CONGRATS UNO FLUTE CLASS OF 2025

Not in college? That's OK! Dr. Beard teaches private lessons to high school students, pre-high school students, adult professional and amateur players  Due to her active performance schedule and teaching obligations at UNO however, space is very limited and there is typically a waiting list. Due to her detailed teaching style, pre-high school students must set up a face-to-face interview with Dr. Beard prior to being accepted into her private studio; high school students and adults are automatically accepted on a first come, first served basis as space permits.

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Highly sought after as a teacher, performer and clinician throughout the United States and abroad, Dr. Beard has over 30 years experience teaching flute and piccolo, including both private and collegiate instruction, as well as in masterclasses and clinics. To study with Dr. Beard means that you will be working with an internationally respected performer and teacher who has connections in the music industry worldwide. Not only do her students receive excellent flute instruction and coaching, but they also get to take advantage of the numerous guest artist events afforded to them through her work at UNO.

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BENEFIT OF LESSONS

Why should a student study privately? In most cases, students learn to play their instruments in a large, mixed ensemble classroom experience. This makes individualized attention very difficult and attention to detail often inadvertently falls through the cracks. Additionally, often the ensemble director may not be a specialist on flute. Again, though unintentional, bad habits can form as a result of not knowing or not completely understanding the pedagogical issues related to flute. Tone production on the flute is unlike any other wind instrument and thus needs a deeper understanding of the instrument to develop a beautiful sound and vibrato, and to ensure proper breathing is learned and posture is monitored to prevent physical discomfort. Furthermore, private instruction allows for specific flute materials to be studied and mastered which help players to improve more quickly, resulting in advancement in their chair placement, All-State auditions, higher rating in solo competitions, and - for the most serious players - acceptance into collegiate programs as a music major. Dr. Beard's pedagogy is heavily based in the French Paris Conservatory tradition with a modern American flare: there is a heavy focus on the fundamentals, but she is also very passionate about new music and on training the entire musician and therefore, customizes her curriculum to fit every student's individual needs, goals and interests.

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LESSON FEES & PAYMENT

Tuition rates are $60 per hour for weekly lessons. Compared to many other professionals in the metro area, this is relatively low - due in part to the fact that Dr. Beard wants to keep her costs as manageable as possible because she really loves teaching and wants to make her studio accessible to all passionate and hard-working students regardless of financial situation. Despite this, she realizes that even this reduced amount may not be possible for all families. Therefore, one scholarship is available for 1 student based on financial need (please contact Dr. Beard directly to inquire about this option). Payment for lessons is accepted on a weekly or monthly basis by check, cash, or PayPal/Venmo.

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LESSON LOCATION & TIMES

Lessons take place either in her studio on the UNO campus, or at Dr. Beard's house (located in Council Bluffs, IA).