Teaching a masterclass at the 2019 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Flute Camp.
Private Lessons & Coaching Available For All Ages and Levels
I have an extensive background in teaching students of all ages and abilities, from 6 year old beginners through adult amateurs and college undergraduates. My students have been successful at local and state-wide competitions, and have been accepted into prestigious masterclasses and summer festivals. My students regularly win ILMEA All-State auditions, top ratings at solo & ensemble competitions, and have been prize winners at the Chicago Flute Club Student Competition, Society of American Musicians Competition, and various concerto competitions. They also hold positions with various Chicago and suburban youth orchestras.
Regardless of a student's professional aspirations, I strive to give each developing flutist the skills they will need to enjoy a lifetime of music. Additionally, flute lessons help students to develop creative thinking skills, problem solving, personal responsibility, and commitment.
In addition to my own private studio in Ingleside, I am the flute instructor at Knight Music Academy (North Barrington). Prospective students are welcome to contact me for availability, rates, and to set up a complimentary introductory lesson. Online lessons are also available for students outside the Chicago area. While most students come on a weekly basis, I do see students for one time coaching and audition preparation.
Adult Students:
Adult students are very welcome in my studio. Whether you are a life-long player, are looking to reconnect with your instrument after a long break, or want to pick it up for the first time, I can help you along your path. I work with each adult learner individually to set goals according to the student’s schedule and interests. I can also help secure solo, chamber, and large ensemble performance opportunities.
Masterclass at the 2019 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Flute Camp
“James has inspired and motivated my daughter to strive for a high level of achievement. He is enthusiastic, highly accomplished and thoroughly disciplined and I am quite pleased at how my daughter has progressed. He is creative and combines a nurturing approach with high expectations which is exactly what my daughter needs. My daughter loves going to her lessons and that says it all!”
— Julie Ruiz, mother of a high school flute student
“James is the best flute teacher! He knows an incredible amount about flute instruction and technique and encourages me to develop my own style. My lessons are very challenging but always fun. He is so great with explaining and demonstrating things to me that help me develop my skills. I am lucky that I am able to have lessons from him. He is an amazing flutist!!!”
— Raquel, high school flute student
Recommended Reading for Students:
Nancy Toff: The Flute Book
Michel Debost: The Simple Flute
Don Greene: Performance Success
Recommended Studies:
Taffanel & Gubert: 17 Grand Exercices Journaliers de Mechanisme
M. A. Reichert: 7 Daily Exercises (especially No. 1, 2, & 4; any edition)
Marcel Moyse: De La Sonorite (A. Leduc)
Marcel Moyse: 24 Petites Etudes Melodiques (A. Leduc)
Marcel Moyse: Tone Development Through Interpretation
Wil Offermans: For the Contemporary Flutist (Zimmerman)
Paula Robison: The Paula Robison Flute Warm-Ups Book
Peter Lukas Graf: The Singing Flute
Peter Lukas Graf: Interpretation: How to Shape a Musical Line
Thomas Filas: Top Register Studies
Trevor Wye: Compete Daily Exercises for Flute
Walfrid Kujala: The Flutist's Vade Mecum
Recommended Reference Materials:
James Pellerite: A Modern Guide To Fingerings for the Flute
Stephen Tanzer: A Basic Guide To Fingerings for the Piccolo
Walfrid Kujala: The Flute Audition Book
Jeanne Baxtresser: Orchestral Excerpts For Flute with Piano Accompaniment (vols. 1 & 2)
Jack Wellbaum: Orchestral Excerpts For Piccolo with Piano Accompaniment
Robert Dick: The Other Flute
Hiroishi Koizumi: Technique for Contemporary Flute Music