Reflections on Teaching
Comments from Students and Colleagues Shown Below
~ Lesson Details Here ~
Throughout my lifetime of teaching flutists—from high school students to university majors, adults, and professionals—I’ve continued to learn and grow from each and every one of them. That’s the beauty of one-on-one instruction: the dynamic is always evolving. No two lessons are ever the same, and what we cover shifts depending on what the student brings to the session. As a mentor, I am constantly pivoting, responding in real time, and adapting to each individual’s needs. That’s one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching: even while playing the role of teacher, I’m always learning.
And it’s never just about mastering the flute. It’s about music—tone, technique, articulation, interpretation, intonation, dynamics, phrasing, breathing, posture, endurance, stage presence, music theory, and composition. But beyond that, it’s about collaboration and character—supporting others, committing to the team, staying focused, preparing with diligence, following through on responsibilities, and carrying yourself with integrity and professionalism. Musicians rarely play in isolation; they collaborate, share their gifts, and bring to life both centuries-old works and music being written today.
As a weekly teacher and mentor, I often become one of the most consistent role models in a student’s life outside of their parents—and that’s a responsibility I never take lightly. Music lessons are an investment in a child’s future, and in my view, few extracurricular activities offer such a wide range of lifelong benefits.
Over the decades, I’ve written hundreds of recommendation letters for my students, and I’m deeply grateful—and genuinely moved—by the heartfelt messages they’ve shared with me in return. I’ll share a few of their comments here.
Teaching Testimonials
(in progress)
I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Don Bailey for over 20 years. Our CD Tribute celebrates not only 20th-century flute repertoire but also our longstanding friendship that began during our university days.
Don enjoys teaching students at all levels, but he truly excels when working with those preparing for orchestral and college entrance auditions or competitions, as he is a master at refining final musical and technical details. We’ve given several master classes together, and I’ve seen firsthand how he has helped flutists take that crucial step into the professional world of music.
Don has enjoyed a dynamic international career as both a performer and teacher. He offers a range of inspiring master classes, the most popular titled Listen. Having taught at the university level for nearly four decades, I feel well qualified to recognize excellence in teaching, and Don’s is truly first-class.
Donald Sulzen
Munich Piano Trio
Guest Professor of Collaborative Piano, Mozarteum, Salzburg
Department Head of Song Interpretation, University for Music and Theater, Munich
Working with Don was transformative — his guidance and unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams fearlessly. His exceptional support helped me successfully enter into a D.M.A. program, and under his mentorship, I grew immensely as an artist. Studying with Don made me feel like anything was possible. I’ll forever be grateful for the pivotal role he played in my musical journey.
Dr. Heidi Kay Begay
Flute 360
Your teaching, from my vantage point, is one of grace. You are patient and genuinely aim to know the student as both the musician and person, but most importantly, as a complete self. When you are teaching, it feels as natural as an afternoon coffee or tea; in fact, I am energized to practice after hearing you play your flute and teach about pedagogical ideas and practices. There is not a day that I spent time with you that I did not learn, with or without my flute, and I must add, and with a hearty laugh.
Dr. Brice Smith
University of Colorado Boulder-DMA Flute Performance and Pedagogy
Don’s coachings were invaluable in the success of my college audition process. Not only does he know everything about the standard repertoire you will be required to play, but he knows many of the faculty and is familiar with the process of getting accepted into well-respected flute studios. He continues to be a lifelong mentor of mine, and has supported me throughout competitions, festival applications, recitals, and more.
Ingrid McDuffee
Flute student at Carnegie Mellon University
Don was my flute teacher during my middle and high school years at Riverbend Institute of the Arts music camp, and those summers were truly formative. He shaped me as a flutist in ways that still resonate today. He introduced me to Debussy’s Syrinx, which opened a door into a more expressive, emotional side of music. His unique approach, gently rocking with the rhythm, helped me internalize the beat and taught me how to truly embody music rather than just play it.
He also taught me how to breathe through performance anxiety. His guidance on slow, mindful breathing before a recital became a lifelong tool, something I still use today.
Those summers at Riverbend marked the beginning of a lifelong journey in the arts. I’ve continued to study flute ever since and now perform at special events such as weddings, celebrations of life, artist salons, and sacred gatherings, under the name Whispers of the Flute. While my professional work is centered in visual art, graphic design, and piano, but the flute remains at the heart of my creative life.
One of Don’s most remarkable qualities is his ability to bring people together. During the pandemic, he gathered his former students into a gentle, nurturing space where we could reconnect, share music, and continue growing, even in isolation. That kind of enduring grace says so much about who he is, not just as a teacher but as a human being.
Don is a sincere and gifted educator who is deeply committed to his students. He doesn’t just teach flute. He teaches how to make beauty shine through sound. His compassion, artistry, and encouragement helped set me on a path that I’ve walked with joy ever since.
Flute Student – Whispers of the Flute
Don is the perfect teacher for an aspiring young flutist who has some talent but even more ambition to be competitive in school, at youth orchestra, and throughout local and far-away auditions and competitions. He is patient yet inspiring, engaging and knowledgeable, and adept with stories and analogies to masterfully teach technique and grow musicality.
Remarkably, Don is also the ideal teacher for a mature flutist who may have spent some time away from the flute, still with some talent but with a renewed ambition to tackle challenging music and be competitive in solo contests. He is understanding yet encouraging, humorous and insightful, and his connections and experiences in the world of flute provide an incredibly rich opportunity for a student to truly learn the repertoire and grow as a musician.
Data Scientist – Reaspiring Flutist
Don Bailey’s session was next on my list. “Listen! Learn to Sing Through Your Flute.” What a musician! He discussed how vibrato should be a thing of change and discovery. In this session he worked with students, using Moyse melodies, teaching how to use vibrato to enhance the music rather then to just always play with vibrato. It was a good reminder to be intentional in your use of vibrato not formulaic. Whenever I hear Don Bailey give a masterclass I am aware that I am in the presence of a master!
Attendee at the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention – Washington, D.C.
More to come. Please visit again.
