"I have a love for both language and music and, to me, learning music theory is much like expanding my vocabulary which can both improve my ability to communicate through my playing and also interpret the works of others. I find Thomas’ enthusiasm for the subject matter contagious. Through his encouragement and explanations he guides his novice students towards the understanding of music theory beginning with the basic rudiments but can tailor his courses to different student levels. He is patient and flexible and moulds the curriculum to the students’ progress, ensuring the material is understood before advancing."
Karen George
"Thomas Bauer is not only an accomplished soloist on flute and piccolo, with amazing published videos, but he is also a thoughtful teacher. He is able to focus on what the student needs to learn at that moment and encourages a player to try harder. A gentle, but firm push in the right direction. How to produce wonderful rich tones is one of his specialties. Also, alternative fingerings! He is also very adept in demonstrating how to play a passage so that the student knows first hand how it goes."
P. Barnes
"I took lessons with Thomas for about a year and he is by far one of the best flute teachers I have studied with. I am blind and because we had no access to braille music, Thomas had to teach me by ear. He excelled at this and taught me many strategies for memorizing music.
Thomas is very good at helping you adapt your tone quality by adjusting the placement of the flute and I learned a great deal about how flute placement can improve one's playing.
I absolutely highly recommend Thomas as a teacher. "
Michelle Creedy
“I took flute lessons from Thomas for about 2 years. My interest was to work on specific technical skills, and he was very supportive and skilled in giving me tools and strategies to improve my problem areas. Thomas combines professionalism with a personable touch so that the lesson time is enjoyable and productive.
I also took a VCM Level 6 theory class with Thomas. He made it fun and interesting, although also it was very challenging! Thomas made the theory material relevant for flutists, and for listening skills at concerts.”
Barbara Duffield
"Thomas is an excellent theory teacher! I've been taking lessons from him for 9 months, and I have been making consistent progress. He's very thoughtful and encouraging, and he plans lessons that are appropriate to the student's level and needs. I highly recommend learning from him."
Theresa Leask
"As an adult learner with some music experience, Thomas took the time to understand what theory knowledge I currently have and developed a customized lesson plan to fill in the gaps. He's always patient and adaptable to answer sometimes unexpected questions."
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Beki Zajac
I had the privilege of attending Thomas’s RCM Level 6 theory class over the past few months. Thomas takes a genuine interest in his students and is incredibly positive and supportive. Not to mention he has a great sense of humour! As an “older” student with some experience in music, it was very refreshing to attend a course that tailored itself to the individual student’s needs. Lots of fun with new things to listen to! I learned lots and use it all the time in ensemble playing and listening to music.
G. Karreman
I’ve taken a shot at learning flute a few times in my life and Thomas has by far had my attention the most. He is fun and engaging with many techniques and skills, and includes a little theory as well which is super helpful for learning any instrument. Thomas has such a wide range of knowledge and experience and I feel like I am able to learn at my pace with him while also ensuring that I am getting as much as I possibly can from our lessons. Everything from breathing, finger placement, improving sound, it’s endless and very imaginative as a student of Thomas’s. I can’t say I need to look any further and look forward to how well I will play on in the years to come.
Naomi Fix