Attending Rhonda Larson's Master Class this summer was an amazing experience and one that far exceeded my expectations! I was very interested in attending Rhonda's master class because I have saw her conduct a master class in NYC several years ago and I loved her teaching style, one that is nurturing, and loved her music, what can I say about that one except, wow!! Rhonda is an awesome flutist, teacher, composer and just a really nice, kind, spiritual person.

So, my primary goal for attending Rhonda's Master Class in Italy this past summer was to get some experience and increased confidence with performing in public. As an amateur adult returning to the flute after many years, I do not have the opportunity to perform in public. My secondary goals were to have fun, meet interesting people, and enjoy the wonderful learning environment and setting.

These goals were definitely met! Let me focus first on goal of performing in public. Rhonda focuses her master class around performance, with the highlight being a concert in the town of Casperia. I learned the importance of selecting the right type of music, given the audience. (Its not about playing what you want to play, its about what the audience will enjoy hearing… some times they are one in the same.) And, I learned a lot about presence. This may sound kind of basic, but for me, it made a ton of difference in my playing. I learned to hold my head up high, stand up straight, smile at the audience, and enjoy the moment! Holding my head up high did wonders for my tone and projection. (what a surprise, huh?!) At Rhonda's master class we call this "being noble".

Now, for the other goals. I met such great, talented, fun-loving and supportive flutists. We ranged from teens to AARP members- and we all had the love of flute in common. Every one was so supportive. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to learn with and from, and to share this incredible experience.

The setting was spectacular! The town of Casperia is beyond words. You have to check out the photos to even begin to appreciate the beauty. And, the master class schedule definitely enabled us to see some of the sights and experience life in Italy. Lee, Rhonda's husband, was an incredible tour guide for us on our one day excursion to Rome and our afternoon adventure to another small town called, Farfa. Having lived in Italy, Lee was a wealth of interesting information and an excellent guide.

I hope I don't sound as if I am exaggerating when I say attending Rhonda's master class was such an awesome, incredible experience, probably one of the best things I've experienced in a my life! In that one week, I grew musically and personally (and probably physically with all that great food!). I met incredible people that I hope will be a part of my life, going forward. I would love to have the opportunity to attend another master class with Rhonda. In the meantime, I'll keep my head high and be "noble".