Kate Hicks

Hi! I teach music with patience, smiles and encouragement because music should be fun to play, and not a chore. Please look at my YouTube channel called: "Flutelady101", and you can see me in action. My students range in age from 8 to 80! If you would like to set up a lesson with me, or to meet with me for a FREE "Meet & Greet" 15 minute trial lesson, PLEASE MESSAGE ME FIRST, so that we can find times that work for both of us---time zones and all, as my Lessonface availability calendar is not completely accurate...I can also arrange lessons outside of my availability chart, if necessary. I am also available on weekends, from time to time.

I am a classically trained musician and a state-certified teacher, and have been teaching both children and adults (from beginning to advanced) the flute, piccolo and recorders for more than 20 years.  I have also helped many adults reconnect with their flute after a long break---something I personally experienced as well. I get it.  Currently, I coach flutes at my local schools and have a lot of fun with that!! My music family where I perform is with the University of California, Riverside Music Department, at which I have been an active member of the UCR Orchestra (where I play flute and piccolo) as well as with various chamber groups for many years.

I have also developed a recorders program where I visited several schools to teach 2nd to 4th graders (including those in special needs classes) their first music notes and songs---followed by several performances during the year. 

MY OVERALL GOAL IS FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN MUSIC AND GROW ALONG THE WAY. WE ARE MORE THAN JUST MUSIC TEACHERS. WE ARE ALSO FRIENDS, GOOD LISTENERS, AND LIFE COACHES WHO CAN HELP CREATE POSITIVE MEMORIES THAT CAN LAST A LIFETIME.

 I have found that teaching is my real passion in life. My teaching style is to be positive and encouraging, with a touch of humor.  I try to help motivate my students to smile about music, and to enthusiastically want to achieve their goals.  At the end, I want them to feel great about their accomplishments, with a desire to learn even more. Some of my students have even gone on to become music majors.

A typical flute lesson involves: 1. Warm up on technique issues, GOOD TONE QUALITY, scales, rhythms, double tonging and vibrato. 2. An etude (easy to advanced) to get the fingers to move and groove. 3. A performance piece (either a duet or a solo piece).

For recorders, the student if the student is young, I focus on reading music, fingerings and rhythms, followed by super fun songs. For adults, I focus on music fundamentals and show how wonderful the recorder is to play! Just about ALL music fundamentals can be taught with the recorder!

I also use the app.--- Soundtrap Studio, where we can record solos and duets together for all to hear and enjoy. Lessonface also just recently launched their own recording studio, which I am now very involved in. I often upload accompaniment pieces, so students can play and record their flute along with the music. It's great fun!