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MusicProfessor Online Music Lessons

|| MusicProfessor can help you make the most of your practice. Pick up where MusicProfessor's Beginner Flute course leaves off, adding more complex rhythms, scales and tone exercises to your repertoire.

And save money while you study with us. Private lessons are expensive. Each MusicProfessor Flute course provides an entire year’s worth of lessons, for a fraction of the cost, and at your own convenience.

Join over 18,000 fellow MusicProfessor students and begin your studies today.

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|| MusicProfessor can help you make the most of your practice. Pick up where MusicProfessor's Beginner Flute course leaves off, adding more complex rhythms, scales and tone exercises to your repertoire.

And save money while you study with us. Private lessons are expensive. Each MusicProfessor Flute course provides an entire year’s worth of lessons, for a fraction of the cost, and at your own convenience.

Join over 18,000 fellow MusicProfessor students and begin your studies today.

|| Nowhere else can you find the level of detail and professional instruction of MusicProfessor's curriculum.

Fulfill your musical destiny by enrolling today.

||"

-nppotdar

"I struggle with going flat the softer I get on higher notes, so I opened up Music Professor and sure enough they had a lesson to help me with my problem. I highly recommend that you use Music Professor if you are having any types of problems on your instrument."

-E. Doctor

“The intermediate course is really effective, and covers the essentials. The instructor does an exemplary job in presenting the materials, and she is very pleasant and personable. I worked hard, so my results might not represent the norm, but I feel that I am at a lower intermediate level, perhaps ready for the advanced course. Both the beginning and intermediate courses were essentials for me, as I had never held a flute, much less attempted to play one. “

-Bruce Henderson

|| Performance highlights include the world premiere of Mike Mowers Concerto for Flute and Wind Ensemble and a Carnegie Hall debut recital featuring Chamber Works for Flute.

As an active member of theNational Flute Association, Dr. Garner Santa recently served as Program Chair for the 2011 convention in Charlotte, NC, and continues to serve as a member of the NFA Executive Committee. She has been a featured performer at the Boston, Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, Nashville, Kansas City, and Las Vegas conventions as well as an adjudicator and/or coordinator for many NFA events and competitions including the High School Soloist Competition, the NFA Newly Published Music Competition, the NFA Professional Flute Choir Competition, and as the NFA General Competitions Coordinator.

As a pedagogue, Lisa Garner Santa presents masterclasses throughout the United States and abroad. Recent international exchanges include masterclasses at the Royal College of Music in London, England and Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. Presentations and performances at various regional and national conventions include invitations from theTexas Music Educators Association, the Texas Music Teachers Association, the National Association of Wind and Percussion Instructors, and theCollege Music Society. Her research and pedagogical articles are frequently published in The Flutist Quarterly, Flute Talk, and The Instrumentalist.

In recognition of her creative teaching, she was awarded the Texas Tech Big 12 Fellowship as well as the Texas Tech Alumni Association New Faculty Award and is also an elected member of Texas Tech University’s prestigious Teaching Academy.

With co-authors Matthew Santa and Thomas Hughes, Lisa Garner Santa developed theFlute/Theory Workout, a method that efficiently introduces full-range scalar and chordal flute technique while introducing music theory fundamentals at the same time. The Workout, which comes with an entertaining accompaniment CD, is available throughCarolyn Nussbaum Music Co., and Flute World.

Dr. Garner Santa holds performance degrees from West Texas State University, Florida State University, and The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. Her teachers to whom she is eternally grateful include Carol Wincenc, Charles DeLaney, Sally Turk, Helen Blackburn.

In addition to her active role as a flutist, Lisa Garner Santa is also a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor and member of theYoga Alliance. She teaches Yoga for Musicians at the TTU School of Music and Kripalu Yoga classes at various locations throughout Lubbock.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Play the full, natural range of the flute
  • Flutter tongue
  • Interpret when, where, and how to use vibrato
  • Play for longer periods without fatigue thanks to numerous strength-building exericses
  • Interpret dynamic markings
  • Play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato
  • Read complex rhythms and meters like 6/8 and cut time

Syllabus

Vibrato
Let's pick up where we left off from MusicProfessor's A Beginner's Guide Flute course. Here, we'll discuss the topics to be covered in this section, including a few new notes, multiple new Major scales, a new type of scale called the Chromatic scale, and most importantly, a new technique called Vibrato.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds upon skills learned in a beginner's course, which allows students to progress smoothly and avoid gaps in their understanding of technique and musicality
Taught by Dr. Garner Santa, who has performed at Carnegie Hall and served as Program Chair for the National Flute Association, indicating a high level of expertise
Explores complex rhythms and meters like 6/8 and Cut Time, which are essential for playing a wide range of musical styles and expanding one's repertoire
Requires students to have completed MusicProfessor's Beginner Flute course, which may be a barrier for students who have learned the basics elsewhere
Covers vibrato techniques, which are essential for expressive playing and adding depth to musical performances, and helps players develop a more nuanced sound
Includes exercises for building pinky dexterity, which is necessary for playing certain notes and scales, and helps players overcome technical challenges

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Reviews summary

Intermediate flute skills building

According to learners, Master Flute Playing: Intermediate Instruction Made Simple! offers a structured progression covering essential intermediate techniques. Many highlight the excellent instructor and the clear explanations provided. The exercises and melodies are seen as beneficial for skill development. However, some students note that certain sections, particularly on complex rhythms or higher notes, felt rushed or confusing, sometimes requiring supplementary practice or external resources. While providing a solid foundation, a few felt it didn't entirely meet the expectation of "mastering" the intermediate level or replace personalized teacher feedback. Overall, it's viewed as a valuable resource for dedicated students.
Comprehensive for the intermediate level.
"Covers all the essential intermediate techniques."
"Truly comprehensive for the intermediate level."
"I learned techniques I hadn't encountered before."
Logical flow and effective exercises.
"Solid intermediate course. Covers the syllabus well."
"Good progression from beginner. Covers all the essential intermediate techniques."
"The course structure is logical."
Instruction is clear and effective.
"Fantastic instruction! Dr. Garner Santa is an excellent teacher"
"The instructor does an exemplary job in presenting the materials, and she is very pleasant and personable."
"I found the instructor very knowledgeable."
May not replace private teacher feedback.
"I expected more advanced techniques for 'mastering' intermediate flute."
"I learned a lot, but I still need personalized feedback from a teacher."
May need outside study for mastery.
"I needed extra practice outside the course to really nail them."
"I had to look up external resources for some concepts."
"I feel some topics might need supplementary work."
Certain topics lack clarity or depth.
"I found the syncopation and compound meter sections quite confusing."
"Some sections felt a bit rushed, especially the higher notes."
"I think more detailed explanations would help in some parts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Master Flute Playing: Intermediate Instruction Made Simple! with these activities:
Review Beginner Flute Course
Reinforce foundational concepts from the beginner course to ensure a solid base for intermediate techniques.
Show steps
  • Review notes and scales from the beginner course.
  • Practice basic embouchure and breathing exercises.
  • Play through simple melodies to regain familiarity.
Explore 'The Art of Flute Playing' by Edwin Putnik
Deepen understanding of flute techniques and musicality through a comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Read chapters on tone production and articulation.
  • Practice exercises focusing on specific techniques.
  • Analyze musical examples to understand interpretation.
Scale Practice with Metronome
Improve finger dexterity and rhythm by practicing scales with a metronome.
Show steps
  • Set a metronome to a comfortable tempo.
  • Practice major and chromatic scales, focusing on evenness and accuracy.
  • Gradually increase the tempo as proficiency improves.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Record and Analyze Your Playing
Develop self-awareness and identify areas for improvement by recording and analyzing your flute playing.
Show steps
  • Record yourself playing a scale or melody.
  • Listen critically to the recording, noting areas for improvement in tone, rhythm, and intonation.
  • Repeat the process, focusing on correcting identified issues.
Study 'Flute Playing: A Complete Method' by Taffanel and Gaubert
Master fundamental flute techniques through a classic and comprehensive method.
Show steps
  • Work through exercises on tone, articulation, and finger dexterity.
  • Study the etudes and repertoire selections to develop musicality.
  • Apply the principles learned to your own playing.
Explore Advanced Vibrato Techniques
Refine vibrato technique by following online tutorials and masterclasses.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on different vibrato styles.
  • Practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
  • Incorporate new vibrato techniques into your playing.
Prepare a Performance Piece
Solidify skills and knowledge by preparing a performance piece that incorporates techniques learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Select a piece that challenges your current skill level.
  • Practice the piece regularly, focusing on accuracy, tone, and musicality.
  • Perform the piece for an audience or record it for self-evaluation.

Career center

Learners who complete Master Flute Playing: Intermediate Instruction Made Simple! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Educator
Music Educators teach music in schools, colleges, or community programs. They guide students in music theory, history, and performance. This course may be useful for music educators who work with flute students. Music Educators can help their students improve their skills with the techniques taught in this course like how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato, and how to interpret dynamic markings. They will also learn how to play for longer periods without fatigue thanks to numerous strength building exercises. The course will help teachers of Musical Education develop and improve their flute playing skills.
Private Music Teacher
Private Music Teachers provide individualized instruction to students of all ages and skill levels. This course may be useful for private music teachers who specialize in the flute. The course will help teachers develop their flute playing skills. It will also help them learn how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato, and how to interpret dynamic markings. Private Music Teachers can also use this course to learn new techniques and approaches to teaching the flute.
Flute Instructor
A career as a Flute Instructor can be incredibly rewarding, as you get to share your passion for music with others and help them develop their skills. This course may be useful for aspiring flute instructors. The course covers intermediate flute techniques, including vibrato, sixteenth notes, dynamics, and compound meter. These topics align directly with the knowledge a flute instructor needs to effectively teach students. Someone who wishes to pursue Flute Instruction should take this course in particular to learn topics such as how to interpret dynamic markings, and how to play with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato. They will also learn how to play expressively and for longer periods without fatigue.
Chamber Musician
Chamber Musicians collaborate with small ensembles to perform intricate and expressive pieces. This course may be useful for those aspiring to excel in chamber music settings. The course's focus on intermediate flute techniques, complex rhythms, and tone exercises directly contributes to the skills needed for chamber performance. It may also be helpful to learn how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato. Enrolling in this course may refine what you need to pursue a career as Chamber Musician, and might assist in mastering how to interpret dynamic markings.
Orchestral Musician
Aspiring Orchestral Musicians dedicate themselves to mastering an instrument and performing in a professional ensemble. This course may be useful in developing skills necessary for auditioning and performing in an orchestra. The course focuses on refining flute playing techniques, including vibrato and playing in complex rhythms, which are crucial for orchestral performance. The course also discusses tone exercises to add more complexity to repertoire. An aspiring Orchestral Musician should take this course in particular to better their understanding of interpret[ing] dynamic markings, and to learn how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato.
Studio Musician
Studio Musicians are versatile instrumentalists who record music for various projects, including albums, film scores, and commercials. This course may be useful to hone the necessary flute skills. The course content, which includes complex rhythms and tone exercises, might prepare you to meet the demands of studio work. This course goes over how to interpret dynamic markings and how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato. Someone who wishes to pursue a career as a Studio Musician should take this course and learn this, and also learn how to play for longer periods without fatigue thanks to numerous strength building exercises.
Band Director
Band Directors lead school or community bands, instructing musicians and selecting repertoire. While this course focuses specifically on the flute, it may be useful for a band director who works with flute players. The course covers techniques for playing the flute, including vibrato, sixteenth notes, dynamics, and compound meter. These topics align directly with the skills a band director needs to effectively teach students. Band Directors can take this course in particular to learn how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato, and how to interpret dynamic markings.
Music Arranger
Music Arrangers adapt existing compositions for different instruments or ensembles. A deep understanding of individual instruments is necessary for this role. This course may be useful in equipping one to arrange complex flute parts. The course enhances flute playing skills, including vibrato, sixteenth notes, and compound meter. Music Arrangers will also develop a strong sense of musical expression. Learning how to interpret dynamic markings and how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato may assist a Music Arranger in creating music that is both technically sound and aesthetically pleasing.
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to address patients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. While this role typically requires a degree in music therapy, proficiency in an instrument is essential. This course may be useful to keep up to date with musical skill. The course offers a structured approach to intermediate flute playing, potentially providing a foundation for therapeutic musical interventions. You may also learn how to interpret dynamic markings and how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato. Music therapists may benefit from continuing this course to build their musical prowess.
Conductor
Conductors lead orchestras, choirs, or bands, interpreting musical scores and guiding musicians. While conductors do not need to be virtuosos on every instrument, familiarity can enhance their understanding and communication. This course may be useful for conductors seeking to deepen their knowledge of the flute. The course covers playing techniques that will give conductors a deeper understanding of the instrument. By learning how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato, and how to interpret dynamic markings, conductors can become more effective at leading ensembles with flute parts.
Musical Instrument Salesperson
Musical Instrument Salespersons work in retail settings, assisting customers in selecting instruments and accessories. A deep understanding of musical instruments is necessary for this position. This course may be useful in improving the knowledge of a salesperson selling flutes. This course covers flute playing techniques, including vibrato, sixteenth notes, dynamics, and compound meter. This knowledge base can help a salesperson guide customers effectively. By learning how to interpret dynamic markings, and how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato, an instrument salesperson will be better able to serve their flute customers.
Flute Repair Technician
Flute Repair Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing flutes, requiring a deep understanding of the instrument's mechanics and sound production. While this course primarily focuses on playing techniques, it may enhance a technician's understanding of how the flute should function optimally. The course covers techniques that enable one to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato. It also discusses how to play for longer periods without fatigue thanks to numerous strength building exercises. This understanding can inform the repair work of a Flute Repair Technician, leading to more effective and sensitive instrument care.
Music Journalist
Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. The better the journalist understands music, the more insightful their work can be. This course may be useful in gaining insights into the nuances of flute playing. This course covers essential flute playing techniques, which may help a journalist offer informed critiques. The course also touches on interpreting dynamic markings, and how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato. This information may enhance and inform the craft of a Music Journalist.
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrators manage arts organizations, overseeing budgets, fundraising, and programming. While a playing background isn't always required, understanding artistic processes can be beneficial. This course may be useful for Arts Administrators who work with musical organizations. The course covers flute playing techniques, including vibrato, sixteenth notes, dynamics, and compound meter. This foundation may allow Arts Administrators to make informed decisions and better support their organizations. Those wishing to pursue a career as an Arts Administrator can also learn how to interpret dynamic markings.
Music Supervisor
Music Supervisors select and license music for films, television shows, and other media projects. While they don't need to be experts on every instrument, musical knowledge is crucial. This course may be useful for music supervisors seeking to expand their understanding of flute playing. This course covers flute playing techniques. This knowledge may allow a Music Supervisor to make informed decisions about incorporating flute music into various projects. Learning how to play expressively with phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato, and how to interpret dynamic markings is also a great tool for those hoping to become Music Supervisors.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Master Flute Playing: Intermediate Instruction Made Simple!.
Comprehensive guide to flute playing, covering a wide range of topics from basic techniques to advanced musical expression. It delves into tone production, articulation, and musical interpretation, providing valuable insights for intermediate players looking to refine their skills. It serves as a useful reference for understanding the nuances of flute performance and musicality.
This method cornerstone of flute pedagogy, offering a comprehensive approach to technique and musicianship. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic exercises to advanced repertoire. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals. adds more depth to the existing course.

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