Lisa Nichols
About
Teaching music is one of my greatest joys. I am so lucky to love both my work and my wonderful students.
I discovered music at age seven, when I won a recorder in a library read-a-thon. Playing around on the instrument, and following an ancient method book that my dad had found at a yard sale, I ventured into the world of deciphering the secret codes found in music manuscript. Music was first and foremost fun, challenging and transporting for me, even though I was so young. I try to recreate this experience for my students.
I completed a BA in Psychology from Boston University, and ten years later a BA in Music from Southern Oregon University. I found myself applying what I had learned in my psychology classes to my time in the practice room. I show my students the techniques I discovered, and also lean heavily on my psychology background to create an enjoyable, effective and trauma-free learning experience for my students.
Although I have subbed occasionally in the Rogue Valley Symphony, chamber music has my heart. I love to give concerts with my talented musician friends. I also deeply appreciate the opportunity to play music in worship settings.
I am inspired by the three wonderful teachers who most influenced my playing: Julie Armstrong in Keene, NH, Alex Ogle (student of Marcel Moyse, Julius Baker and others) in Brattleboro, VT, and Katie McElrath (student of Julius Baker) in Ashland, OR. I have also learned a tremendous amount from my observant students, past and present.
I am a playful and non-judgmental teacher. It takes time to build trust and confidence in a new student, but the goal is to guide a student to be able to make progress independently. It is so exciting when this happens, yet, truly, I enjoy every step of the journey. I am primarily a Suzuki flute teacher but I also draw on my background in psychology to keep students of all ages engaged, having fun, and working hard.
Certifications Orff Level I Certified, University of Las Vegas, Nevada Education B.A. in Psychology, Boston University, 2002 B.A. in Music, Southern Oregon University, 2012 Suzuki Flute Book 1, 2023
The backbone of all lessons is teaching my students to produce beautiful tone, whatever it is they prefer to play. We also work hard at learning to count accurately and perceive pitch, so they can experience the joy of playing with others. Lessons are a balance of playing time and music theory time, which allows students to unwind and have fun. Many young students choose to bring a favorite stuffed animal along to respond to the ear training lesson.
I get to know my students and what they like, and provide music they will want to practice at home. Although many of my students focus on baroque and classical music, some prefer folk music, the Beatles, or jazz standards. It seems that nearly all my students enjoy a little variety now and then, so I make sure to expose them to new styles over time. I am happy to facilitate a connection between a student and the music they love.
For beginning flutists, I use Suzuki Book 1. I also like The Abracadabra Flute Method (Pollock). I make recommendations to others based on skill level and interest. It is always good to have a collections of scales, which I can provide (many of my students also adore Pares Scales for Flute; I also recommend Larry Clark's scale book). Duets are essential (Selected Duets for Flute v. 1 by Voxman for beginners, Album of Flute Duets by Moyse for more advanced). Universal Edition collections are usually high-quality as well. I'm constantly sending intermediate and advanced students historically accurate sheet music from IMSLP, a free online music library.
I highly recommend the book Mindset by Carol Dweck.