If you are lucky enough, once or twice in your private teaching career you will come across a gifted young flutist in your studio and you will want to be prepared to help them move ahead.
There needs to be a serious plan for their study, including performances, contests, competitions, large and small ensemble work and auditions. Include listening to many flutists and taking apart various performances of pieces they are studying. YouTube allows us to see and hear current flutists as well as those of historic importance. Those flutists, who have, in the past, set the standards for flute performance. Many universities post audition and studio repertoire, as well as audition and programs of study expectations. Look up many different ones to get a good idea of current music and performance expectations.
Working with Advanced Flute Students
- Be sure to work on extended techniques; start with Robert Dick’s etude books and solos. Robert has many videos on YouTube teaching and performing extended techniques.
- Check out websites of flute teachers and professors for additional study information, whether videos, explanations on notation and execution or sheet music suggestions.
- Investigate masterclasses and summer flute camps, which include extended technique work.
- Take part in any local music contests or competitions and also have your student travel out of the area and participate in as many as possible
- Help your student choose music from all periods and styles and use the appropriate performance techniques. There are many online advanced level repertoire resources including universities and the National Flute Association Pedagogy Committee. Flute Competition Repertoire
- Work on tone color. Not only matching it to historic period expectations, but also working to match it to the innate character of the piece.
- Stick to a strict regimen of scales and arpeggios, etudes and solos. Be sure they are also familiar with the piano parts. CD accompaniments are available to help with this. See the Etude Books Comments section for advanced etude suggestions from prominent professionals.
- Have the student learn some orchestral pieces which should include excerpts, and concertos. Again, they need to learn the entire piece which includes the piano or orchestral accompaniment.
- Your student should be playing in as many local ensembles as are available, including the local youth symphony. As with sports, parents may need to travel to the next large city to facilitate the weekly rehearsal and performance schedule for this ensemble. Fees and cost of clothes will also be a part of participation. One of our local youth symphonies actually has a separate flute ensemble as well.
- Have the student attend the annual National Flute Association convention to hear and speak to current professionals working as performers and teachers. Have them listen to the performers in the Young Artists Competition and any other competitions held that year to get a clear idea of where they are going. the expenses involved are just part of their education.
- Talk about purchasing a professional flute as soon as possible. They can try out many flutes at the National Flute Association annual convention as well as during local and regional flute festivals.
Discuss with the student and their parents the time commitment and money required for this pursuit. Practicing must be a part of each day. Not some days and not just during the school year.