Business Details
Expert Flute Lessons in Overland Park, KS
As a dedicated flutist and educator, I have devoted over 34 years to nurturing musical talent across all skill levels. My teaching philosophy combines personalized instruction with a deep understanding of technical and artistic development, rooted in my formal education from the UMKC Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati College Conservatory, and Manhattan School of Music. I specialize in preparing students for school ensembles, competitions, and college auditions while fostering a lifelong appreciation for music. My students consistently achieve leadership roles in regional and national bands, earn scholarships, and pursue advanced degrees in music. With a career spanning performances alongside renowned ensembles like the Kansas City Symphony and teaching at institutions such as Ottawa University, I bring both practical and academic expertise to every lesson.My approach emphasizes adaptability, addressing individual learning styles, and building confidence through structured progress. Beyond technical mastery, I prioritize holistic growth, helping students develop discipline, creativity, and resilience. Recognized with the 2024 Russell Berlin Award for Excellence in Music Education, I remain committed to empowering musicians to reach their full potential. My studio in Overland Park, Kansas, serves as a hub for musical excellence, supported by a decade of competitive tennis and extensive community involvement that informs my understanding of dedication and teamwork. Whether teaching remotely or in-person, I strive to create a supportive environment where every student feels challenged and inspired.
Services
Private Flute Lessons
Group Lessons
Performance Coaching
Audition Preparation
Remote Lessons
Highlights and features
- We offer 34+ years of personalized flute instruction tailored to individual learning styles.
- Our students consistently earn top positions in regional and national music ensembles.
- We specialize in preparing musicians for college conservatory auditions and competitions.
- Our teaching combines formal academic training with real-world performance experience.
- We emphasize holistic growth, building technical skill alongside confidence and discipline.
What people say
Unparalleled teaching methods
Outstanding teacher
Helped develop as a player
Nurturer of emerging dreams
Producing technically advanced students
Services
Private Flute Lessons
Tailored 1-on-1 lessons focus on technical mastery, musical interpretation, and performance confidence. Students receive customized practice plans and repertoire guidance aligned with their goals, whether preparing for school auditions, competitions, or personal growth. The structured approach ensures measurable progress while maintaining artistic expression.
Group Lessons
Collaborative group sessions foster peer learning and chamber music experience. Participants develop listening skills, rhythmic precision, and ensemble cohesion through interactive playing sessions. This format encourages motivation through shared challenges while maintaining individualized feedback from the instructor.
Audition Preparation
Specialized coaching targets audition requirements for school bands, honor ensembles, and college programs. Focus areas include sight-reading, etude interpretation, and solo repertoire refinement. Mock auditions simulate real conditions to build confidence and reduce performance anxiety through repeated practice scenarios.
Remote Lessons
Virtual lessons maintain the same quality of instruction through digital platforms, accommodating students' schedules and locations. Technology-enhanced feedback includes recorded practice sessions, digital sheet music sharing, and real-time technique adjustments to ensure consistent progress outside traditional studio settings.
Performance Coaching
Advanced training emphasizes stage presence, program curation, and interpretive depth for recitals and competitions. Students learn to articulate artistic intent while managing performance logistics, including microphone technique for amplified events and collaboration with accompanists.
People
Susan Murphy
Flute Instructor
Susan Murphy, a graduate of UMKC Conservatory and Cincinnati College Conservatory, has taught flute for 34 years. Her students regularly achieve top honors in national ensembles and competitions. She performs with professional orchestras and received the 2024 Russell Berlin Award for Music Education.
Questions
What lesson formats do you offer?
Private 1-on-1 lessons, group sessions, and remote instruction via digital platforms accommodate various learning preferences and schedules.
How do you prepare students for auditions?
Targeted coaching includes mock auditions, etude refinement, and sight-reading practice tailored to specific competition or ensemble requirements.
What experience qualifies you as an instructor?
34 years of teaching, performing with professional orchestras, and preparing students for national competitions demonstrate my expertise in flute pedagogy.
Can beginners benefit from your instruction?
Yes, foundational techniques are taught through structured lesson plans that build technical skill and musical understanding at an appropriate pace.
Do you teach piccolo techniques?
Yes, piccolo instruction focuses on tone production, articulation differences, and repertoire specific to the instrument.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in recitals, competitions, and community events, with guidance on program selection and stage presentation.
