Learning to lead

Doctoral flute student focuses on passing knowledge to others

Hedrick's practice sessions maintain a lighthearted atmosphere.

It is 5:30 p.m. on a Thursday, and Jasmine Hedrick is gathered with nine of her students in a classroom at the University of Oregon School of Music. Hedrick, who is pursuing a doctorate in flute performance, teaches private lessons to all of the flutists in the room. The Thursday night gatherings offer the students the opportunity to perform before an audience and learn from one another's successes - and mistakes.

Hedrick, an accomplished musician by any standard, is most passionate about teaching. She is very much at home in front of the classroom, leading students one at a time through exercises that are one part instruction, one part standup comedy routine.

Hedrick's techniques, some of which may appear unorthodox, seem to be quite effective. One student is instructed to stoop over backwards in a "limbo" position and lean against the door while playing in order to open up her airway. Another plays an excerpt while Hedrick is simultaneously poking her sternum and jabbing a flute into her abdomen.

But Hedrick is not trying to torture her students. At first, the students laugh at the awkward positions. Then, the notes that had previously sounded airy and off-key come out crystal clear, and the method behind the madness becomes clear. Each student receives a round of applause when she is finished, partly for being a good sport, but primarily for showing remarkable improvement.

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