Flute Student, Emi F.
Emi, has taken lessons at SMMC for about four years! In that time her instructor has seen her make much progress as a musician. Flute can be one of the harder instruments for young musicians to learn, and starting on flute can be particularly challenging since creating a musical sound, one that can be recognized as the flute, can take some time. A specific embouchure is required to produce sound, and it is important to practice this with the right technique.
Learning to hold the flute properly is another challenge students must face. Balancing the flute in the correct position, keeping the instrument steady, and playing different fingerings all at once is a lot for a new student to do all at once and as a result, they might struggle on one or all of these things. Emi has been able to work on all of these things and progress onto other hurdles like her tone and range.
In Her Teacher’s Words
Emi is currently taking flute lessons with SMMC wind instructor Aimee Acevedo. Aimee has years of private teaching experience in addition to classroom experience and is completing her teaching credential.
She writes “Over the years I have seen Emi progress so much as a flutist! She has improved greatly in her tone, musicality, note reading and music theory. Flute is one of the harder instruments for young musicians due to the changing embouchure and intense breath support. Though it was difficult, Emi has created a beautiful flute tone and has worked hard to ensure she can reach the highest and lowest ranges of the flute! She listens closely to any feedback I give her and tries her best to improve it. She has a majority of her major scales memorized and has even memorized a few minor scales, which is no easy task! Emi is a wonderful student and person. I always look forward to her lessons and seeing her grow as a musician.”
Try one of Ms. Aimee’s basic warm-ups here!
Emi During Her Lesson
Here is a brief clip of Emi performing in one of her recent lessons.
In Emi’s Words
We asked Emi a few questions to learn a little bit more about our award winner. Here is what she had to say:
How long have you been playing your instrument and what do you like most about playing it?
I’ve been playing the flute for 4 years and like that it is small.
How do you make time to practice in your busy schedule?
To practice, I play after I get home during the weekdays.
What do you like about the piece you chose to perform for the SOTM video?
I like that the piece is simple and fun to play.
What do you like to do in your down time?
In my down time, I like to play tennis and shop.
Practicing when you get home is a great habit-way to go Emi! Congratulations Emi from all of us at SMMC! Keep up the great work!
Many flute students get started with the instrument in a school band program. Although this is a great introduction to the instrument, private flute lessons can be extremely beneficial for steady progress. Even for flutists involved in a band program! Keep SMMC in mind when band season rolls around and you’re in need of flute lessons or a flute rental.
Meet the Instructor
Aimee Acevedo began her musical training at the age of 9 on clarinet. When she entered middle school she began to learn saxophone and then began learning flute in high school. Currently, Aimee completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Tenor Saxophone Performance and Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. She studied clarinet under Jennifer Showalter, saxophone under Rusty Higgins, and flute under Shannon Canchola. She has performed with the APU Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and University Choir and Orchestra on several woodwind instruments. Aimee also has years of experience performing in classical, jazz, pop, and latin styles. Along with playing in several ensembles at APU, Aimee also teaches lessons on saxophone, clarinet, and flute and is actively gigging in the Los Angeles area. In her teaching, Aimee hopes to instill an appreciation and passion for music by teaching students fundamentals, proper technique, music theory, and performance practice.