Teaching -
my vocation
Little did I know, as a young student at the Royal College of Music in London, how rewarding and fulfilling it would be to teach others. There is nothing quite like the thrill of helpng musicians, young and not so young, to reach as much of their potential as they wish to do. Please read on and, if you would like to hear more, get in touch via the Contact Me page
My approach to teaching
Inspire, encourage, extend
I teach such a wide range of students, from absolute beginners, some of whom may be very young, all the way to post Diploma. Of course there is hard work involved at every level - tiny refinements for advanced students can be even more hard won than major developments in beginners. As with any worthwhile endeavour, motivation is key, so my approach is to show students what needs to be done, show them that they can do it, then build the new capability into their skill-set so it can be used in any performance. Above all, I want all of my students to enjoy everything about their tuition, especially their own practice and preparation
Beginners
- Fun! The most important aspect of beginning an instrument is to enjoy playing it - encouraging regular playing to build up the muscles required to play the flute
- The music - aspects of music - listening, performing, theory
- Playing with others - there is nothing like playing music with others to build collaboration, listening skills, concentration and enjoyment. I play a lot in lessons!
Intermediate
- Potential for taking exams - this gives something to work towards and counts towards UCAS points
- Structured learning, completely tailored to student needs
- Structured practice, to get the maximum benefit from what might be a limited time
- Development of tone, rhythm, articulation, phrasing, communication, sight-reading
- Encouragement to join school and county ensembles for the benefits of playing with others and performing
Advanced
- Grounding of musical development, tone, articulation, technique
- Exploration of repertoire, including exciting new music
- Orchestral development through studying excerpts and their context
- Encouraging attendance of concerts and listening to all types of music
- Extended technique, harmonies, sound production
For all students, the opportunity to see me perform with discounted tickets
What my students say
Comments from just a few of my past and current students
Daniel Shao, former Associate Member Philharmonia Orchestra
‘Katie was my teacher during my formative teenage years when I decided to pursue a professional career in music performance, and it’s safe to say I wouldn’t be working successfully now if I had not had the fortune of having her as a teacher! From all aspects, from technique, to stylistic approaches, to finding the best repertoire for me, recommending opportunities, to the psychology of performing, to discussing the realities of working in orchestras, she was always simply outstanding with a generous heart, and clearly has a real aptitude for teaching which not all performers on her level possess! Flautists (younger and older) would all be very lucky to learn with such an outstanding teacher and musician.’
Tilly
‘I have been studying with Katie for two years after returning to the flute following a break and a loss of confidence. Despite having previously achieved Grade 8 and a music degree, Katie has taken my playing to a level I never thought possible, greatly improving my musicality, shaping, tone and confidence, and completely reigniting my joy of playing.’
Sara
‘I’m an older, self taught player who struggled with high notes. Katie has transformed my playing. She is always enthusiastic and I have gained so much confidence. Lessons are always enjoyable and I leave thinking ‘I can do that’.’
Alex (parent)
‘Katie is an exceptional teacher whose own top-level professional playing is a constant source of inspiration for her students. She has been unfailingly encouraging of our daughter, celebrating creativity while carefully cultivating a beautiful tone and genuine musical sophistication. Thanks to Katie’s guidance, our daughter has reached Grade 8 standard and now plays in the National Children’s Orchestra under-14s.’
Esme
‘I am always inspired by Katie’s playing and comments. Playing the flute with her fills me with so much confidence and joy. I couldn’t imagine hearing more naturally beautiful and moving flute playing than I do from her.’