Laura Thompson
What do you teach at the Prep Center?
Flute.
Why did you begin taking music lessons?
I don't remember exactly, but I always loved music and listened to my parents’ classical music recordings all the time.
How old were you when you started music lessons?
I was eight or nine when I started taking piano lessons. At age 12 I began studying the French horn, and I switched to flute in high school.
Did you always like to practice when you were a child?
Yes.
Do you have a favorite musical memory from childhood?
Playing Dvorak's New World Symphony in marching band.
How do you vary your approach when you teach children at different ages and levels?
I vary my approach according to the child's age, ability, and attention span. I play more games and use non-flute activities with younger kids. When a student is beginning to lose concentration, I change the activity or introduce games. With older students, I challenge them more on how to get musical ideas across to the listener, and we pay more attention to technical studies, such as scales and arpeggios. For all students I combine learning by ear and learning to read music equally.
Have you had any students with notable accomplishments (acceptance to a select middle school, high school, or college; competitions; special performances)?
One of my students was accepted to LaGuardia High School with a concentration in flute; another was accepted to the Interschool Orchestras in her second year of study.
What are your most important goals for your students?
I want my students to learn how to practice and solve their musical and technical problems on their own, to enjoy playing, and to develop their skills as musicians by listening to themselves and to others.
What are the most important recommendations that you give to parents whose children study music?
Learn to practice with your children and be patient with them. Set a goal for a few short practice sessions rather than trying to get in a whole hour at once. Most of the time you'll just be listening, but you will also need to be able to guide the practice session on your own using the teacher's notes or practice chart for that week. All of this is especially true for younger students — this includes sitting in on lessons and making sure you understand what is expected of the student that week.
What do you like best about teaching music?
Sharing a student’s joy in accomplishing his or her goals. Watching kids learn and taking pride in their ability and accomplishments as musicians.
What are your favorite accomplishments?
Receiving grants for my work with Bacchanalia Baroque Ensemble, and playing a Vivaldi concerto on piccolo with the Rockland Festival Orchestra.
