How To Get the Most Out Of a Masterclass

Performing in a masterclass seemed very intimidating as a younger flutist. I was convinced that I needed to play something already in great shape, so I didn’t embarrass myself. That is, if I could even make it past the super competitive audition process. I would also need to somehow wow the keynote flute expert who, let’s face it, was often viewed as an untouchable flute deity.  The reality is that participating in a masterclass requires none of these things. In fact, the masterclasses I over-prepared for were not as memorable or impactful as the ones that I simply took my problem music, in all of its messy, unpolished but somewhat playable glory to in the hopes that an expert could help me fix it (or at least fix my mindset). Masterclasses are not intended to be scary. They are like flute labs with a master flute scientist supervising weird/wonky flute experiments! In this blog, I offer some of my best advice for making the most out of applying to and attending flute masterclasses. Don’t be intimidated – be inquisitive!


Apply, Apply, Apply! Even if the application and/or pre-recorded round requirements are difficult. The worst that any audition panel can say is no. In high school? Apply to the Interlochen Summer Arts Program. In college? Aspen is a great program. Don't put yourself in an "I'm not good enough for this masterclass” box. I did this as an undergraduate, thinking I was not good enough as a flutist to attend most masterclasses, so I did not even apply. So many missed opportunities to expand my flute playing and potentially meet a super great new teacher to help mold my flute playing into something amazing!


Some masterclass auditions have a recorded preliminary round. This is your opportunity to show off what makes you unique. Try to put your own spin on the required pieces. Record yourself performing with different tone color plans or with different vibrato speeds, dynamics, or articulations. Play to your strengths in creative, unique ways to help you stand out from the crowd.


Preliminary rounds sometimes allow you to submit your choice of contrasting pieces or excerpts. This is another great chance to show off your strengths. Select pieces that highlight your awesome tone or impressive technique. Couple a more standard piece with a work that doesn’t get much air play. This will show off your range of ability, flexibility to play in different styles, understanding of flute repertoire, and your more unique musical interests and crazy awesome superpowers.


If you are close to applying to college music programs or searching for a teacher to work with in grad school, apply to masterclasses hosted by teachers you are interested in possibly studying with. Research their background, teaching philosophy, and the postgraduate track record at the institution where they teach. If they host a masterclass at that institution, even better! Apply! Bring a list of questions about what it is like to study in the college’s flute studio, orchestral and/or band performance opportunities, and what to expect during your degree program. Most importantly, participating in a masterclass will provide you with a snapshot of an instructor’s teaching style to help you determine if it compliments your learning approach.


Commit to attending a couple summer masterclasses but avoid scheduling out your entire summer! There is such a thing as masterclass burnout. You may choose to participate as a performer for more prestigious masterclasses and an auditor at others. Auditors can still learn a lot by just attending a masterclass! There are valuable nuggets offered to everybody in the audience during these workshops.


As you prepare to participate as a performer, remember that a masterclass is not a recital. We tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to play well in a masterclass often to impress the expert. The true power of a masterclass is in our ability to confront and address our weaknesses with someone that can help. Don't hide your weaknesses - Bring them to a masterclass! Prep something tricky or something that always seems to escape you. Having a different perspective will provide you with new tools to tackle the same old problems.


Perform repertoire you plan to program on your next recital. This is especially important for summer masterclasses. Work in a valuable head start on prepping for next year with an added boost of inspiration for super cool new material. If you are on the fence about performing a piece, bring it to a masterclass to learn more about it.


Look for a range of masterclass types. Some masterclasses span for a week or more with a combination of group classes, private lessons, performances, and other interesting workshops on body mapping and improvisation. Other masterclasses may last for one or two days and are in a standard masterclass format. Make sure to book a combo of formats for the best, most diversified experience.


Whether you are a performer or an auditor, bring a notepad and take some notes. You will be inspired by nuggets you pick up here and there, recommendations for great exercises to practice to improve tone and technique (and everything in between), and you might even hear a great new piece of music you’d like to tackle in the future. Write it down.


Remember all your best techniques to combat those nerves (see my blog on Breathing Exercises to Combat Performance Anxiety). Give yourself a break - This is not a performance but an opportunity to put your playing out there and improve. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just breathe.


Be open to whatever the guest artist asks you to try.Some exercises may resonate more than others and that is totally okay! You may even have one of those great AHA moments if you approach the session from an inquisitive, experimental perspective. Try something new!


Make new friends! I know: Networking is tough! Think of it less like boring, old school, let’s hand out dusty business cards and stay connected, and more like sharing your collective wins and challenges. If you hear another flutist struggling with a piece you have also struggled with, share your war stories. Maybe you both can woodshed together. Then connect on social media! A friend request is more difficult to lose than a business card.


Follow up with the guest artist after the masterclass. Thank them, of course, but also let them know if there were any specific words of wisdom that really resonated with you. They may offer even more resources to explore or opportunities to take private lessons with them in the future.


Keep attending masterclasses in the future! Learning does not stop at one masterclass or with one master teacher. Keep attending other masterclasses, even if just as an auditor. Apply to the difficult, more elite programs as well. You will be surprised at the opportunities that await just by throwing your name, and audition recording, into a hat.



What is your best advice for preparing for and attending a masterclass? What has helped you in the past get the most out of participating in a masterclass? What are your masterclass wins?


Happy fluting!


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About the Author, Rachel Taylor Geier:


Rachel Taylor Geier holds a DMA in Flute Performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, an MM in Flute Performance from San Francisco State University, and a BM in Music Performance from DePauw University. Former applied instructors include Immanuel Davis, Linda Lukas, Anne Reynolds, and Rhonda Bradetich. Dr. Geier currently teaches and freelances in Davis, California and hosts a popular Flute Friday Blog Series.