flute teaching - beginners

desdemona.sams · Post by **desdemona.sams** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:20 am

I just started teaching flute.Until now i didn't had beginners and I don't know how to teach a beginner. I started with the headjoint and would like that my student plays on it at least one month, but I have a fear if the student thinks that is boring.So,could anyone help me and give some advice and exercises for beginners?
I hope you understand me,and sorry for my bed english.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:25 pm

I don't have my beginners play on the headjoint more than a few days at most. Once they can make a sound, push them on (usually in the first lesson). They will find it boring for an entire month, and I don't feel that it is necessary. I always make sure they can put the flute together and know at least a few notes at the end of the first lesson. I like to teach them G, A and B at first and tell them that these are the notes for a familiar folk tune. Then I tell them that their first assignment is to put the song together (Mary Had a Little Lamb) before the second lesson. This sets a goal the first week and encourages them to practice. In most cases, I know I will have to cover some things again, but taking things too slowly can cause students to quit before they ever get a good start.

If you are concerned about tone, keep in mind that this will develop with time and practice. A month of playing on just the headjoint will not do any good if they are not practicing, and I honestly don't think any students would practice if this is all they are given.