I am very pleased with my result, still can’t quite believe it. I managed to get the mark 89 in the performance. I have attached the feedback that both the examiners gave me which appears to be very fair. This mark pulled my official degree class to a First overall, so I couldn’t be more happy with how everything turned out.
Thank you for helping me and teaching me through all of this!
Joshua, Durham University Student (July 2024)
I started studying with Miss Joo-Lee since I was first year and next week I am graduating from Durham University BA- Music. Before studying with Miss Joo-Lee it was really intense back in Hong Kong as every lesson is precious and there’s no time to lose, every lesson was stressful and had to learn different pieces within 3months time My techniques weren’t that strong and I always have trouble learning new pieces really quick, when it comes to technical pieces or fast pieces I always mess up my fingering or the piece After studying with Miss Joo-Lee Ive learned the techniques for practicing piano at home, and also how to relax myself whenever I play the piano, there’s no need to stress and also different stages of learning the piece will definitely help with learning the piece quicker My learning has gotten quicker over these three years and also whenever I play the piano I don’t feel so intense anymore and I’ve definitely improved my skills and changed my bad habits that I’ve gotten over the past 10years. Attitude-wise I have definitely learned how to manage my anxiety when it comes to practicing or even performing.
Danielle Leung, Durham University BA- Music (June 2024)
“By the end of the year, we had completely transformed my sound!”
A standout quality of Joo-Lee’s teaching is the focus on musicality and hearing what you are playing.
”“Her approach to tackle easy sections first, focusing on one element at a time…reduces the stress of practice and the need for perfection, and makes a difficult five page piece infinitely more manageable.”“Before coming to Joo-Lee I was in such a slump, with considerations of giving up, now thanks to her I have fallen back in love with my instrument.”
When I first arrived in Durham last year to begin my music degree, I had been struggling with higher-difficulty repertoire, and after years of back-to-back exams, flute playing had become almost a chore or another subject to study for, as opposed to an activity I enjoyed.
Despite having 10+ years of flute experience and my Grade 8 ABRSM qualification, I came to Joo-Lee extremely unconfident in my flute playing abilities and technique.
After just one lesson, Joo-Lee identified why I was struggling with difficult repertory: my basic foundational technique was lacking and my perfectionism was holding me back.
It would take time and effort in order to correct.
I was simultaneously terrified and horrified at the prospect of completely changing the way I played the flute, however I was reassured by Joo-Lee that I could do it with her help and guidance, and explained the steps forward we would be taking and the plan that lay ahead.
For my first year with Joo-Lee, she spent a lot of time breaking old habits and rebuilding the proper technique. This included, but was not limited to: working on my embouchure, releasing tension in my mouth and face, correcting breathing techniques, and working on flexibility of my lower lip.
For a long time, my sound was fluffy and unclear, however for every lesson I stressed and got frustrated with my sound, Joo-Lee cheered me on and could hear improvement even where I couldn’t. She never expected me to be perfect, or present perfect pieces, all she asked was that I attend my lessons and trust the process.
I found it difficult to relearn habits I had built up for such a long time, but it wasn’t until I completely relaxed and trusted the process that the results really began to show. By the end of the year, we had completely transformed my sound!
Since September of 2023, we have been working on Cecile Chaminade’s flute concerto, a piece that I have dreamed of playing, however, not thought possible. Thanks to Joo-Lee, I now have the technical abilities to approach it. Before coming to Joo-Lee, I would approach a piece in large sections and aim to completely complete it to a performance ready level before moving onto the next, which would inevitably lead to frustration. Her approach to tackle easy sections first, focusing on one element at a time (whether that be accuracy, consistency, expression or dynamics) reduces the stress of practice and the need for perfection, and makes a difficult five page piece infinitely more manageable. When we would come across areas of stress and difficulty, we would simply move on for that time, until I had the skills and confidence to tackle it.
This concept of saving sections for later and learning a piece not in chronological order was so foreign to me- but it worked!!! This method of practice has even changed how I approach my university assignments and I have even seen improvement there!
A standout quality of Joo-Lee’s teaching is the focus on musicality and hearing what you are playing. I had never bothered to memorise music before, and when she first asked me to memorise as little as four notes, I practically cried! I just couldn’t do it, nor did I understand why I needed to. Now, a year and a half on, I have the ability to memorise complex bars of music, which has developed my musical ear for accuracy and intonation, and just feeling what I am playing!
Now I can hear clear differences in how I play and have more of an awareness of myself and my sound. I have never enjoyed flute playing as much as I do now under the tutelage of Joo-Lee. She has taught me so many skills and is shaping me into a well-rounded flautist and musician and provides such a stress free, warm and welcoming space to learn and enjoy the flute.
Her relaxed environment and approach to teaching is amazing for perfectionists such as myself, who may be overly critical of themselves! Before coming to Joo-Lee I was in such a slump, with considerations of giving up, now thanks to her I have fallen back in love with my instrument. I am so excited to continue learning from her and her knowledge and experience!
Steph Roarty (May 2024)
Joo Lee is a wonderful teacher and I have been very impressed by her professionalism, her patience and gentle encouragement to bring out the best in my daughter and her piano playing.
Roisin often comments how much she enjoys her lessons and how the skills and advice given by Joo Lee are really helpful, not just for her piano but in every area of her studies.
Joo Lee is thorough in her approach, helping to improve technique but also teach the skills needed to learn any piece of music, helping to break down the process so that it is both manageable and, more importantly, achievable.
Leading up to her piano exam, Joo Lee put together a clear, detailed time table that made the process of practising and preparation feel wholly attainable.
Since starting lessons with Joo Lee, it is clear that Roisin has made significant progress in her performance abilities, and I have been amazed by her improved confidence and adeptness. The dynamics and expression that Roisin brings to her music is a joy to hear. She was absolutely delighted with her exam results!
Thank you so much for all of your expert tuition. Jennifer, (Roisin’s Mum). April 2023
I am a second year at Durham university studying music. I chose to learn piano and flute with Joo-Lee after finding her website online before starting uni. Her website suggested that she focused on technique which is something I really wanted to focus on in both my instruments. I had a trial lesson with her in the summer before Durham and found her encouraging, knowledgeable and overall just really helpful.
I have had lessons with Joo-Lee now for over a year and my progress has been incredible. My sound on flute has changed from sounding like a beginner (though I achieved grade 8 before I started) to sounding like a diploma student (which I am hoping to do at the end of this year). Similarly, in piano, I have grown in confidence as my technique has been improved and corrected. I would honestly recommend Joo-Lee to anyone who wants to progress in their technique.
Our lessons are fun, relaxing and productive. You have to be willing to be patient but embracing Joo-Lee‘s method is extremely rewarding in the long run. She doesn’t only teach you how to improve but how to practice and even how to organise your life!
Amy Gatward (February 2023)
I’m a first year music student, we had a list of approved flute teachers from the university. I chose to learn with Joo-Lee because I felt like she could help me improve my technique and I could learn so much from her. I’ve been learning from Joo-Lee for 3 months or so now and I’ve improved so much that I feel a lot more confident in my abilities. She’s patient, and explains everything so clearly and makes everything very easy! I would highly recommend and I can’t wait to keep learning and improving :))
Lowri Carter (January 2023)
Joo-Lee is honestly an inspirational teacher! From my first lesson I knew how much she had to teach me and I was right. When I first started having lessons I had had the same flute teacher since I was 8 and so I had a lot of technique to improve on even though I had just done my ATCL diploma! I am now preparing for my LTCL diploma to hopefully do in February and I am so excited by all my playing! I have learnt so much technique and am so pleased with the tone and colour I am able to play with. Zoom lessons and in person lessons are always my favourite part of the week and I can’t wait to be back in Durham to continue in person lessons! Chessy, Durham University Student (July 2020)
And Chessy’s learnt so much from you. I’m so glad she found you. You have enhanced her experience in Durham no end. Your care, professionalism and skill are remarkable. You have pushed and encouraged just the right amount. Chessy has grown as a performer and a musician thanks to you. We are so grateful. Thank you. Lucy (Chessy’s mum, May 2022)
My 8 year old son has started taking beginner keyboard lessons with Joo-Lee after his small group lessons in school were cancelled. Joo-Lee took time to learn about my son and to find out what we wanted from his lessons. She adapts brilliantly to keep him engaged and motivated. She is such a bright and positive teacher. My son feels his abilty to sight read has massively improved in the last two months, and I would have to agree. Looking forward to watching him improve in the future! Georgina (June 2020)
Very professional and experienced, Joo-Lee always finds a way to improve my music skills. She creates tailored exercises depends on the time availability. She also encourages her pupils to develop their own interpretation of music. It’s a pleasure to come to her classes. Long, Durham University Researcher (March 2019)
When I began taking piano lessons with Joo-Lee, despite having already passed my Grade two exam, I still lacked any real confidence in my ability. I struggled with sight reading and technique and if I’m honest I was losing my love of playing this wonderful instrument. But, thankfully for me I found the perfect teacher at just the right time. Joo-Lee, through her patience, kindness and extensive knowledge has helped me to not only become a much more confident and accomplished musician but has helped to reignite my passion for music. I would not hesitate to recommend Joo-Lee as a teacher. You cannot help but be inspired by her. Paula, Health Coach (April 2019)
Thank you for all your help and guidance leading up to this milestone, the DipABRSM. It has not been easy and there were times when I lost hope, but you reassured me and helped me build up my confidence. This is not just about the diploma, I remember the first time I came to your lesson. I was fearful of mistakes, worrying about everything and closed-minded to change. But through your kindness, knowledge and your never-give-up attitude you have brought me to where I am now, a diploma student! I am so happy and grateful to say that I am at the diploma standard! Thank you so much for everything! Tom (July 2018)
I’m a second year music student and have been studying with Joo-Lee for 2 years. I came to her as a keen flautist hoping to focus particularly on my technique. As well as taking me to diploma level, Joo-Lee has taught me game-changing techniques which have completely transformed my playing over these 2 years, and she has done this through taking time to personalise her teaching to my style of playing. These lessons are genuinely enjoyable and I have loved being able to hear the ways in which I have progressed under the support of Joo-Lee! Rosie, Durham University Graduate (April 2019)
My daughter has had flute lessons with Joo Lee for a couple of years now and she loves them. Joo Lee is a very warm and encouraging teacher who is always on hand for help and advice as she encourages email contact from my daughter during the week to support her practise. My daughter has made excellent progress and is thoroughly enjoying playing the flute. Elizabeth, Music Teacher (April 2019)
I’ve only had three lessons with Joo-Lee so far, but I can already tell that I am improving a lot. Joo-Lee has been really good at noticing where I am too tense and where I need to improve to make flute playing easier. Her approach to lessons is unique, thought-provoking, and so far really effective. I highly recommend her as a flute teacher! Maggie, Durham University Student (December 2018)
I am about to begin my second Head of Music job, and looking back, I know that the flute lessons I took during my music degree with Joo-Lee not only developed the skills and taught me the techniques I needed as a musician (and future teacher!), but also inspired me to be confident and enjoy every bar of music I was learning – even the tricky bits of the diploma repertoire! Joo-Lee made a real effort to get to know me on a personal level, and always offered endless encouragement. I would highly recommend anyone to take music lessons with Joo-Lee – you will never want to leave! Thank you Joo-Lee for the impact you have had! Louise, Durham University Graduate, Music Teacher (August 2017)
Your approach to teaching is unique because there is never any pressure to get something right. You are always patient and are always Iooking for an underlying reason as to why something/a passage is particularly challenging and wilI make it as easy as possibIe instead of trying hard to get it right. You highlight the fact that trying hard causes problems and mistakes – making something as easy as possible heIps to relax the mind allowing me to reach my potential (it’s usually all in the mind) My wishes included to be more confident, to be able to play fast/virtuosic passages, be able to double tongue with ease, achieve a 1st in performance at university and take my DipABRSM exam in flute performance. Over the three years you made every one of these a reality. I have never been as prepared for an exam as I was for my DipARSM. Through Iessons with you I decided to read ‘The Inner Game of Music’ which I was also abIe to use in a written exam for performance studies — I was able to understand the method s shown in the book as I had experienced most of them first hand in lessons with you, making the written exam easier. I have become more confident as you taught me that worries are onIy there because we have questions that need to be answered or we are not prepared — so go out and ask questions and plan ahead to avoid pressure and worry. What’s the worst that can happen? Usually not a lot! Having no pressure to get something right. Knowing that if something is particularly difficult there’s usually an under lying reason/probIem with the foundation – not because I am not working hard enough. I realIy enjoy flute lessons with loo-Lee and I have achieved more in three years with Joo-Lee than I did throughout high school. Definitely try Iessons with Joo-Lee because her method s apply to life and not just the flute. Jennifer, Durham University Graduate (July 2017)
I had flute and piano lessons with Joo-Lee for 9 and 1/2 years and I have recently done my ARSM Diploma flute exam marking the end of my lessons with Joo-Lee as I am moving away. My goal was to reach the highest standard I could and enjoy it along the way. Joo-Lee has helped me achieve this with her patience and constant support. Music lessons were always fun and enjoyable and every time I left I felt like I had achieved something. I would definitely recommend Joo-Lee to anyone looking for a flute or piano teacher! Lois (July 2017)
