UNO Flute Studio

MARCH 15, 2020: Due to the current Covid-19 worldwide pandemic, flute lessons will be delivered in an online format

until further notice. Dr. Beard has been offering and teaching online lessons for over a decade, with remote lessons

conducted via numerous platforms including (but not limited to) FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype, and more.

Dr. Beard is also enrolling new students for the 2021-2022 academic year. Please e-mail to inquire!

UNO flute studio in Chicago's Millenium Park (November 2019)

Welcome to the Flute Studio at the University of Nebraska at Omaha

UNO FLUTE STUDIO PHOTOS

Welcome to the UNO Flute Studio Page! For flutists, the University of Nebraska at Omaha has much to offer, regardless of whether or not you decide to pursue music as your major field of study. UNO offers a variety of instrumental ensemble opportunities for our students, including the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra, University Band, Marching Mavericks, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Flute Choir, and a variety of Chamber Ensembles. Ensemble scholarships for both majors and non-majors are available. Unlike many larger universities, undergraduate students at UNO are able to enjoy the valuable experience of playing in the school's top ensembles while still offering challenging musical experiences for our graduate students.

In the flute studio at UNO, the primary focus is mastery of flute tone and technique, as well as developing skills of musicianship, entrepreneurship and professionalism. Other areas of emphasis include piccolo studies, contemporary techniques, and orchestral excerpts. Flute lessons focus not only on technical issues, but also on expanding knowledge of the standard repertoire, improving sight- reading and performance skills, musical interpretation, and the ability to apply these skills towards teaching others. Dr. Beard also encourages her students pursue unique niches, whether your interests include antique flutes, world flutes, or any other area of flute-related study. At UNO, you will not only receive an exceptional education with individual attention, but you will also have the added benefit of the exciting musical and cultural advantages of metropolitan Omaha.

Flutists at UNO find themselves in a challenging, vibrant, rewarding and friendly environment. Members of the flute studio have received many honors, including being selected to perform in the NFA Collegiate Flute Choir and NFA Piccolo Masterclass Competitions; being accepted to present/perform at international flute festivals such as the Canadian Flute Convention and the World Flutes Festival in Argentina; and winning the UNO Concerto-Aria Competition a total of 9 times since 2005 (2005, 2008-2011, and 2013-2016). Recent graduates have won orchestral positions, teaching jobs, flute repair jobs, and/or been accepted to graduate schools where they have been awarded scholarships and assistantships.

UPCOMING FLUTE EVENTS

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UNO FLUTE NEWS

GUEST ARTISTS at UNO

PRIVATE FLUTE LESSONS WITH DR. BEARD

MARCH 15, 2020: Due to the current Covid-19 worldwide pandemic, flute lessons will be delivered in an online format

until further notice. Dr. Beard has been offering and teaching online lessons for over a decade, with remote lessons

conducted via numerous platforms including (but not limited to) FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype, and more.

Dr. Beard is also taking new students for the 2020-2021 academic year. Please e-mail to inquire!

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 nearly 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 in 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

Lesson tuition for 2021-2022 is $50 / hour for weekly lessons. Compared to many other professionals in the metro area, this is relatively low. This is due in part to the fact that Dr. Beard wants to keep her costs as low 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, 1 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

Due to parking difficulties on the UNO campus, lessons take place at her house (located in the area of I-680 and Maple Street in Omaha). Alternatively, lessons at the UNO campus can also be arranged if needed on a limited basis. Please contact her for availability and schedule for alternate times. **ALL FLUTE LESSONS ARE BEING OFFERED ONLINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE**