LESSONS IN THE CARI SHIPP MUSIC STUDIO

About the Teacher

Cari Meffle, she/her. Students and parents please call me “Cari” or “Ms. Cari.” Shipp is my maiden name, and I still use it professionally. But my (happily) married and legal name is Meffle. I teach flute lessons in person in Charlottesville, Central Virginia, and online lessons in Charlottesville and worldwide! I have had online students since before the pandemic, including in Pakistan, Arizona, and even a student who traveled to all 48 contiguous states over the course of a year!

Credentials

Graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in 2004
Bachelors of Music in Flute Performance, University of North Texas, 2008
Masters of Music in Flute Performance, Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, 2010
20+ years teaching and performing experience (began teaching in 2002)

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

I believe that each student is first and foremost an individual, so each student’s experience is personalized to optimize their individual success. I believe anyone studying music is succeeding if they are able to communicate the music they are playing and express themselves through it. In order to enable this I focus on two main categories: 1. comfort and flexibility on the instrument, and 2. the ability to understand and interpret the music they are learning.

Comfort and Flexibility On the Instrument

This will look different for each student as it is the most personal. For a beginning flute student, this means finding a sound comfortably but with the best posture and position possible. As the flute student advances, this will grow in detail from speed of air to shape of embouchure. For a piano student, this will involve posture and position but most importantly, using the finger the music designates! This is accomplished with commitment to correct playing technique at the appropriate level for each student.

Understanding and Interpreting Music

Of course this begins with reading music confidently and playing the notes and rhythms correctly. This then progresses to understanding style markings and being able to demonstrate those styles while playing. The next step involves finding and communicating the shape of the piece overall and each phrase within it, much as an actor would plan how to speak their lines to tell the story as effectively and clearly as possible. This is accomplished with integrating an understanding of music theory as well as listening to examples and integrating style and expression into technique exercises.

LOGISTICS

There are two ways to be part of the Cari Shipp Music Studio:

1. Studio Member: someone who signs up for the entire school year for consistent lessons. Participation in studio class and recitals is included, and you pay a flat rate. Studio members sign an agreement detailing make up lessons, cancellation, etc.

2. Flex Student: someone who pays for lessons a la carte, ideal for someone who cannot commit to a consistent schedule. Participation in studio class and recitals is welcome but comes at an additional fee.

Length and Frequency

Lessons are usually once a week for 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on the needs of the student. Generally the more advanced a student is, the longer their lesson should be. Elementary school students are most often 30 minutes, middle school students generally do well at 45, and high school students choose between 45 and 60 minutes, but lesson lengths are a personal choice and can be re-evaluated as necessary.

Payment

Payment is issued directly to the teacher via cash, check, Zelle, personal Venmo, or PayPal Friends & Family. Due dates are based on whether a student is a studio member or a flex student. Cost can be found here.

Location

Cari teaches primarily out of a home studio located centrally in Charlottesville near the areas of Charlottesville High School / Pen Park. Location available once a meeting has been arranged, reach out here. On rare occasions, it can be arranged for Cari to come to the student for lessons for an additional fee. Please contact Cari to inquire further. Both indoor and outdoor waiting areas are available.