-mail me directly if you prefer
not to have your comments on the public forum. We live in Kensington so
North Berkeley, Albany and El Cerrito would be our preferred locations.
Thanks in advance!
I want to recommend Jenny Holland, my child's piano teacher who also
teaches flute and guitar. She is truly gifted. What I have found
remarkable about her is her ability to responsively and flexibly tailor
her teaching style and curriculum to my child's interests and learning
style. My child has been pretty resistant to learning how to read music,
but loves to learn music by watching and listening and loves to play with
music. So Jenny has taught her through her strengths, emphasizing
imitation and improvisation, but still teaching her classical technique,
theory, musicianship, and composition. I can see that translating all this
knowledge into written form will be my child's last, rather than first,
step. Through talking with other parents whose children study with Jenny,
I have learned that she takes a different approach with each student and
really shines with creative students. Jenny was the music teacher at a
small private elementary school for almost twenty years, so s!
he really knows teaching as well as music, and she is fluent in many
musical genres including classical, western folk, jazz, rock, and world
music, another plus for motivating students. She teaches students of all
ages in her home in Albany, charging $30 per half hour or $60 per hour.
You can contact her at 510-524-9480.
Good luck,
Vicki
I would highly recommend Jane Webber as a flute teacher. Like you, neither my husband
nor I are musically talented, but we have two children who are and we feel so
fortunate to have found Jane. My daughter has been taking lessons from Jane for the
past 5 years (she is now 12) and while I may not be musically knowledgable, I do know
that she sounds great, loves her lessons and really loves music. Jane used to be a
clinical social worker who worked with children and she really makes an effort to
develop a relationship with the child. When I asked my daughter what she likes about
Jane, she said that Jane really explains things well and is patient and kind. Music is
such an important part of my daughter's life and I credit Jane with fostering her
appreciation for and love of music. Jane is located in North Berkeley, near Live Oak
park.
MK
I would like to recommend may daughter's flute teacher, Jane Webber. She works out of
a studio in North Berkeley and has taught flute to my daughter for the past nine
years, beginning when she was a seven year old beginner. Her gentle yet thorough
instruction has helped my daughter to grow into being the principal flute in her high
school Symphonic Band, become a staff member on flute at Cazadero Music Camp and
continue to love the instrument. Jane has always taught in an age-appropriate manner,
which has helped my daughter maintain her love of music while attaining the skills
necessary to perform more and more complex music. Feel free to contact me if you'd
like more information, or contact Jane directly by e-mail at
jwebber.music[at]gmail.com or by phone (510)841-6111.
wen
Sept 2006
I am hoping to start playing the flute again. I played as a child and would like to
start back up again as an adult. I am looking for a flute teacher in the East Bay.
Any recommendations would be appreciated. The past BPNetwork advice on flute
teachers is quite outdated.
Thanks
We are having a good experience with a flute teacher in Moraga.
Her name is Laura Marks, tel. (925) 631-1448. She was able to
teach my 7-year-old how to play, very young for this instrument.
She has gone out of her way to find pieces my daughter is
interested in, and has good advice on renting and buying flutes.
Good luck in your search
cmr
My flute teacher, Carol Alban, teaches in the Piedmont Ave. area.
She is a wonderful musician, and an excellent teacher. In
addition, she is smart and funny and it makes taking lessons a
pleasure! Her web site is: www.hometown.aol.com/flutesolo
flute fan
Hi,
I am also a child flutist who began playing again as an adult.
Good luck! I have a recommendation -- Caroline. She lives in
Berkeley, has been teaching a long time, and is very nice! Her
number is 510-849-0587.
Wendi
June 2005
Please recommend a good flute teacher for a 10-year old girl.
She has played at school and would like more individualized
instruction. Someone who comes to my home in Orinda would be nice, but not
essential.
mary
If you'd consider driving to Richmond View (not too far off of
San Pablo Dam Road, near Alvarado Park), call my partner, Jane
Magid (510 233-3607). She's been a flute teacher in the after-
school program at Head Royce for 16 years, and this year was
teaching music in a Richmond elementary public school as well.
She also teaches private students at home. She's friendly,
experienced, fun, and students leave their lessons smiling,
improved, and enthusiastic.
Rebecca
March 2003
My 7 year old daughter is interested in taking flute lessons. I
have looked at previous flute lesson recommendations, but they
are several years old and don't address the issue of what age to
start. That said, does anyone know what an appropriate age to
start flute lessons would be (is 7 too young?), what are some of
the difficulties your child has encountered (someone had said
that it is difficult to get a note out in the beginning and that
this could be very discouraging), any recommendations for
good/affordable teachers in the Berkeley/El Cerrito area, and
where can one buy or rent used flutes? Thanks.
MK
My nine-year old is still taking lessons from Amelia Archer. She
and a friend started together when they were almost seven. It's
been wonderful. It isn't like an older child taking lessons.
Sometimes we go for a few days without practicing and the
improvement is slower, but Amelia is great with kids, and now my
daughter is in the school band. Feel free to email if you want
more information. Amelia teaches on Sat. at the Crowden School
and on Sundays at her home in Oakland. Her email is
ameliajarcher (at) yahoo.com and her phone number is 510/832-3452.
Stefanie
I recommend Deborah Schmidt - she teaches both out of her home in El
Sobrante, and out of Forrest's music on University. She can be reached at
758-9022. She's got a wonderful gentle way about her, and is an
outstanding flutist - and is very experienced with kids. As for whether a
seven-year old is too young.....it depends on the motivation level, the arm
length, and other factors too hard to judge. I started flute at 8, but
studied piano and recorder from age 6. Can your daughter blow sound out of
glass bottles? Does she try? Is she easily frustrated, or does she
perservere? Does she play recorder? Can she modulate her breath so it
doesn't squeak? All of these will be factors in her success. Good
luck!
Julie
A flute can be too big for a seven year old to start with - it's a
question of being able to easily reach the fingering as well
as physically balance the weight of it in the air. You CAN
start with a treble recorder (which is easily blown) and then
move on to flute, or start with a piccolo. If you are in the
Berkeley school district, it's not a bad idea to start with flute
before the official school instrumental music program starts
(at 9 or 10) because flutes have to learn to play in the key of
Bflat to keep in with the other band instruments, and many
of them struggle at it. On the other hand, a GENERAL early
music program (where they learn to read, sing, recognize
melodies and harmonies etc) is a hugely valuable first step
towards successfully learning an instrument and very
appropriate for this age.
fiona hamer
I am a flute teacher and love to work with young beginners!
Seven is definitely not too early to start! Email me, and I'll
give you my phone number so we can talk. (I have a studio in
North Berkeley.)
Jane Webber jwebber (at) pacbell.net
My daughter started flute at age seven about 6 months ago. One
teacher we talked to said it was too young but we found one we
like who is fine with it (in Walnut Creek, sorry). The
beginning was very hard, but it was entirely my daughter's idea
and that helped her keep going, though she did almost quit a
couple times. Now she likes it a lot, but it's still
challenging. The breathing, fingering, and even holding the
flute are all physically challenging--I think if she had waited
a year or two she would have made faster progress. You probably
already know this but you can rent a curved neck flute--
essential for little ones because their arms just don't reach.
You probably have to call around to find one--took me a few
music stores.
Deborah
Our 8-year-old daughter has started flute lessons this year. We
have found a wonderful (and affordable) teacher, Jane Webber,
who is teaching her once a week for 45 minutes. Our daughter
very much enjoys studying with Jane and has made enormous
progress within a short time. Getting a tone out can be hard in
the beginning, but our daughter can already play a fairly big
number of songs. Our daughter is very small for her age, so she
has to use a curved head with her flute. Otherwise she would not
be able to reach the keys. So far we have rented the flute from
Best Musical Instrument in Oakland. They have good deals. We are
about to buy a flute through the internet though.
www.music123.com has very good deals. Often half of the list
price. You can contact our teacher Jane Webber by phone (# 841-
6111) or internet (jwebber (at) pacbell.net). You can also call me,
if you want to know more about our experience.
Ute
November 2002
My nine-year-old daughter has decided to begin her musical career
with flute lessons, so I'd like to inquire about great
instructors in the area. We live near Claremont and College and
she goes to school in El Cerrito, so either area would work. The
few recommendations on the archives are quite old, so I'd really
appreciate something current. Many thanks.
Deborah
I live in El Sobrante and there is a flute and piano teacher a
couple doors away from me. Her name is Valerie Morris, 510-222-
8442. If you can't make the drive to her place she may know
someone closer to you.
Larry
Amelia Archer is an excellent teacher for beginning flute
students. She teaches at home and at the Crowden Music Center
(Sacramento and Rose Streets) in Berkeley. She can be reached
by email at ameliajarcher AT yahoo.com or by calling Crowden at
510.559.2941.
Elisabeth
October 2002
My 10 year old home schooled daughter would like to learn to
play flute. Knowing that beginning flute can be frustrating
we'd like to find someone that is fun and can really turn her on
to playing music. (I have looked at the mentions on the website
but they seem dated) This would be in the Richmond - Berkeley
area. Thanks.
Paul
My son has really enjoyed his classes with Kristin Davidson. She's a
Berkeley mom and
musician that has taught in Berkeley afterschool classes for years. She
usually has small
classes and does private lessons. Give her a call at 848-2268. Good luck.
My sons, ages 5 and 8 really loved the summer music camp they
attended at Berkeley Academy of Music (BAM). They are soon
offering a Saturday morning class. They also give private
lessons in piano, organ, brass, woodwinds, strings and voice.
The directors are Naomi Sanchez and Stephen Varney, graduates
of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Their resumes are
impressive. My older son is currently taking trumpet lessons
with one of their teachers (also with an impressive resume).
Unlike before starting lessons, my son is now very motivated
and excited to practice. They teach adults too. I think their
rates are quite reasonable. The phone number is (415) 794-3260.
Jill
My 9 yr. old daughter still is taking flute lessons from Amelia
Archer, whom she loves. Amelia is young, fun, and she also
codirects the woodwind orchestra, Arethusa, which my daughter
hopes to be in next year. Amelia gives lessons out of her loft
near Jack London Square or through the Sat. music program at the
Crowden School in Berkeley, at Rose and Sacramento. Her number is
510/832-3452.
Stefanie
I'd like to recommend my friend and college buddie Marta
Rodriguez. She has many years experience teaching flute for
children, and she's a very accomplished flautist herself, she's
just great. Reach her at: flutevoice AT yahoo DOT com
Have fun
We have a brilliant flute teacher for our 12 year old.
This young woman was first flute at the Berlin Phil. and
she is newly arrived from the Penninsula and in need of
students of all ages.
Plesas contact her directly: Caroline Reutter
(510) 849-0587
-- jan
Re: the recommendation for Caroline Reutter in the last newsletter:
We can't say enough good things about Caroline Reutter's flute instruction.
She is patient and encouraging, yet challenges my daughter to "stretch"
herself to try harder. If anyone has any questions about Caroline Reutter,
please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you.
Sharon G.
Jan-Feb 2000
For silver Flute teachers, my son had Susie Lorraine who teaches at home and
out of Forest music. her # is 655-0599. She is the best and teaches sax,
too. She is very well connected in the jazz world.
My daughter was a longtime student of Susie Laraine's. We recommend
her as well. ~Anita
Sept 1998
Several list members have recently asked flute-related questions. Our
talented friend Amy Cyr has recently graduated from the Indiana University
School of Music and is available flute lessons for individuals and
ensembles, as well as classes in world music appreciation. She teaches
and performs many styles of music, including classical, band method, and
world music. (Middle East, Central Eurasia, South India, Africa)
She may be reached at 510/895-3023.
Susan
From: Cynthia
I learned some lessons when my own daughter took up flute for a year and
then quit. First, I had a poor experience with Best Music in Oakland, and
was then referred to House of Woodwinds (also in Oakland) by my daughter's
flute teacher. While it was too late for the flute, we used them for
clarinet repair and later a clarinet purchase and felt we got fair prices
and good advice. They are on 14th street in Oakland, near a good Korean
restaurant! Second, we went with a very traditional flute teacher of the
old school, which managed to kill my daughter's interest within six
months. We later discovered that Holy Names College (also in Oakland) has
a very nice preparatory music program based on the Suzuki method, for
strings and also for flute. (My daughter switched to violin, and has
enjoyed both the private classes and group classes there). Good luck!
From: Deborah
I would think that a mass music class won't be so helpful, which would
make it especially difficult in the beginning. The first few weeks of
playing a flute is not easy. There is not much gratification because
it is hard to even get a note out, but persevere!
I took "traditional" lessons from a young, dynamic teacher, and I
learned a lot from her. The one-on-one attention was invaluable. I
continued to take "traditional" lessons through the music department
when I was at Stanford, and, although my teacher had much better
credentials, I felt I learned more from my teacher that I had through
high school. In short, rapport is very important. You might try to
find someone (a student) through the music department. Even a half
hour a week would help a lot.
There is a music store in Berkeley that rents instruments (in Shattuck
Square, I believe).
May 2009
My 4th gr. daughter has fallen in love with flute through the
Berkeley Unified music program. She just completed the 4th grade
curriculum and wants to work the 5th gr material through the book
throughout the summer, so that she can enter the Honor Band next
year. We can't afford to buy a flute or private regular flute
lessons. However, we might be able to rent a flute and maybe 2-3
lessons for clarification over the summer.Does anyone have sources
for an instrument and/or an instructor?
Thanks so much.
Andrea
My son rents his saxophone from a music company on University Avenue, a
couple blocks below MLK, on the right hand side. They have been very
patient with him when he has brought it in for adjustments. Forrests Music
B7(510) 845-7178 B7
1849 University
kl
June 2003
I have an older Artley flute that needs a tune-up. One spring is
adjusted wrong so the key sticks and the pads seem to have a few
leaks. I looked at the previous website recommendations and they
were made in 1999 and 2001. The Fifth String (Guitar shop) used
to do repairs, but I'm not sure the owner of the shop still
excels at that. Does anyone have experience with woodwind repair
shops in Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro?
---Barbara
Best Instrument Repair in Oakland is the best place for getting repairs -
they're knowledgeable, helpful, friendly. They're in the phone book.
fiona
Years ago brought my flute in to a tiny shop in downtown
Oakland to be cleaned and repaired. All I remember is that it
cost around $125.00 and I was later told by someone who
tried to play it that the instrument was not fully okay. So I feel
that my money wasn't well spent because I got the flute back
not up to par. I would make sure in the future that I
understand what I'm paying for and how repaired the
instrument will be after the work gets done. Good luck.
anon
Steve Deutsch does woodwind repair. He's got a reputation among
classical musicians for quality work. I have my clarinet
repaired and ''tuned up'' by him. His number is 533-6750. He's
in Oakland and has his shop in his home. Sometimes he can do
the work on the spot if it's a smaller job.
Linda
We had minor repairs done twice at Forrest Music at 1849
University in Berkeley, near MLK. The person did a good job and
was very nice. Call ahead to make sure the flute person will be
in. 845-7178.
Stefanie
We've had good success at Tupper & Reed (Berkeley) with woodwind
repairs (two clarinets). Best Music in downtown Oakland can also
handle this kind of problem easily
John C Piedmont
I've gone to Best Music for woodwind purchases and repair for
more than 20 years now. They're on Broadway in Oakland. I think
they're top rate. I play piccolo and flute.
Jennie
July 2001
I purchased a good beginner flute for my daughter 2 years ago from a mail
order company, The World Wind(Phone:800-348-5003). They carry both new and
used ones. I paid $340 for a new Yamaha flute, at the time a music store
in Berkeley was asking $510 for the exact same flute. According to my
daughter's flute teacher, Yamaha flute is the best.
Good luck.
Xiaoyan
To the parent who wanted to buy a flute and get flute support: I really
like Forrests at 1849 University in Berkeley. Nice atmosphere, nice place.
Becky
Re purchasing/leasing a flute:
Forrest's Music on University Ave. in Berkeley, not Tupper & Reed. They'll
rent, rent-to-own, etc., they know what they're doing, and they're good people.
--John
(father, uncle, and brother of three flutists!)
By the way, for students of woodwinds (my other daughter now plays
clarinet), Forrest's Music is at 1849 University and it's nice, too.
Tupper & Reed on Shattuck is a good all-around music store.
Becky
Flute Repair
kim (12/99)
Would like recommendations for student flute repair. I called Best
Instruments and Jon's Music & Repair Shop in Oakland and Forrests Music in
Berkeley. Prices for complete rebuild ranged from $175 - $225. Any info on
these shops or alternate places for musical instrument repair?
Roger
House of Woodwinds does good work, but it won't be cheaper.
Best is fine.
Lisa
I get my oboe repaired at Forrest's. It's the best place to go for for oboe
repair and I would be they
do a great job on other instruments.
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