An teaching approach that creates confidence.

In flute lessons, I teach the student in front of me. Every flutist brings a different body, mind, musical perspective, and set of goals to the instrument, so lessons are shaped around the needs of each individual student.

Flute lessons available in person in Long Beach, CA, virtually online, and in Downtown LA at The Colburn School Community School for the Performing Arts.

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My teaching is direct, practical, and grounded in clear principles. Students leave lessons knowing what to listen for, what to do physically, and how to approach problems in the practice room. Rather than relying on vague instructions or guesswork, we break challenges down into tangible tools students can understand, apply, and eventually use on their own.

Technique and artistry are never separate. I love exploring the characters, emotions, and imaginative possibilities within music, then translating those abstract ideas into concrete musical choices. We examine how sound, color, articulation, vibrato, phrasing, and physical expression can bring an artistic idea to life.

My goal is to help students develop both the craft and the confidence to make their own musical decisions. They learn how to troubleshoot independently, trust their artistic voice, and communicate with greater freedom and confidence onstage.

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"Chelsea Tanner has been one of the most empowering teachers in my life. She has completely transformed the way I think about music and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to study with her. Chelsea is incredibly easy to work with and is able to form her teaching in a way that is most advantageous to each individual student. I have grown so much as a musician during my short time studying with her, and I will forever be thankful to have experienced her passion and drive for teaching."

Mia Kilker, Former Student

Interested in studying with Chelsea?

Fill out an inquiry to set up a consultation!

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The Fundamentals Series

A series of 9 videos you can check out to understand my approach to the instrument. Enjoy!

A woman in a black blazer holding a flute, sitting in a dark room with a black background.

A woman holding a flute standing in front of a grand piano in a music studio or performance space.

Two women in a classroom, one playing a flute and the other holding a flute near her mouth, with musical notation on the blackboard behind them. Several classroom chairs and a music stand are visible.

A woman is taking a selfie in an office or classroom while holding a gold flute. She wears a beige sweater, black pants, and has a college ID badge around her neck. The room has chairs, framed pictures, and a music stand.

A classroom setting with women musicians performing with a piano, flute, and other instruments in front of a blackboard and projection screen.

Two women indoors, one holding a music stand with sheet music and a flute, the other gesturing while holding a flute. The room has hardwood floors, a fireplace, a painting, and a window with blinds.

Group of young women at a social event, with one holding a large cardboard cutout of a smiling woman holding a coffee cup.

Group of women standing in a hallway, some holding flowers and a large cutout of a woman's face, celebrating together.

The Flute Fundamentals eBooks

“I am in awe of Dr. Tanner’s brilliance as an artist-mentor. Her deep character, intelligence, and humanity are demonstrated in all of her endeavors. These teaching gems are ingeniously crafted and will, surely, stand the test of time.”
Marianne Gedigian, Professor of Flute at Rice University

Phrasing & Musicality eBook

Finally understand this sometimes illusive topic!
Get clear on how to implement phrasing to create the effects you want, create direction, how to phrase breaths, and more!
Incredible tool for teaching students about phrasing and musicality!
30 pages

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Flute Technique eBook

This book helps you cultivate a complete understanding of what incredible technique is, how to obtain it, and offers new ways to practice your favorite technical exercises.
If you feel stuck in a passage, this eBook offers ways to get unstuck and new approaches to get you where you want to go.
This book is perfect for students and teachers alike!
19 pages

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Vibrato eBook

Vibrato broken down into the most basic parts so you can fully understand what's going on.
Learn exactly how to control your vibrato to create the tone colors you've always wanted.
Learn a system to implement and plan vibrato like a pro.
19 pages

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Tone Quality eBook

This book gives you a new and specific perspective on all the fundamentals of your sound.
Feel stuck and don't know how to change your sound or experiment? This is the book for you.
Discover new tone colors and create the sound you've always dreamed of!
21 pages

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