Taggert Lewis has 10 years of private teaching experience and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Boise State University in Music Education. He has taught music for 6 years in public schools. He also has his level I and level II Orff certifications. He has done clinics with marching bands, beginning bands, orchestra and even had the opportunity to coach a SiNEM orchestra in Acosta, Costa Rica. He loves teaching clarinet and strives to expose the unique voice of each of his students and work along side them to accomplish their goals. It is important to consider all of the factors that go into playing and performing and he delights in showing students how breaking past mental barriers can be the fastest and most enjoyable way to success. He teaches in Meridian and Boise, but will be traveling across the state, so please contact him if you are outside of the Boise area. His mission is to build a community of motivated and passionate clarinetists In Idaho.

Flute Instructor Melanie Keller holds an M.M. in Flute Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a B.M. in Flute Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. She is currently serving as Principal Flutist & Personnel Manager of Symphony Napa Valley and the Vallejo Symphony and has recently performed with the Boise Philharmonic. She has also enjoyed a busy freelance career throughout Northern CA performing with the Berkeley Symphony, Marin Symphony and Santa Cruz Symphony, among others. She was a founding member of The Avenue Winds (an active woodwind quintet with a special interest in performing works by Bay Area composers) and is excited to be a member of the newly formed (Boise-based) Tree City Chamber Players.

Mrs. Keller has been teaching privately for the past 23 years and places a strong emphasis on instructing her students on proper breathing, creating a warm, round sound, accurate rhythmic technique, music theory, ensemble playing & note reading/sight-reading skills. Current and former students have been accepted into the Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, All-State Bands, honor bands and have received high marks in regional and state Solo & Ensemble Festivals. Former students have also gone on to major or minor in music in college. Mrs. Keller also enjoys teaching at the College of Idaho.

Students will be encouraged to participate in a yearly recital complete with piano accompaniment.

Testimonials

“I learned so much about tone, rhythm, and playing with feeling. Melanie helped me become a much better musician!” -Allie

“My son started flute lessons with Melanie a few years ago. She inspired him in a way that we still see today. He loves playing. He’s confident and has made great progress. I highly recommend Melanie.” –Sherri

“Melanie is a fantastic teacher. I came to her with many years of music experience. She kept me challenged and really helped develop as a flute player.” –Katy

“My daughter took lessons from Melanie for at least 3 – 4 years. Melanie herself is a wonderful flautist and often played with my daughter. Melanie had high standards for playing – delivered with warmth, praise and correction. My daughter played from age 7 to 17 and was accepted into the training program at the San Francisco Academy of Music for her high school flute training. Melanie was a key part of that process. Thank you Melanie!” – Susan

For more information about Melanie, please visit her website at www.mkellerflute.com. To contact her for lessons please email mkellerflute@gmail.com or call 650-270-6388.