How to Start a Flute Masterclass
by Viviana Guzman
Described by The New York Times as “An Imaginative Artist” Juilliard trained Viviana Guzman has a GRAMMY Nominated Album, is a TEDxSpeaker & has toured 135 countries. Has been on CNN, ABC, NBC, FOX, with 3 million views on her YouTube Channel, Viviana is the Founder San Francisco Flute Society, Flutes by the Sea Masterclasses, Co-Founder The Flute View and teaches at University of California Santa Cruz.
We just held our 10th Annual San Francisco Flute Society Flutes by the Sea Masterclass with Guest Artists Jasmine Choi, Viviana Guzman, Emily Skala as well as, Tracy Harris who conducted the FBTS Flute Choir. The event was sponsored by Flute World, Altus Flutes, Yamaha Flutes, and West Valley Music. There were participants from Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Venezuela, Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Massachusetts, New York, and all over California.
Creating a flute masterclass can be an excellent way to share your expertise and knowledge with aspiring flutists. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a successful flute masterclass:
Define Your Objectives
Determine the specific goals and objectives of your masterclass. Are you focusing on a particular aspect of flute playing, such as technique, tone production, interpretation, or performance skills? Is there a specific age group you would like to target? High School? College? Flute hobbyists? Having a clear vision will help you structure the content and cater to the right audience.
Choose a Topic
Select a specific topic or theme for your masterclass. It could be anything from a particular piece of repertoire, a specific technique, or a broader concept. Ensure that your topic is engaging and relevant to the participants.
Plan the Content
Break down the content of your masterclass into manageable sections. Create an outline that covers the key points you want to address, exercises or techniques to demonstrate, and musical examples to illustrate your teaching points. Consider the level of the participants and tailor the content accordingly.
Prepare Materials
Prepare any handouts, worksheets, or supplementary materials that will enhance the learning experience for the participants. These could include musical excerpts, technical exercises, or practice tips. Make sure to provide copies or digital versions for all attendees.
Create a Supportive Environment
Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere for participants to learn and grow. Encourage questions, create opportunities for interaction, and provide constructive feedback. Ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued throughout the masterclass.
Demonstrate and Explain
As the instructor, demonstrate the techniques or concepts you are teaching. Use your flute to showcase proper technique, sound production, articulation, or any other relevant aspects. Explain the principles behind the techniques and provide clear instructions for participants to follow. Offer individual coaching or feedback to participants during the masterclass. This can be done through individual performances or targeted exercises. Provide specific feedback, suggestions for improvement, and guidance to help participants advance their flute playing.
Incorporate Performance Opportunities
Depending on the duration of your masterclass, allocate time for participants to perform and receive feedback from you and their peers. This can be done through solo performances, mock auditions, or ensemble and flute choir playing. Encourage supportive and constructive feedback from the participants as well.
Q&A Session
Reserve time for a question and answer session where participants can ask specific questions related to flute playing, practice routines, career development, or any other relevant topics. Share your insights and experiences to provide valuable guidance.
Follow-up Resources
Provide participants with resources and references they can utilize after the masterclass. This could include recommended repertoire, books, recordings, or online resources that can further support their learning and development.
Evaluate and Improve
Collect feedback from the participants to evaluate the effectiveness of your masterclass. Use their input to make improvements and adjustments for future masterclasses. Continuous improvement is key to providing a high-quality educational experience.
Remember, the success of your Flute Masterclass depends on your expertise, teaching style, and ability to connect with your participants. Tailor your approach to the needs of the attendees and create a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.