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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
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. |
