2025 Lesson Rates

€55 for an hour

€42 for 45 minutes 

€30 for half an hour

   Mr. Horter , in his capacity as a teacher, resembles a travel agent, offering valuable guidance to students on their individual "flute journey." As a result, the lesson structure is tailored to suit each student's personal goals. With extensive experience instructing individuals of various backgrounds, including children, high school students, pre-conservatory students, and adult amateurs, Mr. Horter has successfully assisted students who have played the flute in school and community orchestras, churches, or simply for their own personal enjoyment.

(Recommended starting age is 10-11 years old., but older/returning adults are also welcome!)

Year 1

Required Method: "Flute 101" by Patricia George

First Term Goals:

1. **Headjoint Proficiency:** Develop a strong foundation by mastering the flute's headjoint, focusing on producing a clear and consistent tone.

2. **Music Reading:** Learn to read musical notes and basic rhythmic patterns to build essential music literacy skills.

3. **One-Octave Scales:** Begin practicing one-octave scales to introduce fundamental flute techniques.

Second Term Goals:

1. **Two-Octave Major Scales:** Expand scale practice to include two-octave major scales, enhancing technical proficiency.

2. **Introduction to Solo Repertoire:** Transition from method books to solo studies, études, and repertoire to broaden musical expression and technical skills.

Year 2

Required Method: "Tone Development Through Interpretation" by Trevor Wye

Goals:

1. **Ensemble Participation:** Encourage joining community orchestras, youth flute choirs, or other ensembles to gain collaborative experience.

2. **Comprehensive Scale Mastery:** Learn all 24 major and minor scales, as well as the full chromatic scale, to establish a solid technical foundation.

Year 3

Required Materials: "De La Sonorité" by Marcel Moyse

Goals:

1. **Advanced Method Studies:** Begin the "17 Daily Finger Exercises" by Taffanel and Gaubert to further develop technique.

2. **Continued Étude Practice:** Engage in regular étude practice to address specific technical challenges and enhance musicality.

Upgrading Your Flute: 

    As students progress, upgrading from a student model to a higher-quality flute can significantly impact performance. Considerations include:

1. **Backup vs. Primary Instrument:** Retain the student flute as a backup while selecting a new primary instrument.

2. **Instrument Selection:** Opt for a solid silver or handmade flute for improved sound quality and playability.

3. **Trial Process:** It's essential to try multiple flutes before purchasing, as the most expensive option may not always be the best fit.

4. **Recommended Brands:** Consider reputable brands such as Altus, Powell, Miyazawa, Muramatsu, and Yamaha, known for their quality and reliability.

Years 4 & 5

Required Materials: "The French Flute School" anthology and continued Taffanel and Gaubert studies

Goals:

1. **Advanced Exercises:** Complete selected exercises from the Taffanel and Gaubert method to refine technique.

2. **Ensemble Engagement:** Seek opportunities to play with others, enhancing ensemble skills.

3. **Performance Opportunities:** Participate in competitions and performances to gain stage experience.

4. **Solo Repertoire:** Learn significant works such as:

   - "Density 21.5" by Edgard Varèse

   - "Concertino" by Cécile Chaminade

   - "Fantaisie" by Gabriel Fauré

   - "Partita" by J.S. Bach

   - "Three Preludes" by Robert Muczynski

   - Or a required work from a major competition

Years 6 & 7

Non-Conservatory Track:

1. **Continued Method Studies:** Persist with Taffanel and Gaubert exercises to maintain technical proficiency.

2. **Selected Repertoire:** Prepare movements from Mozart Concertos or pieces from the French Flute School anthology.

Conservatory Track:

1. **Competition Participation:** Actively engage in competitions to build performance credentials.

2. **Dedicated Practice:** Commit to 2-4 hours of daily practice to achieve a high level of proficiency.

3. **Methodical Study:** Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to Taffanel and Gaubert exercises.

4. **Ear Training and Theory:** Undertake serious study of ear training and music theory to support advanced musical understanding.

5. **Ensemble Experience:** Gain experience in orchestral and chamber music settings.

6. **Conservatory Exploration:** Visit conservatories and take lessons with professors to find the best fit for advanced studies.

7. **Advanced Repertoire:** Prepare major works such as:

   - "Sonata" by Sergei Prokofiev

   - "Duo" by Aaron Copland

   - Mozart Concertos

   - "Concerto" by Jacques Ibert (two movements)

   - "Sequenza" by Luciano Berio

This structured curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and personalized flute education, catering to the unique needs and goals of each student.