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Woodwind Teachers
Woodwind Teachers
The Music Shoppe of Normal
Whether you're ready to get started with lessons or just want more information, please check out our Lesson Studio Contact Form.
Rachel Bailey (She/Her)
Flute Instructor | Normal, IL
Rachel Bailey’s Flute Studio
I help students:
- Develop better tone and intonation
- Strengthen fundamentals in playing techniques
- Manage performance anxiety
- Prepare for honor band/orchestra auditions
- Amplify stage presence in performance
- Apply body awareness concepts to avoid injury
- Learn new repertoire
- Be part of an ensemble
Teaching Philosophy: Curiosity and Joy
Curiosity and Joy
My approach to flute instruction is predicated on curiosity and joy for music and learning. This fosters a diverse range of teaching methodologies, tailored to the unique learning preferences of each student. I encourage students to embrace music with curiosity and diligence, enabling them to analyze and improve their playing. This self-directed approach empowers them to become their own daily teacher, overcome challenges, and plan ahead.
Ensembles
We offer ensemble experiences as part of a comprehensive flute study program, focusing on fundamentals, musicianship, and performance skills.
- Bloomington-Normal Apprentice Flute Choir: Junior high flute choir (ages may vary by skill)
- Bloomington-Normal Flute Ensemble: High school/advanced ensemble (ages may vary by skill)
- Bloomington-Normal Flute Club: All-abilities, adult ensemble
Additional Instruments
Yes! Here are some additional flutes and their descriptions:
- Native American Style Flute: No keys, easy to learn, ideal for all skill levels, great for improvisation
- Irish Flute: Side-blown with open holes, expressive and suitable for Irish techniques
- Tin Whistle (Penny Whistle): Recorder-like, no keys, great for color and folk music
- Chinese Dizi: Side-blown with a buzzing membrane, unique and challenging
- Peruvian Quena / Japanese Shakuhachi: End-blown, expressive, and rewarding to play
- Recorder: Often underestimated! Comes in soprano, alto, tenor, and bass; great for early music ensembles
Biography:
Rachel Bailey began lessons at age 9 with Sue Gillio in the LaSalle-Peru area of Illinois. She then went on to study with Patricia George at Brigham Young University-Idaho where she received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Performance. She also earned her Master’s of Music Degree in flute performance and studied with Dr. Adah Toland-Jones at Texas State University. Ms. Bailey was a winner in the Concerto Competition at Texas State in 2008 and soloed with the orchestra on the Liebermann Flute Concerto in 2009. She was also a student at Trevor Wye’s flute studio in Ashford, Kent UK, where she completed her certificate in 2011. Rachel has performed with the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Sewanee Symphony, Texas State Symphony, and Brigham Young University-Idaho Orchestra. Rachel currently performs with the Irish music group, Paddy’s Favorite Sons and as a free-lance musician. She is also the founder and director of the Bloomington-Normal Flute Club, an all-abilities adult flute choir.
She currently plays on a handmade custom silver Jack Moore flute with an Arista head joint. She also performs on a variety of flutes including Irish tin whistle, Native American Flute, and many more!
Rachel is listed in Prairie Pride Coalition's Bloomington-Normal Area LGBTQIA+ Business and Resource Directory and has pledged to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment and to serve our community fairly and equitably. Rachel was also winner of Pantagraph Readers' Choice Awards for Best Tutor in 2024.
You can hear some samples of Rachel’s playing or follow her any of the following sites on her link tree: https://linktr.ee/rachelbailey.flute
Rachel Bailey began lessons at age 9 with Sue Gillio in the LaSalle-Peru area of Illinois. She then went on to study with Patricia George at Brigham Young University-Idaho where she received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Performance. She also earned her Master’s of Music Degree in flute performance and studied with Dr. Adah Toland-Jones at Texas State University. Ms. Bailey was a winner in the Concerto Competition at Texas State in 2008 and soloed with the orchestra on the Liebermann Flute Concerto in 2009. She was also a student at Trevor Wye’s flute studio in Ashford, Kent UK, where she completed her certificate in 2011. Rachel has performed with the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Sewanee Symphony, Texas State Symphony, and Brigham Young University-Idaho Orchestra. Rachel currently performs with the Irish music group, Paddy’s Favorite Sons and as a free-lance musician. She is also the founder and director of the Bloomington-Normal Flute Club, an all-abilities adult flute choir.
She currently plays on a handmade custom silver Jack Moore flute with an Arista head joint. She also performs on a variety of flutes including Irish tin whistle, Native American Flute, and many more!
Rachel is listed in Prairie Pride Coalition's Bloomington-Normal Area LGBTQIA+ Business and Resource Directory and has pledged to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment and to serve our community fairly and equitably. Rachel was also winner of Pantagraph Readers' Choice Awards for Best Tutor in 2024.
You can hear some samples of Rachel’s playing or follow her any of the following sites on her link tree: https://linktr.ee/rachelbailey.flute
Sally Hoffmann
Flute Instructor | Normal, IL
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Sally Hoffmann is a private flute teacher of students in Bloomington Normal and the Central Illinois area. She is from Pontiac, IL and has a Bachelor of Music Education, Illinois State University, 1978. She studied with Max Schoenfeld and has 40+ years of teaching experience. She has extensive performance experience in bands, orchestras and chamber music. She also has music-directed and conducted in numerous theatres throughout the region. She is also a composer and arranger.
Flute teaching is specialized in beginner, intermediate and advanced intermediate levels. Instruction places emphasis on music reading, flute performance, and music theory. Sally works with students of all ages including adults. She starts students as young as 7 on smaller curved headjoint flutes.
The lesson plans are tailored to meet individual levels of talent and desire. Recitals are held frequently. Flutists are prepared for auditions and competitions such ILMEA and band/chair placements. Extensive preparation for solo and ensemble contest – Sally accompanies her own students on piano as needed.
Sally’s personal website can be found here: http://musicwithsally.com/
Veronica Ervin
Bassoon Instructor | Normal, IL
Veronica Ervin is currently attending Illinois State University studying music and elementary education. At ISU she has performed with the ISU orchestra and Wind Symphony band. She has over 10 years experience in performing on bassoon with orchestras and bands primarily performing locally in the Central Illinois region and is an experienced reed-maker, creating her own reeds. Additionally, she has also previously performed for solo competitions such as through the Midwest Double Reed Society, and additionally participated in the 2019 National Association of Music Educators All-Nationals Honor Band. She has performed locally with MiOpera. Veronica aims to make learning and developing mastery of the bassoon a fun and positive experience for all learners, regardless of skill level!
Bill Toovey
Clarinet Instructor | Normal, IL
Bill Toovey is music educator and clarinetist. In ‘retirement’, he continues to be an active educator and performer with community-based ensembles.
During his 35-plus years in music education, Bill taught in both Colorado and Illinois. Additionally, he has a diverse performance background with collegiate and community ensembles, orchestras, ‘pit’ ensembles for musicals and operas, jazz, and chamber groups.
Lesson essentials center on your goals in combination with…
- Producing a characteristic clarinet tone
- Proper playing mechanics
- Improved performance skills
- Clarinet maintenance
- Introduction to a variety of clarinet literature
- Strategies for ensemble playing
- Mentoring for contest and audition preparation
James Mailhot
Clarinet Instructor | Normal, IL
James Mailhot holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet and Composition from the Boston Conservatory of Music and a Postgraduate Certificate in Composition and Bass Clarinet from the Royal College of Music, London. He was awarded the R.O. Morris Prize by the Royal College of Music.
A retired business executive, James has returned to his love of music. He has been an active performer and soloist in the Boston, Massachusetts, area for many years, performing with The Revels, civic orchestras, the Roma Band, and the Patrick Gilmore Concert Band.
He offers instruction for beginners as well as more experienced students preparing for district and other auditions. His lessons focus on musicianship, tone development, technical fundamentals, and instrument maintenance. James is committed to creating a positive and encouraging learning experience.
Brett Thole
Saxophone Instructor | Normal, IL
Brett Thole is a saxophone performer and educator in the Bloomington-Normal area. He holds a Bachelors of Music in Saxophone performance from Illinois State University, and is currently continuing his education there as the saxophone Graduate Assistant. Brett is a student of Dr. Paul Nolen, and prior to attending ISU he studied with Adrianne Honnold. Throughout his time at ISU, Brett has consistently placed in the top ensembles for both Jazz and Concert Bands. He also was selected to participate in the Symphony Orchestra when they performed works involving saxophone. Brett has performed in several recitals and masterclasses with world renowned saxophonists. Being a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA), he attended and competed in the 2010 conference in Athens, GA. As a member of the Viridian Sax Quartet, he advanced to the regional round of the Music Teachers National Association chamber competition in 2013. He also was a semifinalist with this quartet for the NASA conference at the University of Illinois in 2014. Brett appeared as a soloist with the Illinois State University Wind Symphony after winning the Band Concerto Competition in 2013. In addition to his academic performing, Brett is also a member of the Heartland Jazz Orchestra and is often asked to perform for musicals at Illinois Wesleyan University.
While Brett is an active performer, he is also in high demand as an educator. While at Illinois State University, Brett has taken multiple courses in saxophone pedagogy. He is often asked to give masterclasses in the Bloomington-Normal area, while simultaneously maintaining a private studio. His students consistently place high in their schools’ ensembles as well as honor bands and solo and ensemble contests. Brett is a judge for the IHSA Solo and Ensemble contests and also invited to be a judge for the Illinois Music Educators Association District 3 contest. He works with students of all ages and ability levels. Some of his students continued on and pursued music careers of their own. Lessons with Brett are tailored to meet each students’ individual needs and interests.
Emily Stengel
Flute Instructor | Normal, IL
Emily Stengel is a flutist with a passion for music education. She earned her undergraduate degree in music education and a Master of Music in flute performance from Illinois State University, where she studied under Dr. Kimberly McCoul Risinger.
She has years of teaching experience, including working at Carl’s Pro Band and teaching general music to 4th–6th graders. An active musician in her community, she plays with the Bloomington Community Band. Emily emphasizes the importance of effective practice techniques in musical development and is excited to teach students of all ages and experience levels.
Whether you're preparing for Solo & Ensemble, ILMEA, or just playing for fun, Emily is ready to help you improve and enjoy making music.