Workshops
Please contact me for workshop pricing, scheduling, or questions.
Breathing 101: Breathing Through Body Awareness
Learn basic anatomy and foundations of the Alexander Technique through my warmup and original “Whispered Ah Etudes,” designed to cultivate body awareness and ease in breathing. These simple and effective etudes can help beginners develop healthy habits in breathing and playing, and train advanced players to both identify and solve established habits that may be maladaptive.
Prerequisites: None! This class is appropriate for flutists of all levels.
Breathing 102: Breathing in Context
Whether you call them rebound or catch breaths, the ability to draw a deep breath in a short amount of time is an invaluable skill for any wind player. After all, breathing influences so many aspects of our playing: our nervous system, tone volume and quality, intonation, phrasing and musicality, and more. In this workshop, we'll review different types of breaths and when to use them, learn the Rebound Breath warmup, and identify strategies for both practicing and applying breaths in the context of repertoire.
Prerequisites: Flutists should be familiar with "catch breaths" and comfortable sustaining phrases of at least 8 seconds (two whole notes at 60BPM). Repertoire examples may be personalized to the class - please contact me for details.
Foundations of Low Register Playing
This workshop is a step-by-step guide to the four most critical factors in low-register flute playing: Air, Lift, Pressure, Stretching (ALPS). Coined by Carnegie Mellon flute professor Alberto Almarza, ALPS provides a clear framework for resonant, in-tune, low notes. You’ll leave this workshop with a deeper understanding of playing throughout the registers, tangible strategies for improving your low notes, and, for more advanced players, a copy of my “Low Register Articulation Bootcamp.”
Prerequisites: Flutists should already be comfortable playing in the low register without overblowing the octave. Proficiency in single tonguing is recommended, but not required.
Rhythmic Deconstruction (RD 101)
Rhythmic Deconstruction is a methodical practice strategy that allows you to learn technical passages quickly and effectively while solving technical problems as you go. By learning music at or close to performance tempo, Rhythmic Deconstruction develops your muscle memory at the appropriate speed and trains you to stay relaxed, physically and mentally, when playing fast or challenging music. This makes it an ideal complement to slow practice! In RD 101, we’ll use Mendelssohn’s “Scherzo” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream as an example of the many ways Rhythmic Deconstruction can be utilized. You’ll leave with the skills to apply this valuable practice technique to any new repertoire, no matter how challenging.
Prerequisites: This workshop is best suited for flutists intermediate and above, as it utilizes complex rhythms and a basic knowledge of music theory. Prior knowledge of Mendelssohn's Scherzo is not required. Repertoire can be modified to the class (e.g. an upcoming All State audition piece or competition repertoire) - please contact me for details.