L A U R E N S O F K A
flutist and educator
About me
My Philosophy
As a teacher, I want to serve my students by addressing each persons' specific goals in a way that resonates with them. If flute lessons are someone's way of unwinding and being creative, then I am happy to facilitate that need. My passion is finding a way to make music as fun as possible, and to help my students learn to practice in a way that they enjoy and feel good about. I am not a one size fits all teacher and I can tell you that I will make it a priority to help you achieve exactly what you wish to achieve on the instrument, whether it be learning to beatbox or excel at your contest pieces. As your teacher, I will do my best to help make the learning curve an empowering experience in self growth.
Connect
Hello!
My name is Lauren and I started playing the flute back in 1998. For as long as I can remember, I have been intrigued by the different creative art forms available to us and have enjoyed learning to express myself through many of them. I love the flute because it is so versatile, we can play classical, jazz, improv, Latin, beatbox, sing and play, as well as apply a myriad of other available styles and extended techniques. I also discovered my love for new music when I was a member of a contemporary ensemble known as AURA during my graduate studies. Being in this group challenged me to expand my horizons with what I knew how to do. I simply love focusing on this ability to express in as many ways as possible on the the flute and hope to help others with a similar passion, to do the same. Flute is fun! and we must remember this each time we go to practice, to have fun and be ourselves when we play.
My Training and Experience
In May 2012, I received my master's degree in Flute Performance from the Moores School of Music, where I studied with Aralee Dorough. I completed my bachelor's degree in the same field under the guidance of Marianne Gedigian at the University of Texas at Austin in 2009.
Upon the completion of my degree programs, I have since dedicated the greater part of my career to teaching. From young beginners to performance level flutists, I have over 8 years of professional experience teaching flutists of all ages. I have provided numerous master classes, student recitals, and private lessons alike for various school districts across the Austin and Houston areas including the Pflugerville, Austin, Bastrop, Round Rock, Spring Branch, Pearland, Katy, Cypress Fairbanks, and Houston ISDs.
As a performer, I have held principal, assistant, and solo positions with organizations such as the St. Cecilia Chamber Orchestra of Houston, the United Nations Choir, the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, the UT Opera Orchestra, the 2004 TMEA 5A All-State Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Youth Symphony, the Moores School of Music Symphony Orchestra and the AURA Contemporary Ensemble. In 2007, I won first prize in the Flute Society of Kentucky's Collegiate Artist Competition and was a finalist in the Byron Hester Solo Competition in 2011.