"Ela is a fabulous teacher! My daughter had Ela since her 3rd grade until she graduated from high school. I believe Ela was a big reason she could continue with flute lessons despite of busy schedule of sports and school work. Highly recommended.”

Rina Summers

I help children in Boston from ages 8 to 12 develop their music and personal skills through the flute.

“I am so glad for the flute lessons with Ms. Ela because after only one year of lessons I was ready to try out for districts auditions!”

Eileen Tucci (age 12, grade 7, Arlington, MA)

8-12 year old flute students

Do all the flute teachers in your area look the same and are you wondering, how to choose the best teacher for my child?

Are you wondering if your 8-12 year old is old enough to begin learning flute?

Do you wonder whether your child should start taking private flute lessons in addition to band class?

Are you unsure whether your 8 or 9 year old can handle a one hour lesson?

My free guide, “The Parent’s Guide to Choosing a Flute Teacher for an 8–12 Year-Old Child” will help you answer these questions so you can make the best decision possible for your young, aspiring musician. My name is Dr. Ela Brandys-O'Neill, and I have been dedicating my life to help children learn to play the flute and bring their potential to the highest level, even if they decide not to become professional musicians. While my flute studio for children in grades 3-6  is located near Harvard University near the border between Cambridge and Boston, I wrote this guide to help families all over the world learn how to make an informed decision about choosing a flute teacher during middle childhood. Some of the topics I cover include:

  • Deciding when your child is old enough to take flute lessons, and how long they should be
  • Understanding what type of flute is appropriate for children 8-12
  • Understanding the chemistry that should exist between your child and teacher
  • How to approach trial lessons, and the guarantees and assurances you should get from your flute teacher before you pay them anything
  • Does the teacher’s degree or credentials in music matter
  • How to handle a fickle child who you’re not sure will stick with the flute

To access this free guide, please enter your email address below, and I'll email you the guide:

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About the Studio

The most crucial foundation for developing a young child's musical talent and full potential is introducing the child to the flute and music in a healthy, positive, and encouraging way.

As a parent, your goal is probably to expose your child to the flute, to music in general, to develop confidence and discipline, or to get a head start on preparing them for the school band or orchestra. If these are you and your child's goals, I am here to help you.

Lessons with me at Boston Flute Lessons go beyond the flute (or piccolo). My focus is on teaching children in grades 3–6, and we use music and the flute to develop life skills such as:

  • Goal setting
  • Time management
  • Problem solving
  • Learning to express oneself
  • Improving focus and attention
  • Body coordination
  • Develop patience
  • Building confidence
  • Providing an activity for the parent/child to participate in together

If you're interested in lessons for a child at the age of 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, you can view my packages and pricing, or email me to inquire about lesson availability.  My studio is in Cambridge, MA just across the river from Boston, MA.

Testimonials

"Thank you for being an amazing flute teacher! You are so meticulous and passionate, and I have learned so much under your guidance. Also, you are incredibly kind and fun to be around. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher!"

Zoey Lafaso (age 16, grade 10, Cambridge, MA)

"Ela is always encouraging and supportive, and can explain concepts in many ways so that I understand. I have improved so much studying with her and think she is a wonderful teacher!"

Alex Colety (age 18, grade 12, Arlington, MA)

"Thank you so much for the past four years and more, when I was still just an elementary schooler. I have come such a long way in my music journey, and it is all thanks to you."

Hannah Summers (age 18, grade 12, Arlington, MA. Undergraduate Student at Brandeis University)

“The flute lessons with Ms. Ela are fun and mind opening”

Coco Cheng (CATS Academy Boston, age 15, grade 10. Currently an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University in flute performance & psychology)

"Ms. Ela's flute lessons are supportive, enthusiastic, fun and also being wonderfully instructive.  Our daughter Alice improved greatly after only a few lessons."

Amy Moyer (Alice, age 9, grade 4, Arlington, MA)

"Lea, my daughter, loves going to flute class with Ela Brandys. This is what Lea said about her: 'She is kind and patient, when I have trouble with something she always says it's OK, let's try again, she always encourages me. I also enjoy my duets with her."

Myriam Alaoui (Lea, age 8, grade 3, Arlington, MA)