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KinderFluteTM
is designed to teach students to love music and
learn to play the flute---but that is only the beginning. We have an
intense desire to see each child realize their potential in all areas of
their lives. Through learning to listen, finger, produce a
beautiful tone, read music, compose, and creatively express themselves;
students are firing areas of the brain to make learning in all areas
more
productive. The group lesson are carefully planned to maximize learning
potential. Movement and games are a
major component in the group classes so that students maintain a keen
sense of
alertness.
Many of the tenets of the class are based on recent research
in neurogenesis (see below) and learning potential.
"Neurogenesis" literally means
"birth of neurons".
Neurogenesis is most prevalent during pre-natal development and is the process
by which neurons are created to populate the growing brain. Contrary to what
was believed 10 years ago, new research has shown that neurogenesis also can ocurr throughout
life. Key factors that have proven to
stimulate significant neurogenesis are exercise, a loving and supportive environment,
and new and enriching experiences.
Kathryn Blocki’s
passion for excellence in teaching is demonstrated by the consistent success of
her students. Her zeal to help every student reach their fullest potential is
unmistakable. Numerous students have
excelled in competitions and several have received full scholarships to
continue their music education. Flute choirs under her direction have consistently
received perfect ratings at state competitions.
In January 2012 she received the “Best Tools for Schools
Award” at the NAMM for the creation of the Pneumo Pro Wind Director (patent
pending) flute training tool for teaching air speed, direction and developing
breath support.
Her clinics on teaching the flute have been enthusiastically
received in Europe, Australia, Canada and throughout the United States. She frequently presents at the US National
Flute Association Conference. Her
approach to teaching beginning students has pioneered many new ideas, which has
 led to the founding of KinderFluteTM where even young children excel in playing
the flute.
Award-winning publications include: the Blocki Flute
Method Student Books, Duets and Teacher's Manuals (winners of the
NFA Newly Published Music Award), and Syrinx: Rhythmic Teaching Edition.
She is also the creator of the Great
Beginnings for the New Flutist DVD. She was selected to write the article
on teaching beginning flute tone for the National
Flute Association Pedagogy Anthology Vol. 2 which was published in August 2012
for the NFA’s 40th Anniversary Convention. In 2013, the SBO magazine
published her article “Beautiful Tone for the New Flutist,” and she is a
regular contributor to Flute Focus
Magazine in New Zealand. Her pedagogy for teaching and playing the flute has
been featured in the Chicago
“Pipe Notes”, the Dutch “Fluit” magazine and in the German “Flöte Aktuell”
journal.
Teacher training sessions for the new KinderFluteTM
program began in 2011. In KinderFlute,
Kathryn combines the research of Harvard professor Dr. John Ratey MD and
applies it to the pedagogy of teaching the flute. Kinesthetic learning is emphasized through
the use of games to create an active, fun and engaging environment to best
learn the flute and to build a life time love of music.
Previously, she was a member of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic,
Chautauqua Festival Orchestra, and a soloist with the American Wind Symphony
and Elkhart Symphony. As a past faculty member of Goshen College, she taught
flute, flute choir, and aural music skills. She graduated with high
honors from IU Bloomington, Jacob’s School of Music and highest honors
from Arizona State University, and has had the privilege of studying with Eric
Hoover, James Pellerite (past principle flutist with the Philadelphia
Philharmonic), Samuel Baron, (past Julliard School of Music Prof.) and Bernard
Goldberg (past principle flutist of Pittsburgh Symphony). As a graduate
assistant at ASU she taught undergraduate flute majors. Currently, she serves
as a member of the National Flute Association’s Pedagogy Committee.
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