Testimonials
“I started taking lessons with Lauren at the end of my freshman year to prepare for All-State auditions, but over the past three years, she has helped me accomplish much more than I expected. Lauren has been an important mentor in my development as a musician and a major reason I decided to pursue flute performance. With her guidance, I have been selected for All-State three times, All-Northwest, and the Advanced Flute Intensive at Interlochen. I have also been first chair at the Red Lodge Music Festival twice, principal of the Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra, a finalist for the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras Young Artist Competition, and most recently, a finalist and third-prize winner of $10,000 at the Grand Teton Music Festival Competition. One of my favorite things Lauren says, which she learned from her teacher Maggie is, “The worst thing that can happen is you get accepted and then have to learn more music.” That mindset has taught me to trust myself, say yes to opportunities, and keep pushing myself. Lauren has had a huge impact on my growth as a musician, and I’m grateful for everything she has taught me.”
– Ella C.
"Taking lessons with Lauren was one of the best decisions I made when I was a beginner struggling with my flute. She's incredibly patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in all of her students, and she catered all of our lessons together to my goals. I've improved a lot, learned new techniques, gotten experience with auxiliary flutes, and felt way more prepared for auditions with her help."
- Elizabeth F.
“I have been playing the flute for about 6 years now and I’ve had the pleasure of taking lessons from Lauren for 4 years. Lauren has taught me some very valuable things and she has helped me improve my sound, tone and so much more. I used to get so nervous before performances, I would shake so bad, but Lauren’s recitals helped me to be more comfortable on stage and also confident. I have gone to state every year since I was a freshman with pieces that Lauren has helped me prepare and I am so thankful to be able to have her as my teacher. She has shown me the beauty of playing the flute and helped me fall in love with my gift.”
– Rosa L.
“I have been taking lessons from Lauren since 2018. I am one of her longest lasting adult students! She is an amazing teacher and tailors our lessons and learning materials specifically to my needs. This helps keep me motivated and has pushed me to grow as a flute player, even though this is my “hobby.” I’m forever grateful for the opportunities she has brought me with music. I recommend her to anyone wanting to grow as a flutist!”
- Mandy P.
“One thing I enjoyed most [about flute lessons] was how supportive and encouraging Lauren was. She helped me find a bunch of different practice techniques that have definitely made me a better musician. I was also introduced to the Magic City Flute Choir, which provided me a summer opportunity to keep playing!”
- Mauricio P.
“Having lessons with Lauren throughout high school was one of my highlights each week. It was refreshing to see Lauren after having been in school all day! Without Lauren, I definitely would not be where I am today. I wouldn’t have gotten a music scholarship for college, and I would not have had the many unique and rare opportunities as I was blessed to have. I am truly very lucky to have her and the joy she brings in my life!”
- Meghan S.
“[I] love how Lauren plays along with me during the sessions, and then asks me to play on my own when she feels I’m ready. She has taught me how to play with vibrato, work on my tone, articulation, harmonics, and double tonguing! Through flute lessons, I’ve been introduced to many performance opportunities like Magic City Flutes, Flute Choir, Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra, National Flute Association, supporting other local musicians, how to succeed with my school band… I truly feel like Lauren has my best intentions at heart and wants to do everything she can to help me succeed at playing the flute!”
- Addie L.
“Lauren is an incredible teacher, mentor, and friend. She supports you in whatever dreams you have, and she makes those dreams a reality. I am forever grateful for who she is and everything she taught me.”
- Hanna J.
“Lauren is one of the best people I have ever met. When I reached out to her about wanting to do lessons she was so excited and helpful! On my first lesson, I was terrified. Lauren was so enthusiastic and welcoming! She just talked to me like she knew me my whole life. Lauren has helped me improve so much! She has helped me with my confidence and my skills overall. Lauren is one of the most patient and kind hearted person you will ever meet and I hope everyone gets to see how amazing of a teacher she is.”
- Elizabeth B.
“I came to Lauren after a 20+ year hiatus in playing, yet I feel like I’ve learned more in a few short months with her than I did in the few years of playing before! I always leave feeling challenged to excel, but with new tips and tricks to do so! She is so encouraging and always makes me excited to tackle my music. My lesson is one of the highlights of my week!”
- Natalie C.
“I am the mother of a college-bound Flute Performance major who started taking lessons with Lauren at the end of her freshman year to help with All State auditions. Not only did she make it into All State, but, under Lauren's tutelage, she was accepted into All Northwest, Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra, and even competed in the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras Young Artists Competition and the Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship Competition (and was a finalist in both.) Lauren has held out opportunities to us we never would have known about and even walked us all the way through college and scholarship auditions with immense friendliness, encouragement and absolute belief in each of her students.”
-Katie C. (parent)
Student Accolades & Achievements
• Donald Runnicles Scholarship Competition 3rd prize winner ($10k prize)
• Collegiate music scholarship recipients (ranging $1k to $12k)
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Acceptance to collegiate music programs (Berklee, St. Olaf, University of Mary, and in-state institutions)
• Interlochen Advanced Flute Intensive selected performer
• MASO Young Artist Competition semi-finalist
• Montana All-State Orchestra & Band (principal, piccolo, & section in both)
• All-Northwest Band and Wind Symphony
• Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra (principal, piccolo, & section)
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Masterclass performances (Interlochen, Billings Symphony, & Montana Flute Association)
• Principal placements in regional music camps (RLMF & IMC)
• Superior ratings at district/state solo and ensemble festivals
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Tri-county Honor Band (principal, piccolo, & section)
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Recipient of the Millie Marsh Scholarship Award
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Recipient of Kaj Seifert Foundation Grant
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Paid gigs through local churches, BSYO, etc.
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Musical Horizons International European Tour (principal & piccolo)
• Acceptance into auditioned high-school bands (Symphonic Band) with principal & piccolo placements, and performances in school musicals
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Arts Without Boundaries Standout Student Awards
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John Phillip Sousa Band Award
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Jeff Long Leadership Band Award
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Most Improved Musician Band Award
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6th Grade All City Honor Band
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Involvement in non-auditioned local ensembles including: Magic City Flutes, BSYO Youth Chamber Project, All-City Marching Band, Billings Community Band, and Montana Flute Association.