Flute Evolution

This past week, we welcomed the first of many special guests to our studio classes, Suzanne van der Helm, who is a professional recorder player and singer. Only about half of our studio could make it, but those who did were really enriched by this workshop.

One of our students said, "She is an incredible wealth of knowledge and information. I learned so much and will be sure to go back and review the recording many times. Her energy and positivity are infectious, and I am honored that she was so willing to share her joy of music with all of us!!!"

We learned so much about everything from breathing and body coordination to an introduction to recorders and period instruments, and so much more. Can't wait to host Suzanne and more guests again in the future and expand our learning for the flute! 🥳

Working on something seasonal. 🎄

A little behind the scenes as I finish up a holiday flute quartet… I arranged this quartet and make a recording almost 10 years ago (2016!) and thought to revive it, now that I’m a different flutist, listener, and just a different human being than I was before. I realized the writing is quite awkward but somehow sounds quite cohesive in the end.

Would love to know if you would like to see quartets, trios, etc… The finished video will come in a couple of days.

Care to guess what holiday tune it could be? 🎄

As we reach this season of reflection, I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be part of a flute community. Not just a group of players, but people who choose, day after day, to show up for themselves, for their craft, and for each other.

To my students in Flute Evolution and to all who follow and support this work: thank you.

Thank you for trusting me with your playing, for letting me be a part of your growth, and for allowing this space to be one where curiosity, discipline, and vulnerability can coexist. Your questions, your breakthroughs, and your willingness to try new things, even when it feels uncomfortable, are what make this community meaningful.

The progress you have made this year is entirely your own. I get to guide the process, but you are the ones doing the real work, showing the real persistence, and building the musical lives you want. Being able to walk alongside you is something I do not take lightly.

Today I am thankful for the flutists here who practice when it is hard, who share when it is easier not to, and who keep discovering new reasons to love the flute. I am thankful for a community that values growth over perfection and connection over competition. And above all, I am thankful that you are here, bringing your sound, your spirit, and your trust.

Wishing all of you a restful and restorative holiday, however you spend it.

Hey Flute Friends. It’s been one of those rainy, slow days here: motivation dips a little and you feel like you’re not getting as much done as you hoped... Maybe I'm not alone!

But I got some big news in my inbox... and suddenly the whole day feels brighter.

I am thrilled to share that one of my studio members has been accepted into the California All-State Honor Bands! They are the first student in our studio to not only apply but also achieve this incredible milestone! 🎉🎉🎉

What makes this even more meaningful is the story behind it:

Last year, despite all their preparation, their recording submission wasn't correct. The files were accidentally sent incorrectly by someone else helping him, which automatically disqualified him... Who knows what the outcome could have been! Still, it was a situation completely out of his control.

But this year?

He practiced and worked super hard. All our work was done in a completely new format, including studio classes, working online, and more. For his recordings, this time he took full responsibility, recording everything on his own and following up with me and our community to make sure every detail was right. How each recording sounds, what to improve, comparing which ones are best for the final submission...

It paid off!

This acceptance is not just a musical achievement, but it’s a real testament to his resilience, independence, discipline, and refusal to give up when things went wrong, even one year later.

I’m incredibly proud of them, not only for the accomplishment, but for the character they showed along the way. That’s how we really develop as musicians. That’s what my studio is all about! 🌱

Here’s what this acceptance teaches us about auditions:

– Control what you can.
– Learn the process.
– Prepare more than the minimum.
– Follow up and ask for advice.

What’s ONE step you think you could take to level up your next audition?