Teaching Philosophy

DiazFlute Studio

I believe that a positive change of mindset and expansion of thinking can benefit many aspects of one’s life. We are taught skills such as creativity, perseverance, and patience at a young age, but the development of these skills are usually very surface level. As a musician, these words are ingrained in our heads as the keys to success, but no one ever really tells you how to become more creative, have motivated perseverance, or practice true patience. It has taken me many years of studying the flute to understand the true development of these skills. My secret? Mindfulness, reflection, and self-kindness. When this light bulb went off in my head, every aspect of my life changed for the better.  That is why mindfulness, reflection, and self-kindness are the guiding principles that are taught in my studio. Through this, students understand how to capture their creativity, be determined with their perseverance, and accept being patient, which allows them to be successful in all aspects of their life.

One of the most important parts of my teaching is to understand what works for each individual student, not a cookie cutter education. This could be as simple as focusing on non-standard repertoire for a student (hello, Lizzo) or taking a completely different approach to how tone and technique is traditionally taught. The way one student learns may not be the way another student learns and it is my responsibility to adapt my teaching in a so that each student is set up for success.

Lessons are geared to what the students want to learn. This could be a stronger focus on history and theory (the principles of all music), the type of music they would like to learn (pop, jazz, rock), composing their own music, or finding ways to bring their other interests into music (I strongly encourage the development of fluteless passions as well!). At the core of every lesson is the students' short-term and long-term goals. These goals could be music or non-music related and will be reflected upon once a month. By visiting them monthly, students have opportunities to be reminded of what they are working towards and adapt them as necessary. It’s important to remember that goals are allowed to change and morph as time progresses. 

Students will complete weekly practice reflections that will be turned into me at the beginning of their lesson. This fluteless assignment is meant for students to reflect, think critically and be mindful about their practice sessions: if you were tense or in a bad mood while practicing, how did that affect your session? How is this goal coming along? How did you work through that technical passage? How did you smooth out your tone on this other section? This allows students to see progress that may not be obvious, help students understand what works for them, and is essential for growth :). 

The culmination of all the students' hard work are their performance opportunities. Students will participate in three studio recitals a year; a winter recital, spring recital, and back to school recital. Students also have the opportunity to play in the studio flute choir, One Breath Flute Choir. As another fluteless activity, students can participate in the studio holiday and end of the school party, as well as our twice a year trip to see the Richmond Symphony.

I expect students to put forth mindful effort into their practice sessions and lesson preparation, practice self-kindness throughout their practicing, and take the time to reflect upon the work they are doing. During those “off” weeks when school and life get stressful, students are encouraged to be honest when lesson material is not fully prepared. It is OK, I get it! Students should come with an alternative lesson plan that may not consist of flute playing but continues to work towards their goals. 

By taking lessons with me, you will:

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• Develop an understanding of the fundamentals required for playing the flute

• Plant the seeds for mindfulness and reflection 

• Develop and practice self-kindness

• Challenge yourself to grow musically and non-musically

• Establish a community of supportive friends