Music is abstract,
but learning to play the flute isn't.
Let me guess: you're a curious, music-loving person and you're having trouble turning your motivation into noticeable progress on the flute. Maybe you haven't played the flute before so you don't even know where to start.
Do you ever wish you could learn the "secrets" of beautiful playing in an encouraging environment? Yes? Well then, I'm glad we found each other!
I'm here to teach you tangible tools and processes to level up your flute playing! I provide actionable ways you can confidently achieve your unique goals so you avoid spending years figuring out what "use your diaphragm" means (it's an involuntary muscle!) or how to "support your sound" (huh?!).
Throughout my 21 years of flute playing and 9 years of teaching, I've come to understand exactly what it takes to play beautifully on the flute, and though it does require lots of dedication, effort, and perseverance, it is much more achievable than you may think.
These lessons might be for you if:
-You're 12 years old or older
-You're a complete beginner (yay for trying new things!)
-You have playing experience, but never took lessons before (leveling up, yes!)
-You used to play a long time ago and you want to get back to basics with extra guidance
(starting fresh feels so good!)
Welcome to Caitlin Berger's Flute Studio,
a modern classical music learning space!
Here’s what you get when you study with me:
One-on-one weekly lessons (in person or online), tailored to meet your unique needs.
You get my undivided attention and personal guidance.Weekly newsletters (click here for an example!) containing announcements,
listening recommendations, flute tips, and more!A practice journal so you can track your habits and goals and hit those playing milestones!
(Only available for in-person lessons.)Access to the virtual portal My Music Staff, your one stop shop for sheet music, an interactive calendar, invoices, a practice log, and much more!
The confidence and trust you put in me will never be taken for granted.
I am aware that every single person is different and has a unique set of experiences and identities. Lessons with me are truly a safe and brave space for learning and feeling confident with who you are. I am sensitive to different learning styles and I will check in with you regularly during the lesson to make sure we are on the same page (and having fun!). It’s very important to me that students of any and all identities (race, gender, disability, etc.) feel welcomed and comfortable in my teaching space. You are deserving of respect and dignity no matter your musical knowledge or background, and I promise to honour that. You are a whole human being, not just a flutist, and I will care about you accordingly.
Need some extra encouragement?
Take a look at what students and parents have to say!
Louisa (current student) says:
“A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to get back into flute playing after having not played for more than 20 years. I started playing on my own, but after a few months I decided to take lessons to give me focus and guidance so that my playing could improve. With Caitlin’s help, I have returned to playing regularly and have brought music back into my life. But more than that, I feel that my skill level has improved massively from when I played at school.
Caitlin’s teaching style is largely responsible for my growth as a flutist: she is generous with her time and her knowledge, is always willing to understand where my individual difficulties or issues are coming from, and is able to shift perspective or explanations to help me progress. I look forward to my lessons and always leave feeling happy and fulfilled, and with some new interesting piece of musical knowledge to nerd out about! It really inspires me to practice and work on things ready for my next lesson.
The other thing I really love about taking lessons with Caitlin is how she has managed to build a sense of community among her students. The regular recitals, studio classes, and newsletters really makes it feel as if we are all in it together and the sense of mutual support from other flutists is wonderful. Caitlin is an absolute joy to have as a teacher!”
Daniela (current student) says:
“I've had many good music teachers that I looked up to over the years (and let's be honest, some that I was a bit scared of). Caitlin however is the first teacher who asks me 'What did you like about this? What went well? What do you want to work on?' when I play the flute. It's a refreshing and uplifting approach. This doesn't compromise the thoroughness of the learning experience, on the contrary. Turns out it can make you quite productive when you're not feeling guilty about the high F# all the time (if you know you know).
My live-in partner has not bought earplugs and says my playing has 'gone upwards'. There's also the weekly newsletter which is an inspirational highlight in my inbox. I'm a bit older than Caitlin and in the recitals I've seen students that range from kiddos to seniors, all doing well. In short, don't hesitate to take lessons, send your little ones or your granny to her, you won't regret it.”
Erin (student for 3 years) says:
“Caitlin knows how to break down big concepts into small manageable exercises that really pay off week after week. Her patient, kind and friendly demeanor means she's always ready to meet you wherever you're at on any given day. After six months of lessons with her, every aspect of my flute playing has greatly improved - most importantly, my confidence!”
Mary (current student) says:
“As a senior thinking about returning to music and the flute (which I never fully mastered before), I chanced upon Caitlin's Facebook notice, and thought, why not? Turned out to be an excellent decision.
Caitlin is an outstanding teacher, patient, knowledgeable, and very sweet. No matter how badly I play during a lesson, I always leave the session in a good mood, having gained valuable understanding about music and the art of playing. Now if you want one of those teachers who says your playing is magnificent, even when it's not, then Caitlin is not for you. She is constructively honest, always encouraging, but never harsh (even when you have mangled a piece beyond recognition. Hey, it happens). Her focus is your growth, but never at the cost of the joy of playing.
The fact that I am old enough to be her grandmother is not a problem. Her teaching and communication skills easily cross any potential generational divide. She is immensely flexible and devoted to helping you learn at a pace that is comfortable for you. You define your goals and she helps you reach them.
I feel immensely lucky to have found Caitlin. If you want to learn the flute, or improve your skills, then Caitlin can certainly help you.”
Roswitha (mom of Julia, student for 5 years) says:
“I am super happy having Caitlin as my daughter’s flute teacher. We have been working with her for three years and the experience couldn’t have been better. Caitlin is passionate about her music and teaching, she is so friendly and kind and always open to questions or suggestions. She not only teaches the flute, but with her weekly listening suggestions and practice tips helps forming a musician. We highly recommend her.”
Chloe (student for a summer) says:
“Caitlin is a an incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and patient teacher. I took lessons with her over one summer to prepare for an audition and even after just a few weeks, already noticed lots of improvement in my playing! Caitlin gave me so many valuable tips and advice about performance anxiety especially and creates a safe space in lessons, where you can feel comfortable being vulnerable and build confidence as a performer. She really cares about her students and goes out of her way to be supportive. I highly recommend her, no matter what your level of playing is!”
As a flute studio, we'll also have fun with:
Three studio recitals a year - this is your time to shine and show your flute peers
what you've been working on!
Two studio classes a year (including one research project) - you get to discover all kinds
of mesmerizing topics and share them/learn about them during a flute studio hangout!
You can even add on chamber ensemble coachings with me or book piano accompaniment rehearsals to complement your flute lessons!
“Sounds nice, but I’ve got some questions for you!”
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$30 for 30-minute lessons
$40 for 45-minute lessons
$50 for 60-minute lessonsPayments are made in groups of four lessons at a time.
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One of the perks of being self-employed is that my schedule is varied and changeable! Currently I teach all days of the week except for Thursdays and Sundays.
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Send me a message through my Contact page, letting me know you’re interested in private lessons. I’ll respond ASAP with my Studio Handbook, detailing everything you need to know about joining the studio. Once you've read through the Handbook, we'll schedule a free, 30-minute trial lesson online to get to know each other better and confirm we're a good student/teacher fit!