Lydia Whetstone

Hey, I'm glad you are here. 👋 I'm Lydia, an active freelancer, teacher, and clinician throughout central Iowa in the Midwest region of the U.S. 

Why study with me: I offer learner-centered individualized music instruction that supports you as both a musician and a whole person. My teaching style focuses on building strong relationships, understanding your unique background, and creating a curriculum that reflects your goals. You’ll learn in a psychologically safe, encouraging space where exploration, growth, and mistakes are all part of the process.

We’ll work together to set goals, define progress markers, and celebrate your wins. I serve as an honest, empathetic guide who helps you stay accountable while supporting your personal and musical development. If you’re looking for a teacher who truly listens, adapts to your needs, and helps you grow with confidence, I’m here to help you make meaningful progress on your instrument.

Who I am: My flute story began early; my grandma and I spent hours listening to Sir James Galway. When it came time to pick a band instrument at age 11, the flute was the only instrument for me. Now 20 years+ later, I’m performing, teaching, adjudicating, and sharing my love of music with students across the U.S. and beyond! 

I earned a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Northern Iowa, where I studied Dr. Angeleita Floyd. I've also studied with Dr. Sonja Giles and Ms. Mary Peterson. Additionally, I have performed in masterclasses for William Bennett, Ian Clarke, Alena (Lugovkina) Walentin, Claudia Anderson, Jill Felber, and Hannah Leffler. Some career highlights to this point include world premieres of works by Michael Daugherty, Adam Schoenberg, and Daniel Bukvich, recording a CD with the UNI Wind Ensemble, performing second flute in the UNI Opera's performance of "Hansel and Gretyl," and performing as a piccolo soloist with the TAIKO-West African Drum Ensemble. Right now, I perform on second/third flute and piccolo with the Central Iowa Symphony, the Capitol City Winds, and Blue Moon Big Band. But, my favorite chamber collaboration is with my dad (a singer-songwriter and guitarist); our flute and guitar duo is called the "Sweet Tones."

Beyond music: When I'm not teaching or playing, I spend time with my husband and our dog Sven the Poodle, am learning how to crochet, and love to watch college sports (My team is the Iowa State Cyclones!). I have a second career in higher education and am working towards a Master's degree in this space. 

My availability varies greatly week to week. Therefore, if you want to take a trial or regular lesson and don't see availability, please message me and I will work to find a time for you! 

I am a relationship builder at my core, and care a lot about my students as both musicians and whole people. I work to individualize my instruction to your needs and backgrounds, and will work to build a curriculum based on your goals. It is very important to me that we co-create a psychologically safe environment where you feel comfortable learning, growing, and making mistakes. 

Together, we will work on setting goals, progress markers, and celebrate the completion of these goals. I see my job as your teacher to be an honest sounding board, and I will hold you accountable to these goals in an empathetic and supportive way. I see my role as being here for you as a musical and personal resource; I want to help you grow and explore this wonderful instrument. 

I expect students to come prepared to lessons, ask questions and think critically about their playing. In return, students can expect me to prepare lessons, pick exercises and repertoire that support your growth, and provide specific, targeted feedback to help you learn.