Studying with Abigail

Every lesson begins with a simple question:

What will help this student move forward today?

No two students learn in exactly the same way, so I don’t believe in teaching every lesson the same way. My role is to listen carefully, observe closely, and help each student discover the ideas that will unlock their next stage of growth.

Some weeks that means refining a technical skill. Other weeks it means finding a new way to think about a musical phrase, solving a practice challenge, or reconnecting with the joy that brought someone to the flute in the first place.

Abigail Walsh working individually with a flute student at a music stand.

Abigail Walsh coaching a flute student during a collaborative group class.

Whatever we work on, I want every student to leave with two things: a deeper understanding of their playing and a clear sense of what to explore next. Rather than leaving with pages of corrections, students leave with a handful of meaningful ideas they can carry into everything they practice.

Learning that lasts isn’t about collecting more information. It’s about learning how to observe, think, and solve problems independently. My goal is not simply to help students play better during their lesson, but to help them become confident, thoughtful musicians who know how to continue growing long after the lesson ends.

Whether you’re preparing for auditions, returning to the flute after time away, helping your child build a strong musical foundation, or simply looking for greater joy and confidence in your playing, lessons are tailored to meet you where you are and help you reach your own goals.

What We’ll Work On

Lessons are individualized, but often include:

Developing a beautiful, resonant tone
Building efficient, relaxed technique
Breathing and physical awareness
Musical expression and phrasing
Effective, enjoyable practice strategies
Performance preparation
Audition preparation
Confidence, resilience, and artistic growth

Who I Teach

I enjoy working with students of many ages and experience levels, including:

Advanced students preparing for auditions, competitions, and professional careers
Adult musicians returning to the flute after time away
Adult beginners
College music majors and minors
Music educators seeking continued artistic growth
Motivated middle school and high school students

Private lessons are offered in my home studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as online.

What You Can Expect

Students often tell me they leave lessons with:

A clear understanding of what to practice and why
Greater confidence in solving musical and technical challenges independently
Practical tools that make practicing more productive and enjoyable
A deeper understanding of how technique, artistry, and musical expression work together
Renewed excitement about making music

Student Experiences

Every student brings a different background, set of goals, and way of learning. These reflections offer a glimpse into what that work can look and feel like.

“After working with Dr. Walsh during the final semester of my master’s degree in flute performance at Western Michigan University, I chose to continue studying with her. Her teaching has transformed not only my playing, but also my confidence as a musician.”

In every lesson, Dr. Walsh helps me recognize both the areas where I can continue to grow and the progress I have already made. Her thoughtful balance of encouragement and constructive feedback has empowered me to become a more confident, independent, and intentional artist.

One of the aspects I appreciate most is the depth of her approach to sound. Through her guidance, I have developed a deeper understanding of concepts such as the Air Reed, Throat Tuning, and Vowel Shaping. These ideas have transformed the way I think about tone production, expanded my palette of colors, refined my dynamic range, and opened new artistic possibilities in my playing.

Her teaching is grounded in empathy, professionalism, and genuine care. She offers practical tools, creative exercises, and thoughtful demonstrations that make even abstract concepts accessible and meaningful. She creates an environment where mistakes are understood as an essential part of learning and where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

Being part of Dr. Walsh’s studio extends far beyond weekly lessons. It means having access to an exceptional music library, belonging to a welcoming and supportive community of flutists, participating in studio recitals and summer sessions, and knowing that Dr. Walsh is always willing to offer guidance and support.

I recommend Dr. Walsh to anyone seeking a teacher who will challenge, inspire, and genuinely invest in their development. She has inspired me not only to become a better flutist, but also a more thoughtful musician and person.

Yami Almeida Maza

“Lessons with Abigail have quickly become what I look forward to most each week. My playing feels more effortless, physically easy, musically savvy, and emotionally fulfilling since starting lessons.”

Abigail’s teaching is expertly balanced between technical skills, embodied understanding, foundation, theory, and ultimately finding joy and inspiration through playing. I play as a hobby and had not taken formal lessons in several years. She has helped me rebuild foundational skills in ways that challenge me without ever feeling overwhelming.

Her lessons are clear, timely, and organized while allowing plenty of space for questions, discussion, and flexibility. I am continually inspired by her love of learning and teaching, and I often find that the lessons I learn through music extend into the rest of my life.

Emma Tinklenberg

“Studying with Dr. Walsh has changed the way I think about tone and color. I’ve gained a greater sense of ‘speaking’ and ‘singing’ through the flute.”

Dr. Walsh has introduced me to new concepts and details that have helped me access a broader palette of colors and a richer quality of sound. That work has changed the way I approach both practice and performance.

She offers thoughtful perspectives, well-developed teaching methods, and a highly student-centered approach. I have especially valued her ideas about how music can parallel our lives and how musical expression is always in motion, with some element continually changing.

Aleia Lenz

“In the four years my daughter has studied with Dr. Walsh, she has grown in confidence, technique, and artistry.”

Dr. Walsh truly knows my daughter and teaches her in ways that challenge, encourage, and help her grow as both a flute player and a musician.

My daughter has also found joy and fun in playing with Dr. Walsh and the other members of the flute studio. She feels like part of a supportive community of musicians.

Becky Toly Parent of a studio student

Ready to Begin?

If that sounds like the kind of learning experience you’re looking for, I’d love to hear from you.

Request Lesson Information

Abigail Walsh holding her flute and looking upward playfully in front of her music library.