Life is short, so I’ll hop to the point: I’m writing today to remind you that you have permission to shape your music-making to fit your lifestyle — whatever that means for you: Between your demanding cray-cray work schedule. Your ridiculous commute. Your conference paper presentation. Your sacred family time. Taking your cat to the vet. Sweating for […]
Author Archive | Dr. Jessica Quiñones
Behind the scenes chit-chat. Making a recording. 6 resources.
A few weeks ago I blogged about my latest album release of Astor Piazzolla’s 6 Tango-etudes for Solo Flute, here. But don’t be fooled by the perfect packaging—-> I want to tell you a little behind-the-scenes story of this recording. Including the big flute competition I didn’t win, how these tracks got me out of burnout city and the magical UK […]
My latest recordings: Astor Piazzolla’s 6 Tango-Etudes for Solo flute
I am dee-lighted to announce that I have just released an album of these gorgeously written 6 Tango-Etudes for Solo Flute by Astor Piazzolla. It would be an honour to present it to your ears! Listen for free at: Spotify YouTube Deezer Or it is available to purchase at Amazon UK Amazon USA iTunes […]
“Jessica, fix my high notes!”[10 minute video inside]
Struggling with your upper register? Does just the thought of playing high notes make you feel tense? Secretly want to avoid them altogether? If so, this 10 minute video is for you. In this chat, I talk about a more holistic* approach to playing that moves away from solely ‘fixing’ the technical side of things. Why? Because your musicality is waaaay more […]
The easiest, simplest, happiest way to be a musician is this…
In her lesson recently, Jane said with an apologetic voice, “I’m so sorry, Jessica. I didn’t really get to practice much. My work has been manic lately. I think I only got 4 sessions in since I last saw you. Lately I am choosing to spend my free time in the evenings with my teenage kids, it’s really […]
15 unexpected things that happened when I said “buh-bye” to my flute career
A letter landed in my inbox last week… Hi Dr. Quiñones, I am currently a graduate student in flute performance. I have always had a drive & joy about choosing this career path. It’s always felt relatively easy to connect with why I want to be a musician or an educator. Lately, though, I’ve felt […]
Rough times happening? Oh look, there you are making gold out of it. Here’s 3 heartfelt observations about your playing to get you through the storm
As I’ve eased back into my teaching again after my maternity leave, you’ve caught me at a really nostalgic place. Now in my 20th year of giving flute lessons, I’ve been reminiscing about the hundreds and hundreds of students I’ve taught over these past two decades–it must be thousands of flute lessons that I’ve given […]
Don’t think it’s only a cliché. THIS is what’s possible. THIS is what could happen
Lately, I‘ve been pondering the thought what’s in store for my new baby boy over the next century and all the ‘what ifs’ that come with it. I know I’ve written about it in past blog posts before, but world events happen that bring me tears of deep frustration because I just don’t know what […]
Want to grow your teaching studio? 10 ways to attract your dream music students into your life
Recently an email arrived in my inbox from a British flute teacher: Hi Jessica, after many years in the profession I have decided to focus on setting up my own studio. I have recently shared some pop covers which have been well received on social media. I would be very grateful to hear any tips […]
Totally bored of playing long tones? Not working out for you? Here’s 15 things to consider tweaking first
“What am I doing wrong here?” said Geoff, a 70-year-old learner of the flute. Clutching a well-worn copy of Trevor Wye’s famous ‘Tone Practice Book’, he grumbled with frustration: “It seems like no matter how many long tones I do, I really don’t hear much improvement in my sound!” It was our first lesson together […]