Barbara Siesel
Lesson Feesfrom $75.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
Barbara Siesel is a Juilliard trained NY flutist, entrepreneur, educator, producer, and actor — a multifaceted interdisciplinary artist. She’s the co-founder of the award winning Green Golly Project, an organization established to introduce children to classical music through live theatrical performances, educational outreach, books, flutes, sheet music, CD’s/DVD’s and animation. The project’s mission is to change the conversation about classical music education in the US, to help stop the erosion of support by creating a program that appeals to children and their parents and gets children actively participating in music as part of their daily lives. Siesel has appeared as flute soloist in principal halls of China, Korea, Spain, Japan, Taiwan, Russia and the United States and was flute professor and director of woodwinds and contemporary ensemble at The New World School of the Arts and Colby College. In 2015 she taught entrepreneurship workshops at The Juilliard School. Active for many years in new media and interdisciplinary performance she co-founded the Storm King Music Festival (1999-2003), a festival which was devoted to the intersection of acoustic classical performance and new media. 2013 saw the launch of The Flute View, which she co-founded with colleagues Andrea Fisher and Viviana Guzman. The online magazine and interview’s are about everything flute in the 21st century — a way for flutists to create community in our changing musical landscape. Siesel has received grants and awards from the NEA, NYSCA, Ars Veritas Foundation, Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Edward Cone Foundation as well as a 2015 “Deserving Person Award” from the Dr. David Milch Foundation. Her books and CD’s have won a Parent’s Choice Gold award and a Family Choice award. 2014-15 projects included the re-staging and filming of Green Golly and her Golden Flute and a Green Golly teaching and concert tour of China. Siesel is a graduate of The Juilliard School where she received both BM and MM degree’s.
I'm passionate about teaching and love working with students of all ages and levels. I love the process of teaching, watching the student have that learning break through where they connect to the music and the sounds that they are making. That special moment when they know that they will be able to play the flute!!My approach is tailored to the needs of the student at whatever level, beginner to professional. Don't take it from me - hear what a few of my students say about lessons with me:
Amateur: Barbara is a stellar teacher. In just a few lessons, my playing (and confidence) have improved. She has a wonderful ability to identify each student's learning needs, zoom in, and go from there. Give her a try. You won't be sorry. (Sally C.)
Beginner: My daughter started lessons with Barbara when she was 7 years old. It's been about 18 months now and she still loves playing the flute. Somehow Barbara mixes up the lessons with true classical study and fun musical playing so that my daughter never get's bored and is always having fun. I hear from other parents how their kids' music lessons are all about scales and memorization but my daughter's lessons are always more interesting. Barbara is very patient, always challenging, and tailors the lessons to my daughter's interests. Barbara is sweet and friendly and my daughter looks forward to seeing her every week. (Eva T.)
Professional: Barbara is a truly great flute player. One outstanding point is that when I had a lesson, she played a lot herself, for the sake of demonstrating what she wanted me to do. Hearing her and getting her sound in my ear and then playing myself, with her to put me on track, was an invaluable experience. She is very much oriented to the basics, which for me, involved breathing and blowing, and new (to me) approaches to breath control and how the breath goes from the player, through the flute. This was an eye opening experience, and very helpful. Also, Barbara is on such a high level of flute playing, and making music, that her playing seems effortless, regardless of the technical demands, and the music just soars out! To hear this and see her in person, and realize that it can sound like that is also an invaluable experience. Overall, a great teacher and person. (Richard)
Lessons are usually 1 hour weekly and are specifically crafted to your technical and musical needs. Through breathing exercises, study of the technical aspects of flute and deep learning of the music you will be introduced to and connect to music in a new way and will deepen your understanding and ability to express yourself through music. We will study standard repertoire of many styles and also work on your own original melodies that will arise through your heart (spirit). Within six months you will be playing with a beautiful, connected sound that is your own personal voice and you will feel the physical and mental benefits of playing flute including increased mental focus, better breath control and physical strength. If you are a beginner we will focus on tone production, learning to read and play the notes on the flute. Lessons are structured for beginners so that they learn how to practice and develop an understanding of music and styles.
If you are an advanced player and need help getting ready for auditions to college and beyond I can help you pinpoint your flutistic problems and polish your playing to the level needed to succeed!