Flute Lessons

Flute lessons at Charlotte Academy of Music are engaging and tailored to each student’s individual needs. We enjoy helping beginning students get started in music lessons. More advanced students are often assisted in preparing for solo and ensemble and school band auditions. Whether you are new to the clarinet or an experienced player, we look forward to working with you!

You will find a multitude of concert opportunities and special events at CAM. Although none are required, we do find that most students make more progress when they have regular performance goals to work towards. Performing also builds a student’s confidence! Ask your flute teacher which performance opportunities might be best for you. We definitely have plenty of choices!

The Flute

Although originally made from wood, the flute is one of the few instruments in the woodwind family that is made from metal. The world’s oldest flute was made using the bone of a bear about 45,000 years ago! Today, flutes are primarily made out of silver-plated nickel and silver. Gold and platinum flutes do exist, but are very expensive. The highest voice in the woodwind section, the flute is often in charge of carrying the melody and is featured in solos. The flute is a beautiful, versatile instrument that can play a wide range of styles and emotions.

What's the Difference Between the Flute and the Piccolo?

The flute and piccolo have a similar shape and are held the same when playing. They are different in size with the flute being double the size of the piccolo. The piccolo plays higher notes (one octave) than the flute. Reading of music and fingering is the same between both instruments.

student practicing the flute

Flute Lessons

Flute lessons at Charlotte Academy of Music are engaging and tailored to each student’s individual needs. Whether you are just getting started, preparing for solo and ensemble auditions or school band auditions, we can help! Our experienced flute instructor, Connie Beach, holds a Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of Memphis.

CAM offers two ways to enjoy flute lessons, in person at Charlotte Academy of Music, or online via virtual music lessons. All CAM students, those who have lessons in person at the Academy and those who connect with their teacher without having to leave the comfort of their homes, have access to all CAM events…recitals, special events, incentive programs and more!

Children as young as age 5 can begin flute lessons if their flute has a curved head joint. Beginning students will learn the fundamentals of proper embouchure, tone production and reading music. More advanced students will focus on developing proficiency with technique, articulation, vibrato and advanced repertoire.

Where can I go for flute repair?

Charlotte Academy of Music happily recommends the following companies/individuals for professional flute repair.

J.L. Smith & Co, Inc  901 Blairhill Rd., Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28217  704.521.1088  flutes@jlsmithco.com

Joy Sears  851 Bayshore Lane, Moore, SC  29369  864-415-9780  fluterepair@joysears.com

Whats Included

  • A Multitude of Performance opportunities
  • Audition Preparation
  • Student Rewards to celebrate accomplishments
  • CAM tote bag and Getting Started Packet
  • Front Desk staff to assist you 5 days a week
  • Inspiring, supportive environment

Taking part in the multitude of opportunities at CAM is important to each student’s success. In addition to weekly lessons, many of our students thrive in our Compass Achievement Program, participate in our many concerts and special events, and work together to help our community through our CAM Cares program.

Our Flute Teacher

Connie Beach

With over 35 years of teaching experience, Connie is well-qualified to teach students of all ages and levels of advancement. At Charlotte Academy of Music, Connie has teaches flute, piano, clarinet and saxophone lessons. She has served as an instructor with the University of Memphis Suzuki Piano and Flute School, and is the past president of the Germantown Collierville Piano Teachers Association. Connie holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Memphis.

In addition to being a fine teacher, Connie is an active performer. She has played with the Memphis, Germantown and Charlotte symphonies, and has extensive experience performing in solo, chamber, theater and jazz/pop venues. Before coming to Charlotte in 2001, she performed and taught in Memphis, Tennessee, having performed live and in the studio with Isaac Hayes, Ray Charles, Rod Stewart, and numerous area church and free-lance orchestras, and with the chamber groups Pyramid Winds, Trio Classique and the Lorelei Duo. She was a featured soloist with the Germantown Symphony, performing the Nielsen Concerto and the Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp with Carrol McLaughlin. In Memphis, she was co-founder and past president of the Memphis Flute Society and past president of the Germantown Collierville Area Piano Teachers Association.

Here in Charlotte, Connie is active in the Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum, has served as Associate Director of the Charlotte Flute Choir, Junior Flute Choir, and is actively performing in numerous other local chamber, theater, and orchestral groups. We are so pleased to have Connie on faculty at CAM.

“It’s incredible to see the transformation in a child’s confidence and creativity as they develop their skills on stage.”

~ Leslie