Laura Kaufman/Flute Teacher

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Introduction: My goal as a teacher is to create confident flute-players, creative-thinkers, and masters of practicing. A student who learns to practice efficiently carries these problem-solving skills throughout all areas of their life. When my students make a mistake, the reaction is not.. “You made a mistake! You must not have practiced! That was awful!” Instead, the reaction is, “How fascinating! Why did we make that mistake? How do you think we can fix it?” My students learn to take ownership of their unique processes of learning. The phrase “practice makes perfect” is altered to “practice makes permanent.” It matters just as much what we learn at home as it does in our weekly lesson! Every student is provided a lesson plan developed specifically to their needs. That being said, I work to ensure that each of my students receives thorough training in the following areas: Fundamentals: Tone, Technique, Vibrato, Articulation, Breathing, Posture, Dynamics, and Intonation Phrasing: Crafting the perfect phrase, allowing for ideal communication of expression Repertoire: A balanced mix of repertoire from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary eras. Some Jazz, Pop, and World music may be incorporated also. Solo Performance Skills: Students will practice performance skills in Studio Recitals, and some may also be involved in competitions or auditions. Ensemble Skills: Duets, Chamber Music, or music from Band/Orchestra Basic Music Theory/Aural Skills Training: Beginners will be able to recognize basic notes and rhythms. Advanced students will learn to read scores, understand basic chord structures, forms, and harmonies.

Overview

Hired 4 times

1 employee

16 years in business

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for punctuality, work quality, and professionalism.

Exceptional 5.0

5 reviews

100%

Rachel H.

Sep 14, 2017

Ability to quickly assess student's technique and creates plan for improvement through drills. Sets individual goals. Expands repotire when selecting solos. Highlights and encourages opportunities to grow student's love and enjoyment for music.

Christy T.

Sep 14, 2017

We have been working with Laura for over a year. She is the definition of Professionalism. Our teenage daughter has loved working with her, and has excelled in flute with her school band as a result. Laura has expanded our daughter's interest beyond band so that she is now participating in a flute ensemble, which is very exciting for us. Laura is always on time, forgiving of not enough practice and yet stern about it, and bottom line an incredible instructor. She is also very kind and easy to work with as a parent (and for the student). I highly recommend her!

Nancy N.

Sep 20, 2017

Laura Kaufman is an exceptionally qualified and insightful flute teacher. She has tailored lessons for my daughter to overcome personal areas of difficulty, using problem-solving strategies to figure out the best way to work to achieve success in her playing. Laura is professional, personable, and comfortable to work with, while challenging my daughter to rise to her potential. She doesn’t give empty praise, but will certainly congratulate when work is done well. Excellent pacing--not too fast or slow.

Suzanne v.

Sep 27, 2017

My son, Ian, is having a wonderful experience being taught flute by Laura Kaufman. She brings the best combination of playfulness and seriousness to the lessons. She always has new approaches - and sometimes useful gadgets - to get her message about good embouchure and breathing across. She is encouraging and supportive. I recommend her highly!

Cynthia C.

Jan 11, 2017

Hired on Thumbtack

I have had an absolutely amazing experience with Laura. I am an adult student who has taken many lessons through my high school and post college years with different teachers. I resumed lessons a couple of weeks ago and I've had three lessons with Laura since. I can say by far that Laura has been the best superb! She has accurately dissected my challenges with playing the flute and has been able to use multiple techniques to address them. She is introducing me to technologies that are helping me along in my practice sessions and in my lessons. I am most impressed by her ability to subtly observe my playing posture, lips,jaw, breathing, articulation and to put it all together to help me to revise my playing. I am struggling to unlearn some bad habits that I apparently had developed previously. Again, in conclusion, I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have found Laura and am excited to see how my playing progresses!

Flute Lessons (for adults)

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
60 min: $65 45 min: $55 30 min: $45 The length of the lesson will be recommended based on level and age following the 30 minute trial lesson.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically our first lesson I consider as a trial lesson. The most important component of a trial lesson is to determine whether the student and I will be a good fit. I will listen to the student play (if they already have experience) and begin to create a personalized plan for their development as a player. No student is alike, and that is one of the things I love about teaching! Every student has their own unique set of goals and I am there to help accomplish them while having fun in the process!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Eastman School of Music: BM (Flute Performance) The Colburn School: PC (Performance Certificate) University of Maryland, College Park: MM (Flute Performance) Laura Kaufman is a soloist, orchestral, and chamber musician who has been hailed by the Washington Post for “absolutely gorgeous flute-playing.” Laura has performed with a variety of renowned ensembles, including the National Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Smithsonian Chamber Players, DC Public Opera, Peacherine Ragtime Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, and New World Symphony. Laura also performs in District5, a DC-based wind quintet dedicated to innovative ways of presenting classical music. Laura is dedicated to fostering the talents of young musicians. She maintains a private flute studio, and has coached wind players at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, American Youth Philharmonic, and The University of Maryland High School Academy. Laura has received national recognition from prize-winning performances at the National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition, National Society of Arts and Letters Wind Competition, New York Flute Club Competition, Flute Society of Washington Young Artist Competition, Pasadena Showcase Instrumental Competition, among others. Her experiences have inspired her to assist other musicians with competition preparation and overcoming performance anxiety. Laura holds degrees from Eastman School of Music, The Colburn School, and the University of Maryland. I maintain an active teaching studio in the DC area and I love sharing my joy for music with my students. All ages and levels are welcome! I reinforce the fundamentals of flute playing, allowing my students to blossom as flutists and as artists. Please contact me for more information. Half hour and forty-five minute lessons also available!