Diana Desai
About
š¶Give Your Child the Gift of Music!
Flute lessons are a lifelong gift that nurture creativity, discipline, and confidence. As an experienced flute teacher, I create a supportive, engaging environment where students develop strong technique, musicality, and a genuine love for playing. My goal is to make learning both effective and enjoyable, ensuring that each student not only improves but also feels inspired.
Why Choose My Lessons?
šµ A Positive, Encouraging Approach ā I tailor each lesson to the studentās learning style, interests, and pace, ensuring a fun and motivating experience.
šµ Expert Instruction & Thoughtful Curriculum ā Lessons follow a carefully structured plan designed to build strong fundamentals, develop beautiful tone, and encourage musical expression.
šµ Beyond the Lesson Support ā I provide detailed lesson notes, assignments, instructional recordings, and mid-week feedback to keep students engaged and progressing.
šµ Personalized Repertoire Choices ā While I guide students in selecting pieces that suit their level, I also encourage them to explore music they love.
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My Background I have been playing the flute since age 10 and earned my degree in Flute Performance from the prestigious Saint Petersburg Music College in Russia, where I studied under renowned musicians such as Natalya Zaznobina, Dr. Alexander Kiskachi, and Olesya Tertychnaya.
Throughout my career, Iāve had the privilege of attending masterclasses with legendary flutists including Emanuel Pahud, James Galway, and Denis Bouriakov. As a performer, I have played with various orchestras, chamber ensembles, and as a soloist, including a Principal Flute performance at the world-famous Mariinsky Theater.
Currently, I am an active freelance flutist and perform regularly with Apollo Arts and a local church ensemble.Ā
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What Parents & Students Say
ā "Diana is a kind and engaging teacher! My son loved his lessons and quickly got back into playing after a long break." ā Jasper
ā "Diana helped me refine my tone and technique after 30 years away from the flute. Her guidance made a huge difference!" ā James
ā "Individual instruction with Diana is invaluableāespecially for developing a beautiful embouchure." ā Susan
š Donāt see a time that works for you? Message meāI may be able to adjust my schedule!
Teaching Style
Ā š©āš My Teaching Style
I believe in steady, structured progress, ensuring that each student fully absorbs the fundamentals before advancing. My lessons integrate essential skills like technique, tone production, and musical expression, along with music theory and history to develop well-rounded musicians.
I use a ladder systemābuilding on each skill level before moving forwardāso that students gain a deep, lasting understanding. Positive reinforcement is at the heart of my teaching, creating a supportive and confidence-boosting learning experience.
Curriculum
For flute lessons:Ā
The materials used will largely depend on the student, but, generally, with beginners I use either Blocki Flute Method Book 1, Flute 101, or A tune a day for flute book 1 (the book used will depend on the student, and how they learn--after a few lessons I will decide which one will work best for them). Often I will use a combination of 2 books. There will also be supplementary material, which I will send out prior to the lesson, which the student can then print out or have on a computer screen.Ā
For intermediate students I use Flute 102, A tune a day for flute Book 2 (or a combination of both) + supplementary materials, such as etudes and excerpts from standard flute repertoire.Ā
For advanced students, we will probably not use any method book, but we will use a combination of flute repertoire, etudes, and studies, which will be selected by me.Ā
***I encourage students to bring music to lessons that they have a personal interest in working on--whether it be classical, or contemporary music, music from movies , etc. I am always happy to support the students' musical interests.Ā However, this will be supplementary material, and will not replace the usual work with a method book and repertoire selected by me.Ā
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For recorder lessons:
I like to use "Enjoy your recorder " from the Trapp Family Singers, but there will also be a lot of supplementary material, which I will provide, as, though this book is wonderful, it tends to move a little too quickly.Ā
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It is best if the student purchases the books, once I decide which ones we will be using.Ā



