How to choose your next masterclass?

Are you considering to participate in a masterclass but you are not really sure how to decide where to go? There are many factors to consider and I would like to mention and discuss few of them such as:

• Your needs, targets and expectations
• What is offered during the masterclass?
• The teacher
• Your budget

If you are reading this post you are probably considering different masterclasses and having hard time choosing between them. No wonder – the budget is always limited, the selection is very broad, you might know only a little about the teachers and you wish to go to the best masterclass available. How to decide then?

Here are some questions that you should answer to yourself when considering your next masterclass:

🎶 Your needs, targets and expectations

I would suggest then to ask yourself the following questions, that will help you to understand better what you need and wish:

👉 Why do you want to participate in a masterclass? Is it because you feel you need new ideas, inspirations, musical suggestions or new technical approaches?

👉 Is it because there is a specific teacher that you wish to meet and play for?

👉 Is it because you wish to meet other flutists from around the world and get to know many different styles of playing?

👉 Is it because you wish as well to combine the masterclass with sight-seeing and explore a new place/city you still don’t know?

👉 Do you wish to have many classes and concentrate on your playing or would you rather prefer to mostly listen to others?

👉 What do you hope and wish to achieve during the masterclass?

👉 Could the specific masterclass that you are considering answer your wishes?

👉 Are you preparing for certain event and would use/need the masterclass as a preparation for this event?

🎓 What is offered during the masterclass?

Don’t forget to check and make sure you know exactly what you are suppose to get. Make sure you know how many lessons you will receive and how long they would last.

Fully understanding new ideas and technical suggestions needs time, so make sure the masterclass can offer you the time you need.

Is there extra time dedicated to technique? Are the lessons 45, 60, 80, 90 minutes long?

Is there something else offered besides the instrumental classes, like workshops on different topics, separated time for technique or sound? Maybe some Alexander technique or other physical work out?

It’s very useful to get the full picture of what the masterclass actually offers you.

💼 The teacher

There are many good flutists and it sure is difficult to select one. You don’t know them personally and maybe you just got some comments or recommendations about them from friends, your teacher or colleagues – but still, it doesn’t help too much.

I would therefore highly recommend you to make your own little research: Go on the teacher’s website or Youtube channel and listen to the available recordings. What you hear – the sound, the style, the musicality and the impression from the performance – is what the teacher will be able to pass to you.

If you love what you hear – go for it! You wouldn’t really be willing to absorb new ideas and suggestions from someone who doesn’t really inspire you, would you?

In addition, try to read reviews and testimonials of past participants. Most chances are that if many people were satisfied with the teacher and the masterclass, your work with them would be done well as well (nevertheless, there’s never a guarantee).

💰 Your budget

Decide on your budget. How much are you willing and can afford to invest on a masterclass?
Don’t forget that you would probably need to add on top of that the costs of your traveling, food and accommodation.

After deciding that and having all the information about what you are offered in the masterclass, it is easier to compare and understand what would be the best value for your money.

☝ Conclusion: Combining all of the above

After you have answered all these questions above, you would start having a clearer picture. You will understand better what you are looking for and what you need. You will know what to look for when you search for your next masterclass.

I would recommend to combine all the different points that were discussed and select the masterclass that you think would benefit you and your playing the most.

✍ In addition, don’t hesitate and send your questions to the organizers in order to fill in the information you are missing.

I hope this post will help you to better understand your needs and allow you to select the best masterclass for YOU! 👏

You’re more than welcome to leave your comments and questions.

Ory

Ory Schneor is a principal flutist with the Munich Chamber Orchestra, Tongyeong Festival Orchestra and member of the Geneva Camerata. He is teaching masterclasses around the world and he is the founder and instructor at FLUTEinWIEN