Steranka Flute Studio Information
Thank you for your interest in flute and/or music theory lessons! I am now accepting new students both in person and via Zoom. To schedule your FREE 30-minute trial lesson via Zoom, please use the contact form provided.
What do we cover in flute lessons?
I tailor my curriculum to each student based on their individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Beginner lessons typically contain the following:
- Making a sound on the head joint (embouchure formation, tonguing, the basics of tone production)
- Instrument assembly, cleaning, and care
- Music theory sufficient to read sheet music
- Scales and short exercises, typically following a workbook as needed
- Short solos or duets as a supplement once the shorter exercises feel comfortable
Intermediate and advanced students tend to concentrate on the following areas:
- Tone
- Technique - scales, finger twisters, and more!
- Etudes
- Orchestral excerpts or ensemble repertoire
- Solo works
- Duos (with me or my other students!)
- Posture, breathing, and self-care
- Basic music theory
I help students assess their goals and progress at the start of each semester and year-round. It is also my goal as a teacher to stay informed about local festivals and competitions. I work diligently to find the best opportunities for my students and to provide a customized learning experience. In addition to weekly lessons, all of my students have the option to perform in a studio recital twice a year at no additional cost. Group make-up classes are also offered during the year, and attendance is highly encouraged.
- Making a sound on the head joint (embouchure formation, tonguing, the basics of tone production)
- Instrument assembly, cleaning, and care
- Music theory sufficient to read sheet music
- Scales and short exercises, typically following a workbook as needed
- Short solos or duets as a supplement once the shorter exercises feel comfortable
Intermediate and advanced students tend to concentrate on the following areas:
- Tone
- Technique - scales, finger twisters, and more!
- Etudes
- Orchestral excerpts or ensemble repertoire
- Solo works
- Duos (with me or my other students!)
- Posture, breathing, and self-care
- Basic music theory
I help students assess their goals and progress at the start of each semester and year-round. It is also my goal as a teacher to stay informed about local festivals and competitions. I work diligently to find the best opportunities for my students and to provide a customized learning experience. In addition to weekly lessons, all of my students have the option to perform in a studio recital twice a year at no additional cost. Group make-up classes are also offered during the year, and attendance is highly encouraged.
What do we cover in music theory lessons?
This can vary a lot depending on the student's goals, but in general we cover the following concepts in a basic theory class:
- Clef reading & transcription (treble, bass, alto, tenor clefs)
- Major & minor scales
- Key signatures & the Circle of Fifths
- Intervals
- Triads & Seventh chords
- Diatonic triads
- Roman numeral analysis
- Nonharmonic tones
- Cadences
In a more advanced curriculum, we might cover any of the following:
- Species counterpoint
- Figured bass
- Chorale-style part writing
- How to harmonize a melody
- Chromatic harmony (including secondary dominants, augmented 6 chords, Neapolitans, and more)
More advanced analytical topics tend to involve more repertoire analysis, which is a common goal for performers. I often tailor my curriculum to what the student is practicing in their private lessons. However, in general I make every effort to diversify repertoire selection. We analyze J.S. Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, but we also analyze Clara Schumann, Florence Price, and Lili'uoakalani. We analyze classical repertoire, as well as Kurt Cobain, John Lennon, and film music.
- Clef reading & transcription (treble, bass, alto, tenor clefs)
- Major & minor scales
- Key signatures & the Circle of Fifths
- Intervals
- Triads & Seventh chords
- Diatonic triads
- Roman numeral analysis
- Nonharmonic tones
- Cadences
In a more advanced curriculum, we might cover any of the following:
- Species counterpoint
- Figured bass
- Chorale-style part writing
- How to harmonize a melody
- Chromatic harmony (including secondary dominants, augmented 6 chords, Neapolitans, and more)
More advanced analytical topics tend to involve more repertoire analysis, which is a common goal for performers. I often tailor my curriculum to what the student is practicing in their private lessons. However, in general I make every effort to diversify repertoire selection. We analyze J.S. Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, but we also analyze Clara Schumann, Florence Price, and Lili'uoakalani. We analyze classical repertoire, as well as Kurt Cobain, John Lennon, and film music.
What is expected of students?
Students are expected to practice daily to accomplish reasonable goals and attend to details discussed at the previous lesson. Students should also keep a bag dedicated to their musical studies and containing the following materials:
- Flute (and piccolo, alto, or bass flute, if applicable)
- Music (including piano part)
- Pencil(s)
- Manuscript notebook for writing weekly assignment
- Metronome
- Tuner
- Recording device (recommended for intermediate and advanced students)
- Face mask
In addition, everyone coming to lessons is expected to have a positive attitude, and to treat me and ALL other students with kindness and respect.
- Flute (and piccolo, alto, or bass flute, if applicable)
- Music (including piano part)
- Pencil(s)
- Manuscript notebook for writing weekly assignment
- Metronome
- Tuner
- Recording device (recommended for intermediate and advanced students)
- Face mask
In addition, everyone coming to lessons is expected to have a positive attitude, and to treat me and ALL other students with kindness and respect.
What is expected of caretakers?
As a caretaker, your support and encouragement are essential to your child's success in music lessons. You can help your child get the most out of their practice and lesson time by doing the following:
- Help your child arrive to their lesson on time, whether attending in person or via Zoom.
- Remind your child to practice at home, and remind them of concepts covered in the previous lesson if necessary.
- You are welcome to attend or observe your child's lesson, and are encouraged to do so if the child is 10 or younger.
- Create a warm, welcoming, and inspirational place in your home dedicated solely to practice. It should be free of technology
and any other potential distractions.
- Help your child arrive to their lesson on time, whether attending in person or via Zoom.
- Remind your child to practice at home, and remind them of concepts covered in the previous lesson if necessary.
- You are welcome to attend or observe your child's lesson, and are encouraged to do so if the child is 10 or younger.
- Create a warm, welcoming, and inspirational place in your home dedicated solely to practice. It should be free of technology
and any other potential distractions.
What health and safety measures are you taking to ensure student safety during in-person lessons?
I am offering a hybridized online and in-person education this year with the option to stay 100% online if desired. Safety of staff, students, and caretakers remains my top priority for operating this year. Intended plans for the Spring semester will be announced by the end of Fall and are contingent on factors like how smoothly things run this Fall, infection rates, and student/parent satisfaction. To that end, plans may change at any time and at my discretion, but below is my plan for hybrid learning for Fall 2020.
This Fall is compromised of fourteen lessons and one recital. Each student will receive seven in-person lessons and seven Zoom lessons on a rotating basis, such that they will never risk contact with another student. For example, this is what the Saturday lesson schedule might look like the first two weeks of September:
This Fall is compromised of fourteen lessons and one recital. Each student will receive seven in-person lessons and seven Zoom lessons on a rotating basis, such that they will never risk contact with another student. For example, this is what the Saturday lesson schedule might look like the first two weeks of September:
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Saturday 9/5
9:00 Student 1, in person 9:30 Student 2, Zoom 10:00 Student 3, in person 10:30 Student 4, Zoom |
Saturday 9/12
9:00 Student 1, Zoom 9:30 Student 2, in person 10:00 Student 3, Zoom 10:30 Student 4, in person |
Students will each receive the same number of remote and in-person lessons each, but this format will reduce everyone’s exposure and leave more time for aerosols to settle. During in-person lessons, the following precautions will be taken:
➢ Moving forward, lessons will be held in Luther House on the second floor of First Trinity, or McKinney Hall if it is unavailable. Students will enter through the church’s rear entrance.
➢ I will remain at the other end of the room (6+ feet away) wearing a specially designed mask with which I will still be able to play, and which I will wear for the entirety of our interaction.
➢ Students will be asked wear a mask unless they are playing. When playing, they will face away from me. The purchase of a specialty flute mask is highly encouraged but not mandatory. (These are available for purchase on-site: $20 for an adjustable kid's mask, $25 for adults.)
➢ Windows will be open, outdoor temperature permitting. Fans will be left off.
➢ Surfaces will be sanitized between in-person students.
➢ Plans regarding the December studio recital will be announced by the beginning of November. There WILL be one, whether we are in person or remote.
➢ Students may opt to continue in a remote-only format if they so desire.
➢ Moving forward, lessons will be held in Luther House on the second floor of First Trinity, or McKinney Hall if it is unavailable. Students will enter through the church’s rear entrance.
➢ I will remain at the other end of the room (6+ feet away) wearing a specially designed mask with which I will still be able to play, and which I will wear for the entirety of our interaction.
➢ Students will be asked wear a mask unless they are playing. When playing, they will face away from me. The purchase of a specialty flute mask is highly encouraged but not mandatory. (These are available for purchase on-site: $20 for an adjustable kid's mask, $25 for adults.)
➢ Windows will be open, outdoor temperature permitting. Fans will be left off.
➢ Surfaces will be sanitized between in-person students.
➢ Plans regarding the December studio recital will be announced by the beginning of November. There WILL be one, whether we are in person or remote.
➢ Students may opt to continue in a remote-only format if they so desire.
What is the studio schedule for the 2020-2021 school year?
This school year will contain 32 private lessons and two Saturday morning solo recitals, one in December and the other in May (dates TBA). You may sign up for 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute weekly lessons on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday (additional days sometimes available by request). Tuition also includes full access to all the lectures, masterclasses, and concerts put on at the Pittsburgh Flute Academy. These will be scheduled throughout the year and will be offered in a remote format.
Lessons begin on Saturday, September 5th and end on Saturday, May 15th. There are NO LESSONS on the following dates:
- 11/23-11/29 (Thanksgiving/Fall break)
- 12/20-1/1 (Winter break)
- 3/29-4/4 (Easter/Spring break)
Lessons begin on Saturday, September 5th and end on Saturday, May 15th. There are NO LESSONS on the following dates:
- 11/23-11/29 (Thanksgiving/Fall break)
- 12/20-1/1 (Winter break)
- 3/29-4/4 (Easter/Spring break)
What is your cancellation policy?
Tuition is non-refundable and paid regardless of how many lessons are attended. You may be able to make up a lesson if I have a free slot; otherwise, no make-up lessons will be offered. I will make up any lessons due to my absence OR hire a substitute teacher to offer lessons in my place at no additional cost. Make-up classes will be offered throughout the year and are typically scheduled on Saturday mornings; these will be announced as they are scheduled.
Where will lessons take place?
Lessons will be held at the First Trinity Evangelical-Lutheran Church located at 531 North Neville Street, Pittsburgh PA 15213. All remote lessons will take place on Zoom (link to be provided upon signing up).
What is the cost of tuition?
Monthly tuition rates are listed below. They are made in nine equal monthly payments due at the first lesson of each month, or in two equal semester payments due at the first lesson of each semester. Tuition includes 32 lessons and 2 studio recitals. All payments are nonrefundable.
32 lessons + 2 Saturday studio recitals – Tuition Payment Plan
9 monthly payments due at the first lesson of the month September – May:
(Includes weekly lessons + 2 Saturday recitals in Dec & May)
30-minute lessons = $106 per month
45-minute lessons = $142 per month
60-minute lessons = $185 per month
OR
2 semester payments due at the first lesson of each semester:
(Includes a “free recital” discount for each payment!)
30-minute lessons: $448 per semester
45-minute lessons: $608 per semester
60-minute lessons: $800 per semester
9 monthly payments due at the first lesson of the month September – May:
(Includes weekly lessons + 2 Saturday recitals in Dec & May)
30-minute lessons = $106 per month
45-minute lessons = $142 per month
60-minute lessons = $185 per month
OR
2 semester payments due at the first lesson of each semester:
(Includes a “free recital” discount for each payment!)
30-minute lessons: $448 per semester
45-minute lessons: $608 per semester
60-minute lessons: $800 per semester
How can I sign up for a FREE 30-minute introductory lesson?
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Please use the contact form provided to inquire about a free 30-minute introductory lesson! I would love to participate in your journey as a flutist. |
