Private Lessons ~ Oboe, Flute, Wooden Flute, Tin Whistle

LESSON INFORMATION AND POLICIES • Durango Colorado

My studio is currently full and I am not accepting new students at the time. Contact me to get on the waitlist, or for recommendations.

Get on the waitlist/Get recommendations ➝

I can’t wait to work with you!

Private lessons are available to students of all ages and abilities on oboe, English Horn, flute, wooden flute, and tin whistle. Lessons are currently being offered online and in-person*.

Looking for bassoon instructors? I am no longer offering private bassoon instruction but can recommend any of these 4 online bassoon instructors.

*Detailed Covid-19 protocols and information about online and in-person lessons are listed below.

how it works

 

Getting started on oboe, flute, wooden flute, and tin whistle…

#1

TRIAL LESSON

CHECK IT OUT

If you have never taking private lessons before, we can start with just one 30-minute lesson. This is a chance to experience what a private lesson is like without any obligation. Trial lessons can be in-person or remote.

#2

GRAB AN INSTRUMENT

NO MUSIC REQUIRED

All you need is an instrument to get started—I can provide music for your first lesson! If you need help finding a place to rent one, I will be happy to help with this. Oboe lessons can also include instrument adjsutments, if needed.

#3

SCHEDULE A TIME

CHOOSE A LENGTH

I offer 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute lessons. I recomend 30 minutes for middle school students, 45-mintues for online lessons, and 60 minutes for in-person lessons for high school students and adults.

#4

FREQUENCY

COME BACK ANY TIME

There are no minimum or maxium lesson requirements or monthly fees. I will work with you to determine a lesson frequency that works best for you. Lesson times vary each semester, so please contact me for my current schedule.

LESSON POLICY & PRICES

Please contact me for current lesson rates. Lesson length and frequency can be customized to fit each students needs. There is a required 24-hour cancelation policy to change or cancel a lesson to avoid being charged the full lesson price, unless it is due to an emergency or illness. Payment due at time of service.

Learn about 8 Ways to be sucessful in your private lesson >>

LOCATION & HOURS

Lessons are taught in my office at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Lesson days and times vary. Please contact me to schedule a lesson and check for availability.

LESSON OPTIONS

In-Person Lessons: In-person lessons are currently being offered to vaccinated students. We meet on campus at Fort Lewis College and always utilized social distancing in one of the large classrooms, when available. Masks are currently required indoors on campus, but may be removed when playing.

Online Lessons: Remote lessons are also being offered to all students—including local and non-local residents. The recommended platform is Zoom, and a free 30-minute will be included with the first lesson to assist with troubleshooting technical issues. A Zoom link and instructions will be provided prior to your first lesson. An external microphone is recommended.

2021 COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

Cancelations: Please call, text, or email me 24-hours prior to canceling your lesson. Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, if you feel ill the day of your lesson, please cancel as soon as you can. No fee will be charged for cancelations due to illness.

Covid-19 Exposure: If you are taking in-person lessons and have been exposed to Covid-19 within 14 days, please alert me immediately. We can continue lessons online during this time, or wait until the quartntine period has lapsed. If I am exposed to Covid-19, I will contact you and let you know as well. 

A note on reeds: I am still adjusting reeds during in-person lessons on an as-needed basis. Reeds are disinfected with Sterisol before being played on, and/or returned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I rent an instrument?

If your school or local music store doesn’t provide rentals, there are several online options. I recommend checking out Forrests Music, Midwest Musical Imports and RDG Woodwinds. These companies have specialized woodwind repair technicians on staff who can ensure your instrument will arrive in excellent playing condition.

Do I need to make my own reeds?

No, you don’t. I recommend students begin learning to make their own reeds in high school if they plan on continuing to play in college. Adults may choose to learn reed making so they have more adjusting options for themselves. Reed making requires a bit of a financial investment and a tremendous amount of time. I like to get students started with a focus on the oboe first and can provide reed adjustments for as long as needed. In the meantime, you can play on high quality handmade reeds.

What kind of instrument do I need?

You are welcome to contact me about what kind of instrument you should rent. Depending on your level, we can discuss which instrument would be best. For flute beginners, I generally recommend flutes with an in-line G. For oboe beginners, I generally recommend starting out on a plastic instrument with a left-hand F (such as a Fox 333).

What are the basic reed making tools I need?

If you want to explore reed making and reed adjusting, I have a list of essential items that you’ll find helpful in the process. Click here to view the list.

Do i need sheet music?

You don’t need any sheet music to get started! I can provide sheet music as we begin working together. As you progress, you may want to purchase your own copies, and/or some advanced music may require purchase from a third party sheet music provider.

What else should I know?

If you are looking to pick up the oboe, or have a student starting the instrument, I also recommend reading through my articles about getting started and general resources.

Ready to play some music?

Feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions or would like to schedule a time.