Flute Studio

Dr. Potter emphasizes tone and expressive playing in her teaching. Each student starts by developing a collection of pieces that they use for tone development. One third of each lesson is spent on these tone pieces and working with phrasing and vibrato.

One third of each lesson is spent on developing technique. Dr. Potter has developed a system of scale and arpeggio exercises that break technique down into attainable goals for the first ten years of playing. This system is based on guidelines developed by the pedagogy committee of the National Flute Association (NFA). Dr. Potter is a member of the committee.

The final third of each lesson is spent on repertoire. Dr. Potter has a wide knowledge of repertoire and a large personal library. As a member of the NFA's pedagogy committee, she helped compile, evaluate and publish a repertoire guide that covers the first ten years of playing. This guide is used by the international membership of the NFA.

There are usually three recitals during the course of the year and students are expected to participate. Duos, trios and larger groups are a part of each performance, in addition to solos. Each recital has a theme. Popular ones are Halloween, Irish, Animals and Food.