MY MISSION

My mission is to help students of all ages and levels to play the game of life more beautifully through the study of music. I teach all levels of students from beginning to advanced, and all ages from children through adults. As a teacher, I draw upon my extensive experience as a performer, composer, and academician.

I am proud that my students have won numerous awards and continued their musical activities at the college, graduate school, and professional levels. My first priority, however, is not external awards but internal rewards. I mentor students to discover the musical, emotional, social, and intellectual rewards that come from learning how to practice and create music with curiosity, discipline, and passion.

Many music studios emphasize musical product over musical process. Success is too often measured solely by awards and competitions won through rote learning of a narrow repertoire of music. Unfortunately, these accolades can come at a great personal cost to the students. When students become too self-conscious about final results, how can they enjoy their practicing and feel motivated to continue? Just as “teaching to the test” does not instill curiosity, social and emotional intelligence, or a love of learning, “teaching to the performance” does not foster a life-long love of music or the habits of disciplined and creative musicians.  

In teaching all types of students, I emphasize process over product. I teach students to place distractions and worrying in the background so they can play and create with present-centered awareness.  By embracing the moment to moment process of making music, my pupils learn how to integrate principles of disciplined practice, perseverance, and mindfulness into all other areas of their lives.  To instill these principles, lessons include practices from meditation and yoga that are tailored for each student’s musical needs.

I have found this holistic approach encourages young students to continue studying through their teenage years and into adulthood. Adult students will continue practicing because they realize music enhances all aspects of their busy lives. I have found that musicians who practice mindfully gain not just awards, but sustained success and self-confidence.  They can achieve success without relying on continuous praise from others.

Students who study with Jonathan Flowers:

• Train their minds to maintain focus while practicing and performing music, which also transfers numerous positive and beneficial skills to other areas of life.
• Learn to stop judging negatively and to start asking questions that make practice productive, empowering, and fun.
• Develop a life-long love of music and music literacy.
• Don’t just learn a few pieces to perform; they develop comprehensive knowledge, skills, and understanding so they can make music on their own and collaborate creatively with other musicians.

The study of music teaches us to harmonize our body, mind, and heart.

I don’t just teach music; I teach students. It doesn’t matter whether you are age 7 or 97. You may aspire to perform in recitals in concert halls, study music in school or college, pursue a professional career, or perform in your living room for family and friends. Regardless of your age, level, or aspirations, I look forward to helping you to discover the musician you are meant to be.