Teaching tips?

apleasuretoburn · Post by **apleasuretoburn** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 1:35 pm

Hi everyone. In a couple weeks in my master class there will be some younger students visiting, and each of us will be taking turns doing some pedagogical things with them. I have never done any teaching before whatsoever, so I was wondering if anyone had any tips on things that I could talk briefly with them about. Basically, I was hoping you could give me some ideas or a basic overview of things to look for in their playing, and of things I might be able to help them with. I'm sure it will be a great learning experience, but I would hate to go in there without at least a few ideas. Thanks!

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 2:19 pm

Wonderful! I am a freelance clinician & have encountered many similar group situations. The main things I try to look for are hand position and embouchure. Remember that you can't "fix" everything in a short session, but you can leave a lasting impression that may help out later on. Just go in with a good attitude and be very patient. Have them play for you, but do not try to make evrything perfect the first tim eout. At this stage, playing is about having fun (for most students), so go with that and be very encouraging. Most importantly, HAVE FUN wile you are teaching! If you are having fun, it will show.

Zevang · Post by **Zevang** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 3:50 pm

Most people are concerned about positioning hands, arms, shoulders, embouchure, and even the feet position is an issue sometimes.

What about discussing the way all these elements must go together? I mean, how to make them work so, along with the playing, you also move the whole body according to what's being played?
Make the movements of the body be harmonically and integrated to the music that is played.
It could be teached in a series of exercises, so to show the differences between strong and soft passages, and different characters of the phrases.
This way I think they would get a good sense about the importance of the expression in a performance.

Zevang

sherbert789 · Post by **sherbert789** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 4:39 pm

Working on taking large breaths could be an excellent idea since a TON of young flutists have this problem.

Good luck!

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:26 pm

A breathing exercise that my professor has me do when she thinks I am being lazy (I hate early morning lessons.....) is to do this:

1. Bend over at the waist as far as you can go. Let your hands dangle.
2. Slowly inhale, and let your inhaled air, push you back up. Do not "stand" back up, but let the air push you to a normal standing position.

This did wonders with me in the beginning (breath support through phrases mostly).

Also, if you want to just have a little segment for fun, teach them really simple extended techniques. Like Key Clicks, or how to play "mary had a little lamb" using only their headjoint (taking it off of the body, and sticking their finger into it varying depths). These are usually fun the first time you learn how to do them.

apleasuretoburn · Post by **apleasuretoburn** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 8:39 am

Thanks for the tips everyone! Hopefully this will go well!