Step 1: Routine, Routine, Routine
I’ve been teaching flute for 35 years, and I’ve come to believe that the very best playing always starts with the same thing: routine.
No matter the student, brand new or conservatory-bound, every one of my private lessons begins with scales. That’s not just tradition. It’s the bedrock of tone, technique, and trust between teacher and student.
At first, this might mean simply introducing what a scale is. Later, it means expanding a known scale into the second or third octave, ensuring that all fingerings are secure and tone quality is strong at every register.
As your students become more proficient on scales, the expectation shifts: each scale must be played as if it’s the most beautiful piece of music the student has ever encountered. No matter how routine it becomes, it should never sound routine. This mindset helps students focus on tone, control, and musical intention right from the start.
For more advanced students, this warm-up phase might take just 5–7 minutes to cover all 12 major scales. Rotate the order regularly, sometimes using the circle of fifths, other times a tritone pattern, and then just a random sequence.
For beginner or intermediate students, this same phase can take up to 20 minutes, especially when we’re focusing on perfecting just two to four scales with proper tone, finger coordination, and intonation.
But regardless of level, the one thing my students know is that this part of the lesson isn’t optional. It’s essential. It’s the difference between flute players who can, and those who almost can.
I remember attending a master class with James Galway in my twenties and hearing him speak passionately about scales. That moment stuck with me. I knew from then on, that scales would become an integral part of my own pedagogy.
Step 2: Study Materials That Support Progress
After scales, I move into technical study. There are many different method books to try, and for younger students, I find that a combination of a solid band method (like Standard of Excellence) and the tried-and-true Rubank series works well.
I’ve always appreciated Rubank because it introduces key concepts in a logical order – not starting with B-flat, for example. There are many books that build a strong foundation in technique and musical fluency. Blending books often gives students the well-rounded support they need for flexibility, sight-reading, and tone development.
For tone and articulation work, the Trevor Wye Practice Books for the Flute offer focused, progressive exercises that sharpen tone, pitch control, and dynamic sensitivity.
As students advance, you can begin to introduce more specialized material—below are a small sample of books that have stood the test of time:
Taffanel-Gaubert for finger technique and flexibility
- Altes – 26 Studies
- Moyse’s De La Sonorité for phrasing, articulation, and control
- Tone Development Through Interpretation for depth and musical maturity
Every flutist’s journey is different, so be ready to adjust materials as needed, and remember to always return to the fundamentals of tone, phrasing, and precision as the pillars of progress.
Step 3: From Etudes to Expression
Once we’ve worked through the assigned etude or technical exercise, we shift into solo repertoire. Whether it’s a lyrical piece or something with more bite, this is where students begin to bring all the technique and tone work to life.
Whenever possible, also incorporate duets. They add energy, foster listening, and give students the joy of shared music-making. Plus, they are just fun!
And yes, you should squeeze in as much as you can. Depending on the level and goals of the student, lessons may also include:
- Sight-reading practice
- Vibrato development
- Double tonguing
- Musical interpretation
- Breathing strategies
- And more…
There is always more than enough to do. But with structure, pacing, and intention, it all builds on a solid foundation that helps young flutists grow into confident, expressive musicians.
Step 4: Listen Closely, Guide Intentionally
As you move through each part of the lesson, it is important to stay highly engaged, listening for tone quality, breath control, and finger evenness at every step. These aren’t just technical details, they’re the foundation of expressive, confident playing. Set high standards for your students while offering steady encouragement and support along the way. I have found that when students know I’m fully present, truly listening, and committed to their growth, they rise to meet the challenge.
Create a teaching style that is both positive and discerning. You should celebrate the wins, but have your ear tuned to the next opportunity for improvement, whether it’s a subtle tone shift, a rushed passage, or a breath that needs better placement. Paramount is having your students leave each lesson feeling both motivated and equipped to keep progressing.
Step 5: Physical Setup Matters—But So Does Timing
Having taught private lessons for more than half my life, I’ve learned that establishing proper physical setup is essential from the very beginning. Good posture, balanced hand position, and relaxed alignment lay the foundation for healthy, confident playing.
That said, you sometimes need to pick your battles, especially with your youngest students. If a child is naturally producing a sound but struggling with hand position, I’ll often let them continue playing with less-than-ideal hand placement for a short time. Once the initial success and motivation are there, it’s easier to gradually shape proper hand position.
Conversely, if a student is holding the flute comfortably but struggling to produce a sound, stay focused on headjoint-only work until they can consistently create a full, centered tone. From there, we’ll gradually reintroduce the full flute while helping them maintain that sound.
It’s all about knowing when to prioritize sound, when to prioritize setup, and how to support the student’s confidence while guiding them toward long-term success.
Final Word of Advice
The most important thing to remember is that in music, just as in any discipline, there are no shortcuts. Do you think a professional golfer is born with the swing that lifted them to the top 1% of players in the world? No, they are there because they didn’t skip steps on the way to greatness, and it is up to us to make sure our students don’t skip steps either.
Our job as music educators is to provide launching pads that can take musicians to the next level from wherever they are. And when we use them correctly, these launching pads allow all of us to combine the resources at our disposal with our own ever-evolving skills as music educators to teach with passion and intentionality toward an unwavering goal of student success.
What teaching private lessons has taught me about teaching in the classroom.
I believe that having a routine, instilling confidence in your students, and staying present are critical to successful teaching in the classroom as well. That’s what inspired me to start Creative Music Room. It reflects everything I believe about great teaching and the process of becoming a musician. If you teach in the classroom as well as a private studio, I encourage you to check it out.
I wish you good luck and joy in all of your teaching endeavors.
~Angela
