Melany Rice
Lesson Feesfrom $15.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
Learn a new instrument with an energetic young adult in a stress-free atmosphere! Originally hailing from Wisconsin, USA, I moved to England at age 18 to study Music and French at the University of Sheffield, a world top 100 university. I have over 10 years of experience playing in groups such as the Wisconsin State Honors Band and the JMKAC Senior Honors Recital, and I've also played in countless symphonies, pit orchestras, bands, and other groups. I have experience teaching children from the ages of 5-14 as an assistant band director, flute instructor, ESL teacher, and general tutor. I also have extensive experience working with neurodivergency and special needs children. I've lived in four different countries, thus I have many flute methods and traditions under my belt.
Language Classes
I am TEFL certified and have been teaching English for about 2 years. I taught English in France for a year in elementary schools, and I now give online conversation-based English classes for intermediate and advanced levels (B1-C1). These lessons focus primarily on fluency, accent, vocabulary, and syntax. Grammar is studied on a case-by-case basis, depending on what grammatical errors I notice you make. Materials for grammar practice will be supplied on this basis outside of the lessons. Lessons are taught 100% in English.
I also have a bachelor's degree in Music and French language. Because I had to learn French "from scratch" by living in France and Belgium, I feel I am particularly well-suited for beginner to lower-intermediate level French learners (A1-B1). I have tutored for French within high schools before, so I can specialize in school exam preparation, and lessons focus more on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Lessons are taught in French, and English where necessary (depending on level).
Learning begins when stress ends, so as a teacher I try my best to make learning enjoyable. After all, the brain only remembers things it actually paid attention to and somewhat enjoyed. Thus, my first priority is that you are comfortable and having fun. Lessons are personalized to the student's feedback, goals, pace, and artistic style.
During flute lessons, I will often assign studies, exercises, and pieces to learn in private practice. These materials are integral to your learning, however your extent of engagement with them is your choice. Practicing is important, but I will never be upset at you for "not doing your homework". Efficient practice is a major topic that I cover in lessons.
Undergraduate music student at the University of Sheffield
For younger flutists, I like using the Abracadabra Flute book or the Rubank Elementary Method for the Flute. I'm also familiar with the Essential Elements series but I prefer to use these two books. You can purchase them if it suits you, but sometimes I only use snippets - this is completely dependent on the students, and we will discuss this in the trial lesson before making any purchases.
Language classes
For English lessons, I usually have a chosen subject of conversation for every week. You will be informed of the following week's topic at the end of every lesson. I will often refer you to online texts, videos, etc. All materials will be provided to you and will be accessible for free online.
For French lessons, I use a mix online materials and print materials, which will all be provided to you via lessonface prior to and/or during the lesson. We will often be using a pencil and paper in lessons, so I would recommend keeping a notebook specifically for French.
For both languages, I might also assign materials to read / watch / work on in between classes. Whether or not you'd like to engage with the "homework" outside of lessons is up to you - I am not strict, we will discuss it in lessons.