Berkeley Parents Network: Flute Lessons

Berkeley Parents Network

Flute Lessons

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Classes & Lessons > Music Classes > Flute Lessons

Flute teacher for 10-year-old
Flute teacher for adult
Irish Flute Lessons
More Flute Teachers
Where to Buy/Repair a Flute

Flute teacher for 10-year-old

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

Flute teacher for adult

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

Irish Flute Lessons

April 2006

Hi , I am an adult with no musical experience except singing in the shower. I would love to learn to play some Irish or Celtic music. Does anyone have suggestions for an instructor who teaches adult beginners? Kids are a little older, I'm getting a life!

There are probably many people around who can teach you flute and Irish pennywhistle. If you already play flute and want to learn Irish tunes, I'd recommend the Sunday and Monday night sessions at the Starry Plough in South Berkeley. You will be blown away by how much the regulars know. anonymous

At the Irish Music session every Sunday (8.15) at the Starry Plough Pub on Shadduck in Berkeley there are a number of flute players, tin whistle players, and lots of other instrumentalists. It is an open session and musicians and singers at every skill level are invited, including children. They play medium to fast, but they welcome people bringing tape recorders with them to record and learn the tunes. The best recorders are the little dictaphone cassettes that allow you to play back at half speed, so you can hear the nuances, but any recording device works.

If you want good flute teachers, try Kris Willitts in Berkeley at 540-9562.

In Albany there is Chris Caswell at 527-3737. Chris also teaches Celtic Harp, Scottish bagpipes, Celtic percussion (bodhran, etc.), pennywhistle, and vocal production. See: http://www.chriscaswell.com

Good luck, and have fun. ~ Shay

More Flute Teachers

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).

Where to Buy/Repair a Flute

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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