Lessons & Ensembles
Learning to play the flute is not just all work and no fun. Playing together with others in groups, no matter how big or small, or how elementary or advanced, is good for stabilising tone and intonation, increasing confidence, and enjoying a larger dimension of musical experience.
Lessons
Barbara has taught the flute for many years at all levels, from 8 to 80 year-olds and from beginners to advanced.
Through her own studies, she has experienced many different teaching styles and ideas, and this has contributed to the development of her own methods and ways of inspiring pupils to become good flute players.
For this purpose, she has created exercises for breath control and support, tone development, intonation, finger technique and articulation, that are not just effective but also pleasurable to play.
For children under 10 years, the in-person or online lessons can start with 30 minutes weekly, progressing to 45 minutes for teenagers and 60 minutes for those wanting full immersion and quick progress.
Ensembles
As soon as a moderate and reliable level of flute playing has been reached, many have the desire to experience the next dimension of music-making, which is playing with others.
To this purpose Barbara has acquired an extensive collection of repertoire for trios, quartets, quintets, and of course flute orchestras.
The larger groups need time to get established but with the availability of excellent arrangements of the Grieg Suites, Rossini overtures, and orchestral works by Smetana, Ravel, Saint-Saens, Khachaturian to name but a few, it’s possible for all to experience fun and enjoyment while also increasing their skills and confidence with the instrument.
Smaller groups often eventuate simply through having 2 to 3 players in one extended lesson. A large collection of works is available for all levels of playing featuring music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classic and Romantic to Latin Jazz and Film music.
As with the larger groups, this is a pleasurable way to increase skills and confidence.
Please note ensembles are Wellington, New Zealand based only.
Flute Performer & Teacher
After a long and inspiring stay in Berlin, Barbara has moved back to New Zealand and is now offering chamber music concerts, flute lessons and ensemble connections.