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Study with Tyler McKinion
All levels are welcome!
Regardless of where you’re at in your musical journey, soliciting critical feedback is a transformative step toward elevating your playing to the next level.
TM Studio accelerates student progress by emphasizing the development of a robust tone, exemplary technique, and a thorough understanding of music theory and performance practices.
Through expert guidance and tailored instruction, students can tap into their full potential, unlocking a world of musical possibilities. Developing a solid foundation in technique, musicality, and theory is critical to achieving success in the highly competitive world of flute performance.
By investing in flute lessons, students not only gain the skills necessary to excel in their craft but also acquire the tools needed for a lifetime of learning and artistic exploration.
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Get IN Shape
Consistency Over Time Leads To Real Results.
One-on-one classes & Office hours
Students are scheduled for four one-on-one classes per month. Students provide individualized instruction in an atmosphere that balances warm guidance with challenges that push students.
Office hours are available throughout the month, often multiple times per week. This provides students additional support between lessons.
Join from anywhere
With a strong internet connection, and simple adjustments to your computer’s audio settings, you can attend virtual flute lessons from anywhere with the same quality of instruction as studying in-person.
Group studio classes
Group studio classes are available periodically. These classes may take the form of student performances followed by instructor critique; lectures covering music history, theory, practice habits, or performance techniques; masterclasses with guest artists; and more!
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Why Study With Tyler
Thoughts on the Program
Laurel Zucker
soloist
Tyler McKinion is a wonderful flute teacher. I highly recommend him to any young, aspiring flute players.
Nathan Lynn
featured student
University of Kansas
I studied with Tyler all throughout high-school and during my first semester at KU. Being in Tyler’s studio was an enormous help in progressing me to where I am as a flutist now. I had a ton of fun working with Tyler and was always excited to meet with him. He always pushed me to be my best and made sure I was never playing repertoire that was too easy for me. I went on to study music education at the University of Kansas, and I am still performing in large ensembles and studying solo work here and there. I working to become a Director of Bands at a university.
Zoë Highbaugh
featured student
University of Kentucky
Tyler is a great teacher who balances kindness with the right amount of push to both nourish and challenge his students. His guidance has improved my organization and discipline as a musician. He is deeply focused on the future and offers great advice to flutists of all ages whether you’re a beginner or a professional.
Caleb Brookmyer
featured student
I started studying under Tyler after I watched some flute tutorials online and couldn’t make the same sounds others made. During my first lesson with Tyler, he quickly diagnosed the problem. This saved me from enormous frustration that likely would have led me to put down the instrument for good. Since then, Tyler has done nothing but continue to inspire and help me with all of my niche struggles, whether it be concerning tempo, breath control, or just life in general. Even though it is sometimes hard (as anything worth doing is) to pickup my flute everyday and practice, I feel like my powers double every time Tyler and I meet. Consistent progress is what makes the struggle worth it.
Aradhya Rahul Jain
featured student
After my first lesson with Tyler, I was hooked. He took his time through lessons and was very patient with me. After the first couple of lessons, I developed a strong passion for the flute. Every note I learned was like putting a puzzle together. Every time I play the flute, my love for the instrument grows stronger and stronger.
Nance Hahn
featured student
I played the flute in my twenties until my growing family and an academic career nudged music to the sidelines. Last June, nearly 60 years later, I wondered if I could revive my rusty skills enough to rekindle the joy I remembered. One lesson with Tyler, and I knew the answer was a resounding YES! Quite simply, Tyler is a remarkable teacher. He is both a professional musician with wide and intriguing experiences, and a professional music educator with a complex understanding of teaching, coaching, and learning. At once patient and exacting, kind and entertaining, Tyler has taught me aspects of flute that I missed the first time around, including an appreciation of how the whole body and mind work together to create music. Perhaps best of all, he is easy to contact throughout the week. I’m truly grateful to Tyler. He is an excellent flute teacher.
FAQs
What can I expect during the initial orientation?
The initial orientation serves several functions. First, it is a time for students and Tyler to get to know each other. Learning the flute can be a challenging process, so it is especially important that students find a teacher with whom they can form a strong chemistry in the classroom.
During this time, I will also listen to the student play, and depending on the student’s level, may jump around between various exercises to determine the student’s level. This is an important step so that I can begin building an individualized lesson plan.
Finally, we’ll go over the specifics of how the studio works, studio policies, how to sign up for office hours, and troubleshoot any technical problems to ensure a smooth entry to the studio.
How often are one-on-one flute lessons?
Students are guaranteed the same lesson time each week, and are scheduled for four lessons per month.
What if I need to miss a lesson?
Good news! Office hours are always available to students, regardless of lesson attendance.
If you need to miss a lesson, it is best to provide as much notice as possible. A 36-hour notice is required in order to be eligible for a make-up lesson.
How much time do I need to practice?
The answer changes from student to student. Generally speaking, students make consistent progress when they set aside an hour per day, at least five days per week. (Flute lessons don’t count toward practice time!) Advanced students may need more than an hour per day. Before applying to study with Tyler, it is best to consider how much time you can practice to make sure that you can get the most out of the instruction.
A well prepared student will practice heavily throughout the week, then come to the next class ready to ask, “what’s next?”
What is the tuition timeline?
Tuition is processed through Square on the tenth of each month prior to the month in which lessons take place. For example, tuition for February is processed on January 10.
What kind of commitment is there?
It isn’t possible to learn the flute over night, and students who commit to long-term practice generally grow into wonderful flute players.
There is a two month (eight lesson) requirement for new studnets. After that, students can discontinue lessons at any time. They need to provide notice prior to the fifteenth day of the month in accordance with the tuition timeline.
About Tyler McKinion
Tyler McKinion is a flute player praised for his robust tone, exemplary technique, and diplomatic professionalism. He has worked extensively in chamber ensembles, performing at various venues throughout the Southwest. Tyler has been featured at events sponsored by both the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute.
Tyler is a highly sought-after instructor with a deep affinity and passion for music education. He has been teaching in-person and online flute lessons since 2015, providing a diverse and inclusive teaching practice that caters to flute players of all ages and skill levels. His foundational beliefs guiding his teaching are rooted in the idea that with hard work and dedication, anyone can grow into the musician of their dreams, regardless of their age or starting point.
Central to his teaching philosophy is the understanding that learning the flute is fundamentally a physical activity, requiring students to develop and nurture their mind-body connections. This approach not only helps students to build a strong technical foundation but also enables them to tap into their innate musicality and expressive capabilities. As a result, Tyler’s students consistently achieve their full potential as musicians, setting them on a path towards lifelong enjoyment and appreciation of music.
Tyler’s primary flute teachers include Beth McGraw, former flute player in the Des Moines Symphony, Albuquerque Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, and Civic Orchestra of Chicago; Joe Corral, former flute player in the Phoenix Symphony and acclaimed jazz artist; Laurel Zucker, celebrated flute virtuoso; and Diana Morgan, former piccolo player in the San Diego Symphony and current flute and piccolo faculty at the Colburn School. He has performed in masterclasses with a number of notable artists including Jim Walker, Sarah Jackson, Rose Lombardo, Laurel Zucker, Jeffrey Barker, Cathie Apple, Joana G’froerer, Marianne Gedigian, Sharon Sparrow, Susan Hoeppner, Hannah Hammel Maser, Terri Sundberg, and Kayla Burggraf.
Additional Testimonials
I started classes with Tyler after struggling to stand out in my section at school. Within a few months, my tone improved dramatically, and I began to feel like a real musician, not just someone trying to keep up. Tyler doesn’t just correct mistakes, he explains how things work and provides guidance on how to conceptualize music. He helps you with everything. I went from being nervous about chair placements to feeling excited and prepared. Tyler has helped me build confidence, both on and off the flute.
Antes de empezar clases con Tyler, yo sabía que me gustaba tocar la flauta, pero no sentía que estuviera mejorando de verdad. Desde la primera clase, todo cambió. Cada lección me deja con algo nuevo, ya sea una forma diferente de respirar, cómo controlar los nervios antes de tocar, y especialmente cómo organizar mi tiempo para practicar mejor. Él siempre tiene una manera clara de explicar las cosas. Gracias a él, he subido de nivel, y ahora me siento mucho más preparada.
I’m currently majoring in music education and began working with Tyler to refine some very specific aspects of my playing. What I appreciate most is his straight-forward approach. He doesn’t sugarcoat things, but he also doesn’t let you walk away discouraged. His feedback is always specific, and he pushes me toward the level of detail and nuance that separates a good flutist from a great one.
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Don’t put off your progress!!