Flute Lessons That Grow More Than Music Skills.
They Grow JOY.
Because learning an instrument should feel exciting, not stressful!
At The LeakyFlute Studio, learning the flute isn’t just about mastering notes and rhythms, it’s about discovering confidence, creativity, and a deep connection to music and yourself.
What will you get from studying with Erika?
A compassionate, highly personalized learning experience that meets you exactly where you are and helps you grow into the musician (and person) you're meant to be.
You’ll receive expert instruction in tone, technique, and musicianship, all delivered in an encouraging, supportive environment.
Lessons are tailored to your unique goals, learning style, and personality. Whether you're dreaming of making All-State, performing a solo recital, or simply playing with more freedom and joy, you'll be supported every step of the way.
We’re honest here: yes, learning an instrument can be tricky. There will be days when you feel stuck, unsure, or nervous about performing. But that’s why environment matters so much.
At The LeakyFlute Studio, we:
- Cheer for effort, not just perfection
- Celebrate growth at every pace
- Change practice into something rewarding (and even fun!)
Along the way, you’ll gain more than just skills. You’ll find mentorship, meaningful performance opportunities, and a community that lifts you up. You’ll be encouraged to push beyond your limits, gain confidence, and achieve milestones you might not have thought possible. With lots of encouragement, creativity, and a whole lot of JOY, flute lessons here become something you can’t wait to come back to.
"We thought we knew what flute lessons were, until we saw this."
Welcome to The LeakyFlute Studio!
Where Music Comes to Life
Whether you’re picking up a flute for the very first time or preparing for college auditions, you belong here. For over 30 years, I’ve had the joy of helping flutists of all ages grow into confident, expressive musicians—from excited beginners to passionate adult learners and everything in between.
Here, learning isn’t just about scales and exercises (though we’ll totally rock those too), it’s about discovering the joy of making music, building confidence, and feeling proud of your progress every step of the way.
“Within my first year of lessons with Erika, I noticed such an improvement in my flute playing and confidence... A few months later, I was performing with a Metropolitan opera singer!”
— Victoria (post-college)
“Whenever I struggled, Erika had an arsenal of techniques to help. She cared about me as a person and a musician.”
— Natalie
Your Musical Journey Starts Here!
Every lesson is a personalized adventure.
Every lesson is a personalized adventure.Together we’ll explore:
How to make a beautiful, rich tone using posture, breath, and vibrato
Finger techniques and articulation tricks to play smoother and faster
Expressing yourself through solos, duets, and fun ensemble music
And of course there will be loads of encouragement, laughter, and celebration!
“Erika is adaptable! She tailors lessons using a wide variety of tools and techniques to support each student’s unique goals.”
— Student
Double the Joy with Duets
Duets are one of my favorite parts of teaching. They help us:
-Tune and blend our sound
-Lead and follow musical cues
-Build connection and confidence through shared music-making
Plus... they’re just plain FUN!
Studio Classes = Music + Community
Each month, we gather for group studio classes at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive. These classes are packed with:
-Performance opportunities (cheering each other on is a must!)
-Flute ensembles like trios, quartets, and choirs
-Games like Hot Potato Scales and Scale Bee
-Plenty of laughs as we learn together
“Erika has an incredible ability to challenge her students while supporting their confidence. She goes above and beyond, offering recitals, studio classes, ensemble experiences, and more.
— Student
“I am thankful for the supportive push you give my son. Your calm, caring personality helps him feel comfortable and motivated to learn every single lesson.”
— Student’s mother
Healthy, Happy Playing
Flute playing should feel good!
I teach posture, tension-release techniques, and body awareness that support pain-free playing, all of which I’ve shared with flutists at festivals across the country.
“She helped me audition into the top performing ensemble and pushed me beyond my limits. Now as a music educator, I refer my students to her.”
— Carrie
Get Stage-Ready
Performance nerves? We’ve got this. I’ll help you:
-Prepare for auditions (All-State, SCIBA, Solo & Ensemble)
-Build stage presence
-Step up with confidence and JOY
“She helped me find my purpose. I made All-State each year, placed in competitions, and even traveled to Europe to play music. Erika showed me how to fly.”
— Faith
“The growth Aubrey has shown has been phenomenal. Erika introduced her to a wider flute community, prepared her for competitions and college auditions, and helped her grow in confidence both on stage and in life.”
— Heather, parent
Dreaming of Music after Graduation?
I’ve helped many students thrive in top music programs.
From picking the right school to audition prep to writing recommendations, I’m here to help you chase your dreams and shine.
“I walked into Erika’s studio as a scared, confused high school sophomore. After graduating, I’m walking out with confidence I didn’t know I could have.”
— Bethany
Summer Fun with The LeakyFlutes!
When school’s out, the music (and laughter!) keeps going. Throughout the summer,
-We gather for music, games, and good times!
-We rehearse fun flute choir pieces, eat ice cream sundaes, play games, watch cool flute videos, have a BBQ, and even do some karaoke.
-We wrap it all up with a performance at a local nursing home, sharing our music and bringing smiles to the residents.
Flute Choir Christmas Caroling
A Holiday Highlight!
Each December, our studio flute choir (The LeakyFlutes) brings holiday cheer with festive caroling at
-local events,
-markets, and
-nursing homes.
It’s a joyful way to make music together and share the spirit of the season with our community.
Recitals = Celebration Time!
Our spring recital is your time to shine! And if you're a graduating senior, you get a solo spotlight in your very own recital (and wear a fancy dress or bow tie) to celebrate your musical journey.
Lesson Options That Fit You
Choose what works best for your schedule and goals:
- 30 minutes – Perfect for beginners (5th and 6th graders)
- 45 minutes – Great for middle schoolers or intermediate students (7th grade and up)
- 60 minutes – Ideal for advanced students or competition and audition prep
Come visit my home studio near Drake University in Des Moines, or let’s meet online if you're out of town!
Let’s Connect!
Questions? Curious to learn more? I love chatting with students and parents about goals, growth, and how to make music a joyful part of life.
Welcome to The LeakyFlute Studio!
It’s time to discover just how awesome playing the flute can be!
Private flute lessons in the Des Moines Metro area (Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Norwalk, West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston, Ankeny, Windsor Heights, Beaverdale) including Marshalltown, Bondurant, Farrar, Dallas Center, Grimes, Adel, and De Soto.
