Flute Studio

Dr. Anastasia has been the flute instructor at Montclair State University's Music Preparatory Division, Stokes Summer Music Festival since 1996, and has maintained a private teaching studio in both New York and New Jersey since 1991. For the past decade she has become a widely known and respected instructor throughout the New York metropolitan area, and has instructed hundreds of students, from the beginner to the college level flutist. Her high school flutists frequently continue on to pursue careers in music.

Ms. Anastasia also gives flute workshops and master classes at various public and private schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She teaches flute to students of all ages and levels.

Flute Ensemble

Now, in its second season, Dr. Anastasia’s Flute Ensemble is drawing talented and motivated young flutists from all over Essex County. These serious flutists learn the art of playing chamber music while in a fun but challenging environment. It is only in this ensemble setting that these young flutists can work and refine their skills in blending, tone, intonation, dynamics, teamwork and peer support, and performance experience with special ensemble concert opportunities.

Piano Studio

Dr. Anastasia has been teaching beginning and intermediate piano since 1991 and is well known and respected in the Montclair/Essex County community. She studied secondary piano and piano pedagogy at Montclair State University. Her teachers include Ella Mieleker, Grace Toscano, and Ruth Rendlemann.


Student Opportunities

Flute students have an opportunity to join Dr. Anastasia's flute choir, as well as participate in Region II band and orchestra auditions.

All of her flute and piano students take part in an annual spring recital where they have the opportunity to present their accomplishments before their family, friends, and fellow musicians.

Teaching Method

Ms. Anastasia's philosophy of teaching is to instill a respect and appreciation for the instrument while creating an atmosphere that nurtures creativity, exploration, technique and musicality. In her lessons she creates a fun, happy and exploratory environment while still maintaining a high level of expectation and playing. She is quite demanding and her students are required to prepare weekly technique drills, solo pieces, duets and sight reading exercises.

When teaching beginners, she seeks to lay the foundation for perfect technical habits and the skills to achieving a beautiful tone. In the intermediate and advanced student, she continues to refine sound, technique, vibrato, breathing, and musicality.

Publications

Flute warm-up and exercise book
Dr. Anastasia has developed a comprehensive method book that encompasses all aspects of proper flute playing for the elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Piano warm-up and technique book
Dr. Anastasia has written piano exercise studies and note recognition drills to help the beginner and intermediate pianist improve their technical skills on the keyboard.

Teaching Credentials

Ms. Anastasia completed her formal education at SUNY at Stony Brook, NY where she received her Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Flute Performance. Prior to that she studied at the Manhattan School of Music where she received her Maters in Music and Professional Studies degrees in flute performance. She became a fully and legally certified music teacher when she received her BA degree from Montclair State University in 1997, where she graduated cum laude.

For More Information...

For information about flute or piano instruction, or to request Sophia Anastasia for a masterclass, please call: 646.391.9939, or send an email to sophia@sophiaanastasia.com. Please be sure to include your name and phone number, and a brief message describing your request.