Traditional and Honors Programs
New Student Auditions
Student Achievements
Studio Repetoire List


Teaching Philosophy:
Ms. Vitarelli, one of the most sought after flute instructors in Silicon Valley, is committed to fostering sensitive and confident young artists. Her energizing and challenging lessons are designed to help students reach their goals.  Ms. Vitarelli teaches both students who are seeking enrichment and advancement in music, as well as those who might be struggling. Her ultimate goal is for all students to perform above their school grade level, and to always have opportunities for them to reach their full potential. In fact, most of her students progress three times faster than they would if they were only receiving instruction through their school’s music program. In general, music students have trouble perfecting difficult repertoire because they have not mastered basic techniques. Ms. Vitarelli focuses on developing proficiency at every level, so her students build the solid foundation they need to advance more successfully and confidently.

Ms. Vitarelli developed her technique in both the French and American flute traditions; this fusion allows her a broad array of techniques to offer her students. Her teaching philosophy places strong emphasis on recitals, competitions and exams as well as her syllabus of scales, études, repertoire, chamber music and theory. She is also a very “goal” orientated teacher and believes strongly that the most progress occurs when students have well thought out goals to work towards throughout the entire year. Ms. Vitarelli believes that students gain a lot more then just learning music in their lessons; they learn such things as time management, confidence, how to carry oneself and stage presence. Ms. Vitarelli has two programs of study: the Traditional Program and the Honors Program. Detailed information on both programs is listed below. Lastly, Ms. Vitarelli works with students on their college admissions by helping them to create a full music resume, writing letters of recommendation for them, helping them create their supplementary arts application and full preparation for those pursuing the Music Major degree in college.

  • Mastering the basics of technique, lyricism and musicality
  • Improving concentration and time management
  • Increasing self-discipline and self-confidence
  • Obtaining proficiency in the material at every level
  • Discovering and attaining each student’s full potential
  • Creating a sense of accomplishment

In addition to private lessons, Ms. Vitarelli also teaches chamber music at the Areon Chamber Music Institute.

For more information please visit www.areonflutes.com

Lessson Locations:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
West Valley Music
260 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA
(In the heart of downtown Mountain View)

Wednesday
At My Home Studio
557 Leland Ave.
San Jose, CA

What is covered in the Lesson:

  • Tone and Intonation Exercises
  • Breathing and Phrasing
  • Proper Posture and Hand Placement
  • Scales and Arpeggios
  • Technical Exercises
  • Etudes
  • Orchestral Excerpts
  • Solo Repertoire
  • Band, Orchestra and Chamber Music (if students are participating in outside ensembles)
  • Music Theory (up to ABRSM Grade 5)
  • Aural Training
  • Sight Reading
  • Basic Music History

 

Traditional and Honors Programs

 

Traditional Program

Honors Program

Practicing

3-5 hours per week.

Approximately 30-45 minutes of practice each day depending on level.

3 ½ -14+ hours per week depending on level and goals.

  • Elementary: 3 ½ - 4 hrs per week
  • Intermediate I: 4-5 hrs per week
  • Intermediate II: 5-7 hrs per week
  • Advanced I/II: 7+ hrs per week
  • Students who are planning on being Music Majors: 14+ hours per week

Required Events
(To be chosen during the first lesson of each year)

1 required activity each year. Attendance at any musical event.

At least 4 required activities each year. Including national, state or local competitions, youth symphonies, honor bands, ABRSM exams, etc.

Recital

Required participation at the Spring Recital.

Required participation at the Spring Recital and the Winter Honors Recital.

Theory

Must study theory as part of the lessons, up to ABRSM Grade 5.

Must study theory up to ABRSM Grade 5 and pass at least one ABRSM Theory Exam each year.

Jury

Must attend the August Jury to set goals and to have an initial evaluation before the start of each academic year.

Must pass the August Jury each year to be admitted into the Honors Program. The Jury will also be the time to set goals and to have an initial evaluation before the start of each academic year.

Teaching Style

More relaxed teaching environment which focuses on creating a life-long love of music.

A vigorous learning environment designed to help each student develop the skills needed to perform to his or her full potential.

Approach

Non-Competitive.

Competitive.

Lesson Length

30-45 minute lesson each week.

45-60 minute lesson each week.

Collaboration with Piano

Students will get the opportunity 1 time each year to work with a pianist who will accompany a solo piece. Rehearsals will be coached by the pianist.

Students will get in-depth exposure to collaborating with a pianist. Ms. Vitarelli will attend at least 2 rehearsals to coach students and help polish the repertoire prior to competitions or recitals.

 

Materials:

  • Flute
  • Music
  • All Piano Scores for Solo Repertoire
  • Metronome
  • Tuner
  • Music Stand
  • Music Lesson Planner Notebook by Amelia Vitarelli
  • Essential Dictionary of Music, published by Alfred
  • A Modern Guide to Fingerings for the Flute by James Pellerite
  • Optional: Italian/English, French/English and German/English Dictionaries

Practicing:

  • Without regular practice, students will not progress. The amount of practice is in direct proportion to the amount of progress.
  • Students are required to practice:
    • Beginning and Elementary students: 3 ½ - 4 hours per week
    • Intermediate I: 4-5 hours per week
    • Intermediate II: 5-7 hours per week
    • Advanced I/II: 7+ hours per week
    • Students who are planning on being Music Majors: 14+ hours per week
  • All students must turn in a practice log at every lesson. The intent of the practice log is to help students with time management and to help me evaluate potential practicing problems. Efficient and smart practicing are very important in today’s busy world and this is something that is discussed at length during the lesson.

 

 

New Student Auditions

Ms. Vitarelli will be accepting new students for the 2010-11 academic year.  New students will only be accepted through an audition/interview. Audition requirements vary according to level, as follows.

Beginner:  Interview only.

Elementary (1-2 years of study):  a solo of the student’s choice and one-octave scales in C, F, Bb, and G major.

Intermediate I/II (2-3 years of study):  a solo of the student’s choice, all major scales in two octaves, and harmonic minor scales in A, E, B, D, and G minor.  Example solo choices include, but are not limited to:

  • selection from 36 Repertoire Pieces, Donald Peck, editor
  • Bozza:  Soir dans les Montagnes
  • Gaubert:  Madrigal
  • Telemann Sonatas in F or G

Advanced I/II (4+ years of study):  All major and harmonic scales in two octaves, chromatic scale in three octaves from low B to high D, and a solo at the level of the following:

  • any solo from Flute Music by French Composers
  • Mozart Concerto in G or D
  • Sonatas by Poulenc, Martinu, Taktakishvilli, Hindemith or Prokofiev
  • Mouquet:  La Flute de Pan
  • Ibert: Concerto
  • J.S. Bach: Partita, Sonata in E Major or Sonata in E Minor

 

 

Student Accomplishments

Amelia’s students have held positions in the following youth symphonies and honor bands:

  • CBDA California All-State High School Honor Band, Associate Principle
  • CBDA California All-State Junior High School Honor Band
  • CMEA California All-State Honor Band, Principle 2nd Flute
  • NCBA All-Northern Honor Band
  • Cal Poly All-State Festival Wind Orchestra, Principle Flute
  • Santa Clara County High School Honor Band, Principle Flute
  • Alameda County High School Honor Band
  • Fremont Union High School District Honor Band, Principal Flute
  • CMEA Bay Section Winter Conference Band, Principal Flute
  • Palo Alto All-City Honor Band, Principal Flute
  • El Camino Youth Symphony
    • Senior Symphony Orchestra
    • Sinfonietta Orchestra
    • Camerata Orchestra
    • Chamber Players Orchestra, Principle
    • El Camino Wind Orchestra
    • El Camino Flute Ensemble, Principle
    • Intermezzo Flute Ensemble, Principle
    • Overture Flute Ensemble
  • California Youth Symphony
    • Senior Symphony
    • Associate Orchestra, Co-Principle
    • Preparatory Wind Ensemble II, Principle
    • Preparatory Wind Ensemble I
    • Preparatory Flute Ensemble
  • San Jose Youth Symphony
    • Philharmonic Orchestra, Principle
    • Avant Flute Choir
  • Southbay Youth Symphony
    • Senior Symphony
  • Peninsula Youth Orchestra
    • Con Brio Flutes
  • Silicon Valley Volunteer Orchestra, Principle
  • Korean American Music Supporters Association (KAMSA) Youth Symphony

Competitions and Awards:

  • San Jose Wind Symphony Young Artist Competition – 1st Place Winner
  • National Flute Association High School Flute Choir Competition – Winners: Flute & Piccolo
  • Hedy King Robinson National Prize in Music Theory – Winner
  • MTAC State VOCE Competition, Intermediate Ensemble – Honorable Mention Winner
  • MTAC State VOCE Competition, Senior Ensemble – Finalist
  • MTAC State VOCE Competition, Intermediate Solo Winds – 2nd Place
  • MTAC State VOCE Competition, Senior Solo Winds – 2nd Place
  • Junior Bach Competition, Winner
  • California Youth Symphony, Associate Orchestra, Concerto Competition, Winner
  • Burlingame Music Club Competition – 2nd Place Winner
  • El Camino Youth Symphony Concerto Competition – Winners
  • Flock of Flutes Solo Competition, Junior High Division – 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Winners
  • Flock of Flutes Solo Competition, High School Division – 1st Place Winner
  • MTAC Santa Clara Branch VOCE Competition, Intermediate Solo Winds – 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Winners
  • MTAC Santa Clara Branch VOCE Competition, Senior Solo Winds – 1st and 2nd Place Winners
  • MTAC Santa Clara Branch VOCE Competition, Intermediate Ensemble – 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Winners
  • MTAC Santa Clara Branch VOCE Competition, Senior Ensemble – 1st, 1st Alternate, 2nd and 3rd Place Winners
  • Palo Alto Philharmonic Concerto Movement Competition – Finalist and Honorable Mention Winners
  • Community School of Music and Arts Merit Scholarship Competition -  Winners
  • Areon Flutes, Chamber Music Competition, Young Artist Division – 3rd Place Winners
  • Areon Flutes, Chamber Music Competition, High School Division – 1st and 3rd Place Winners
  • Solo and Ensemble Competition, Solo Division – Command Performances
  • Solo and Ensemble Competition, Ensemble Division – Command Performance
  • Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (Practical Flute, Grades 1-8) – Distinctions
  • Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (Music Theory, Grades 1-5) – Distinctions
  • Palo Alto District Teacher’s Scholarship Competition – Winners
  • Tri-M Music Honor Society - Members

Summer Music Programs and Masterclasses

  • Interlochen Center for the Arts, Michigan
  • Areon Summer Flute Institute, California
  • Rocky Ridge Music Center, Colorado
  • Cazadero Performing Arts Camp, California
  • Pacific Music Camp at the University of the Pacific, California
  • New England Music Camp, Maine
  • Masterclass with Robert Stallman
  • Masterclass with Tadeu Coelho
  • Masterclass with Susan Milan
  • Masterclass with Jill Felber
  • Masterclass with Keith Underwood
  • Masterclass with Molly Barth
  • Masterclass with Tamara Maddaford

Featured Soloists with Orchestra/Band

  • 2010 Concertino by Chaminde, performed with the Los Altos High School Concert Band
  • 2009 Concerto in G, Mvmt. 1, by Mozart, performed with the California Youth Symphony, Associate Orchestra
  • 2008 Concertino by Chaminade, performed with the Irvington High School Band
  • 2008 Fantasie by Hue, performed with the Flock of Flutes
  • 2006 Concertino by Chaminade, performed with the San Jose Wind Symphony
  • 2006 Andante and Rondo by Doppler, performed with the El Camino Youth Symphony, Sinfonietta Orchestra
  • 2006 Concerto in D Major, Mvmt. 2 by Mozart, performed with the Flock of Flutes
  • 2006 Concerto in D Minor, Mvmt. 1 by C.P.E. Bach, performed with the El Camino Youth Symphony, Sinfonietta Orchestra
  • 2005 Concerto in G Major, Mvmt. 1 by Cimarosa, performed with the El Camino Youth Symphony, Sinfonietta Orchestra
  • 2005 Minuet and Dance of the Blessed Spirits by Gluck, performed with the El Camino Youth Symphony, Intermezzo Flute Choir
  • 2004 Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 by J.S. Bach performed with the Mountain View High Orchestra



Vitarelli Studio Repertoire List

The following list is a sample of the type of repertoire that Ms. Vitarelli uses in her lessons.

Beginning/Elementary

Method Books
Rubank Elementary Method by Petersen (ed. Rubank)
Winning Rhythms by Ayola (ed. Kjos)
Solo Repertoire
40 Little Pieces, ed. Louis Moyse (ed. Schirmer)
Suzuki Vol. 1-2
Duet Repertoire
Learn to Play Flute Duets by Eisenhauer (ed. Alfred)
Yamaha Duet Book
Harry Potter, Sorcerer’s Stone
Theory
ABRSM Theory Workbook Level 1-3

Intermediate I and II

Method Books
Rubank Advanced Vol. 1 by Gower & Voxman (ed. Rubank)
Top Register Studies by Filas
17 Daily Exercises by Taffanel & Gaubert (ed. Leduc)
Solo Repertoire
36 Solo Repertoire Pieces for Flute, ed. Donald Peck
Concert and Contest by Voxman (ed. Rubank)
Soir dans les montagnes by Bozza
Sonata in F Major by Telemann (ed. International)
Sonata in G Major by Telemann (ed. International)
Sonatas 1-10 by Handel (ed. International)
Variations on a Theme by Rossini by Chopin (ed. International)
Madrigal by Gaubert (ed. International)
Airs de Ballet d’Ascanio by Saint-Saens
Allegretto by Godard (ed. Southern)
Suite Antique by Rutter
Suzuki Vol. 7
Sonata in F by Marcello
Rondo in D by Mozart (ed. International)
Three Romances by Schumann (ed. International)
Sonata in Eb Major by J.S. Bach (ed. Urtext or International)
Suite Modal by Bloch
Concerto in G by Pergolesi (ed. International)
Sonata No. 1 by Handel (ed. Urtext or International)
Theory
ABRSM Theory Workbook Level 3-5

Advanced I and II

Method Books
17 Daily Exercises by Taffanel and Gaubert (ed. Leduc)
Anderson Etudes Opus 33, 15 and 63 (ed. International)
Tone Development Through Interpretation by Moyse
Gammes et Arpeges by Moyse (ed. Leduc)
De La Sonorite by Moyse (ed. Leduc)
Practice Books for the Flute, Vol. 1, 2 & 4 by Wye
            Facilitating the Top Register of the Flute by Wood
Orchestral Excerpts
Orchestral Excerpts for Flute by Jeanne Baxtresser
Solo Repertoire
Concerti in G and D by Mozart (ed. International)
Andante in C by Mozart (ed. International)
Concerto by Ibert
Concerto by Nielsen
Hamburger Sonata by C.P.E. Bach
Sonata in A Minor by C.P.E. Bach
Concerti by C.P.E. Bach
Suite in B Minor by J.S. Bach
Partita in A Minor by J.S. Bach (ed. International or Urtext)
All Sonatas by J.S. Bach (Urtext ed.)
Syrinx by Debussy
Carmen Fantasie by Borne (ed. International)
Danse de la Chevre by Honneger
Sonate by Hindemith
Sixth Solo de Concert (Italian Concerto) by Demersseman
First Sonata by Martinu
Ballade by Martin
Flute Music by French Composers by Louis Moyse (ed. Schirmer)
Concerti by Devienne
Hungarian Pastorale by Doppler
Sonata by Reinecke (ed. International)
Les Folias Variations by Marais
Twelve Fantasies by Telemann (ed. Urtext or International)
Suite in A Minor by Telemann
Sonata by Poulenc
Poem by Griffes
Sonata by Taktakishvili
Introduction and Variations by Schubert
Ten Sonatas by Handel (ed. Urtext or International)
La Flute de Pan by Mouquet (ed. International)
Sonata No. 8 by Leclair (ed. International)
Sonata in D by Prokofiev (ed. International)
Jeux by Ibert
Density 21.5 by Varese
Sonata in A Minor “Arpeggione” by Schubert
Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen by Schubert