Tips For Selecting A Flute Teacher

Finding a flute teacher in Singapore can be a bit daunting, but by creating your own profile and having an idea of what qualities you desire in a flute teacher in Singapore, it can be an adventure to research and choose a new flute teacher!

Seek flute teacher candidate names from your colleagues in your ensembles, your musical neighbors and relatives, your local colleges and universities, music stores and even the internet and yellow pages.

Before beginning your search or making that first phone call (Refer to the Flute Student Defining Quiz below for assistance with these issues):

1. Define your flute goals (get a higher chair; win competitions; audition prep; sheer enjoyment; to do your part toward world peace; etc.)

2. Determine your commitment level for practicing the flute.

3. Be realistic about “time” allotment for daily/weekly practice

4. Ascertain your current playing level (advanced, intermediate, upper beginner, etc.)

5. Gather your music (for the past year or so) and have it on hand

6. Make the call yourself if you are age 15 and up. Your parents may handle the business end, but you need to navigate and field the music related inquires

Here are some sources for finding a local flute teacher in Singapore • Contact your local music school or music academy.
• Inquire at local musical equipment stores.
• Contact your local symphony for referrals.
• Contact local religious organizations.
• Advertisements (any of the above locations may have ads posted).

Now that you know where to find an flute teacher in Singapore, how can you make sure he/she is the best for your needs?

• Ask for references from student currently receiving instruction.
• Does the flute teacher put their students in competitions e.g. all-County, All district, All-State etc. If so, how well do their students perform in competitions?
• Does the flute teacher in Singapore know about musical opportunities for students in the community e.g. community bands or orchestras?
• Will they ensure there are opportunities for their students to perform in recitals or in public?
I would consider it important to receive positive answers to each of the questions above. I would consider the answers to the following questions when comparing different flute instructor's in Singapore rates:
• What type of professional experience does the Singaporean flute teacher have?
• How long have they been teaching flute?
• Where did this instructor go to school for flute?
• Is the flute the teacher's primary instrument?

A student that thrives in a very structured learning environment may do better with an instructor that provides the same lesson plans and practice assignments to all their students.

Yet some flute teachers in Singapore look to spark a passion for the flute by catering their instruction around the musical interests of their students. Try to match the student's learning style with an instructor's teaching style.

Also, some flute teachers in Singapore tend to teach their students by the Suzuki method. In general, the Suzuki method is described as learning music by ear instead of learning to read and play by musical notation.

Beginners may quickly learn to play musical compositions by hearing it using this method. However, one criticism of this style is that many students of the Suzuki style may develop a weakness in their ability to read music.

Therefore, if your student learns by this style, I recommend they also learn to read sheet music at some point if they wish to pursue flute performance as a profession.