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Learning Through Teaching
Learning through teaching others is an honored tradition. For example, teaching marching fundamentals to younger students is a great way ... -
Online Music Lessons
When the pandemic arrived in March 2020, many music students switched to online private lessons, and many still continue to ... -
A Positive Culture
In January I visited Prairie View A&M University as a guest artist for the school’s Flute Festival, and my experience ... -
Switching to Intermediate Flute
Advancing from a beginner to an intermediate flute is an exciting transition, but the new instrument can present challenges. Here’s ... -
Preparing for Individual Competition
The spring season is filled with solo competitions, and individual preparation outside school band or sectional rehearsals can sometimes be ... -
Bands in South America
In July I was the invited U.S. guest at the Festival y Concurso Internacional de Flauta, an international festival and ... -
From Marching to Concert
Flutists face specific challenges balancing marching band with concert band as the style and approach are completely different. Here are ... -
Learning New Music
Beginning the new marching season is an exciting time with drill to learn and music to master. Learning new music ... -
Explore, Expand, Energize
After the excitement of marching season in summer and fall months, rehearsals often become routine when preparing for festival or ... -
Relieve Upper Body Tension
With marching season in full swing, flutists often suffer from upper body tension and head and arm fatigue as longer ... -
Prepping for Solos
When the excitement of fall marching season is a distant memory, it’s the perfect time to prepare for next season’s ... -
Back to School
After a relaxed schedule over the summer, beginning the new school year is an abrupt change with early rehearsals, demanding ... -
Stretching for Flutists
Stretching frequently in a practice session increases flexibility, reduces tension and develops focus instead of frustration. Try these simple exercises ... -
Getting in Shape After Summer
With summer break behind and the school year off to a fresh start, it’s a great time to establish a ... -
Simplify Sightreading
Always a challenge, sightreading takes practice and patience in order to develop accuracy and confidence. Here are rules to guide ... -
An ACTIVE Approach
With the new marching season off and running at a fast pace, active learning adds confidence and builds skill with ... -
Attend a Summer Masterclass
With the end of the school year approaching, it’s a great time to consider attending a summer music masterclass, camp ... -
Ins & Outs of Trills
Accurate use of trill keys is essential for speed, intonation and technical confidence. Choosing which key(s) to use can be ... -
Staying Healthy
ince marching is an outdoor activity, weather conditions from the hot summer months to the cold temperatures in late fall ... -
Making a Quality Recording
Developing skill and confidence in producing quality recordings is essential for musicians. With a few simple techniques and regular practice, ... -
Prep for Auditions
Success in auditions requires preparation, practice and experience. These suggestions will organize your practice time and help you develop confidence ... -
Starting the Day
Every day is a new start for a flutist, and I begin the day with exercises to prepare for a ... -
Focus on Phrasing
Phrasing begins with the basic building blocks of music, scales and arpeggios, and musical expression adds content to basic notes ... -
Developing Breath Control
Flute technique from Mary Karen Clardy. From Halftime Magazine, a print publication and online community about the marching arts. -
Flute Basics
The most basic of human actions is the ability to breathe, and an understanding of the breathing process is fundamental ... -
Common Flute Problems
Mary Karen Clardy, renowned musician and author, helps flutists combat common problems with tone, intonation and technique. From Halftime Magazine, ... -
Fast Fingering For Flutists
Practical tips for fast flute fingering from Halftime Magazine, a print publication and online community about the marching arts.