Alumni Testimonies
1. What is the most valuable lesson you learned from your experiences in Dr. Jones' studio?
“Stay true to your own playing and if you do not know what that is or thought you did, do not be afraid to find out what that is. I found that I would be teaching my students things but I would not be following that same advice. It was Dr. Jones' advice only in my own words.”
“Oh, so much! If I have to narrow it down, I’d say dedication. I not only learned how to dedicate myself to practicing, studying, and getting better at whatever I do, but I learned how to be dedicated to my students through her example. She devotes so much time to making her students not only better flute players but happier people too.”
"Dr. Jones creates a very nurturing environment in her studio through emphasizing the importance of comradery. She schedules weekly seminars, flute choir, individual and group lessons, and has created an underclassmen/upperclassmen mentorship. The flute studio is unique in that there are several opportunities to interact on a personal and professional level with all members. Unlike other studios, the flute players are very much a team in addition to being individual performers. The friendship and support that is cultivated by Dr. Jones is unparalleled compared to other studios in the School of Music."
2. What is one of your most memorable accomplishments at Texas State University School of Music?
“I do not have one, I have many. Every performance because I felt they were a stepping stone leading me to where I am now.”
"My three most memorable accomplishments at Texas State include performing at TMEA with the Wind Ensemble in 2011, performing in the Opera Theater, and my senior recital. Being a part of these three events exposed me to the patience it takes to create an audition recording and live performance, the long and tedious hours required to put on a production, and the attention to detail it takes to differentiate yourself from good and great."
“Again, so much. Texas State University was the perfect place to become the teacher and flute player that I wanted to be. The top of the list would be winning the concerto competition and performing a solo with the Texas State Symphony Orchestra. I worked so hard to achieve the goal of winning the competition and it made the experience so memorable to have Dr. Jones and the entire flute studio supporting me.”
3. How has Dr. Jones' teaching impacted your career path or teaching philosophy today?
"I have implemented several of Dr. Jones’ teaching methods in my band classes today. Not only does she teach you how to be a professional player, she teaches you how to be a teacher from working with beginners to college-level students."
“Dr. Jones supported my decision to pursue a performance master's even when all I wanted to do was teach private lessons. I had told her realistically I was probably not going to take auditions due to being married and settled. She still pushed me as though I would be taking auditions and got the most out of me even when it was hard and frustrating, but that is what I needed and asked for getting this degree. I want to continue learning because it impacts my students and Dr. Jones has influenced that with the independent study regarding pedagogy... I do not want to go into education, but I do want to know how others teach, why, how it works, and how to make my own style of teaching that will stand the test of time. Dr. Jones has a style that is comforting and friendly and makes me want to return to see what she is doing next. I think she impacts and influences more flutes and musicians than she can imagine. It is pretty amazing.”
“She has inspired my love for the flute and teaching anything that has to do with music. I learned so much at Texas State through experiencing music, which is how I teach elementary music. You can’t really talk about how to make music. You just have to experience it and recreate those experiences. She has also helped me realize my potential as a flute player and has inspired and encouraged me to continue my study of the flute as well as teaching it.”
4. What is one of your fondest memories of your time at Texas State University?
“My flute friends... Making friends in the flute studio as well as the department as a whole. It is very different in other University studios I have been involved in, and the friendly factor at Texas State is such an anomaly that I feel like keeping a secret for fear it may disappear.”
“This I can’t narrow down. Here’s a few – Jumping in the river after long, hot marching band rehearsals. Attending and performing at my first National Flute Association Convention with the Texas State Flute Choir (along with UTSA, OLL, and TLU). Then attending all the other conventions – New York, Anaheim, and Las Vegas. Gaining some of the best friends I could ever have! Writing crazy theory progressions with my theory partner. Duet night at the music building – random people getting together and sight reading duets at late hours.”
"As a fresh start at the conclusion of high school, the city of San Marcos developed into my new home. I enjoyed the campus, the places I chose to live, the great places to eat and create memories with the new individuals in my life. There is no other place that I’d rather spend my college years."
5. What are your long-term musical goals, and how will you go about achieving them?
"As of now, I plan on continuing to teach at the middle school level, learning from great mentors along the way. There is still so much left to learn and the best way to acquire the knowledge I’m seeking is through experience in the teaching field."
“I have always wanted to teach private lessons and I am doing that. I have a goal of 60 students, and I am half way there. I have wanted to perform in professional chamber groups locally and I am involved in Deja Flute Choir and a Woodwind Quintet. Long term, I hope to keep up my studio and be able to give studio recitals and start a high school and middle school flute choir at the schools where I teach.”
“I would like to teach at a university – either music education classes or flute and perform with a professional symphony or opera company. I am pursuing a master’s degree in Flute Performance at Ball State University in the fall where I will also be very involved in the music education department through an assistantship. After I complete this degree, I hope to pursue a DMA and return to teaching!”
6. What advice or information would you like to tell someone who is considering pursuing music at Texas State University and auditioning for Dr. Jones' studio?
“Being involved with music is not easy, but remember that at one point it was fun and there will always be an ally to help you become better within yourself. If you start to be competitive with anyone but yourself it is self destructive and no one can help you. Dr. Jones is the guide for all of these things. Meet with her before the actual audition process several times and get to know her. And actually try every single thing she suggests, even if you think it sounds insane... Open minds go very far.”
"If you plan to attend Texas State to pursue a music education degree, Dr. Jones will still hold her expectation of your playing to the standard of a performance major. This is encouraging because there is no divide in ability level between education and performance majors. Her expectation for everyone in her studio is very high, which requires individuals to have a strong work ethic in order to be successful. I believe that you appreciate your education much more when you are forced to constantly put forth your best effort."
“DO IT. It is the best decision I have ever made. So much of who I am has been molded by Dr. Jones and Texas State University. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help. Dr. Jones is not only as knowledgeable as you can get, but she is very caring as well.”
7. What attracted you to the masters program at Texas State?
“I met Patricia George at a flute master class at James Bowie High School in Austin, TX. Mrs. George gave me a flute lesson and I told her of my previous pursuit of a MM degree and she said I should contact Dr. Jones, her past student. I did and after the first lesson with Dr. Jones I knew that I had met my new flute teacher. Dr. Jones was the main draw to the school.”
8. How has your masters degree from Texas State University furthered your career?
“I have been able to network with friends, professors, and alumni in the Austin and surrounding areas for gigs and such.”
*Answers provided by:
Hilary Janysek, elementary music teacher and recipient of Bachelor of Music with all level teacher certification
Jamie Hunt, private flute instructor and recipient of Master of Music – flute performance
“Stay true to your own playing and if you do not know what that is or thought you did, do not be afraid to find out what that is. I found that I would be teaching my students things but I would not be following that same advice. It was Dr. Jones' advice only in my own words.”
“Oh, so much! If I have to narrow it down, I’d say dedication. I not only learned how to dedicate myself to practicing, studying, and getting better at whatever I do, but I learned how to be dedicated to my students through her example. She devotes so much time to making her students not only better flute players but happier people too.”
"Dr. Jones creates a very nurturing environment in her studio through emphasizing the importance of comradery. She schedules weekly seminars, flute choir, individual and group lessons, and has created an underclassmen/upperclassmen mentorship. The flute studio is unique in that there are several opportunities to interact on a personal and professional level with all members. Unlike other studios, the flute players are very much a team in addition to being individual performers. The friendship and support that is cultivated by Dr. Jones is unparalleled compared to other studios in the School of Music."
2. What is one of your most memorable accomplishments at Texas State University School of Music?
“I do not have one, I have many. Every performance because I felt they were a stepping stone leading me to where I am now.”
"My three most memorable accomplishments at Texas State include performing at TMEA with the Wind Ensemble in 2011, performing in the Opera Theater, and my senior recital. Being a part of these three events exposed me to the patience it takes to create an audition recording and live performance, the long and tedious hours required to put on a production, and the attention to detail it takes to differentiate yourself from good and great."
“Again, so much. Texas State University was the perfect place to become the teacher and flute player that I wanted to be. The top of the list would be winning the concerto competition and performing a solo with the Texas State Symphony Orchestra. I worked so hard to achieve the goal of winning the competition and it made the experience so memorable to have Dr. Jones and the entire flute studio supporting me.”
3. How has Dr. Jones' teaching impacted your career path or teaching philosophy today?
"I have implemented several of Dr. Jones’ teaching methods in my band classes today. Not only does she teach you how to be a professional player, she teaches you how to be a teacher from working with beginners to college-level students."
“Dr. Jones supported my decision to pursue a performance master's even when all I wanted to do was teach private lessons. I had told her realistically I was probably not going to take auditions due to being married and settled. She still pushed me as though I would be taking auditions and got the most out of me even when it was hard and frustrating, but that is what I needed and asked for getting this degree. I want to continue learning because it impacts my students and Dr. Jones has influenced that with the independent study regarding pedagogy... I do not want to go into education, but I do want to know how others teach, why, how it works, and how to make my own style of teaching that will stand the test of time. Dr. Jones has a style that is comforting and friendly and makes me want to return to see what she is doing next. I think she impacts and influences more flutes and musicians than she can imagine. It is pretty amazing.”
“She has inspired my love for the flute and teaching anything that has to do with music. I learned so much at Texas State through experiencing music, which is how I teach elementary music. You can’t really talk about how to make music. You just have to experience it and recreate those experiences. She has also helped me realize my potential as a flute player and has inspired and encouraged me to continue my study of the flute as well as teaching it.”
4. What is one of your fondest memories of your time at Texas State University?
“My flute friends... Making friends in the flute studio as well as the department as a whole. It is very different in other University studios I have been involved in, and the friendly factor at Texas State is such an anomaly that I feel like keeping a secret for fear it may disappear.”
“This I can’t narrow down. Here’s a few – Jumping in the river after long, hot marching band rehearsals. Attending and performing at my first National Flute Association Convention with the Texas State Flute Choir (along with UTSA, OLL, and TLU). Then attending all the other conventions – New York, Anaheim, and Las Vegas. Gaining some of the best friends I could ever have! Writing crazy theory progressions with my theory partner. Duet night at the music building – random people getting together and sight reading duets at late hours.”
"As a fresh start at the conclusion of high school, the city of San Marcos developed into my new home. I enjoyed the campus, the places I chose to live, the great places to eat and create memories with the new individuals in my life. There is no other place that I’d rather spend my college years."
5. What are your long-term musical goals, and how will you go about achieving them?
"As of now, I plan on continuing to teach at the middle school level, learning from great mentors along the way. There is still so much left to learn and the best way to acquire the knowledge I’m seeking is through experience in the teaching field."
“I have always wanted to teach private lessons and I am doing that. I have a goal of 60 students, and I am half way there. I have wanted to perform in professional chamber groups locally and I am involved in Deja Flute Choir and a Woodwind Quintet. Long term, I hope to keep up my studio and be able to give studio recitals and start a high school and middle school flute choir at the schools where I teach.”
“I would like to teach at a university – either music education classes or flute and perform with a professional symphony or opera company. I am pursuing a master’s degree in Flute Performance at Ball State University in the fall where I will also be very involved in the music education department through an assistantship. After I complete this degree, I hope to pursue a DMA and return to teaching!”
6. What advice or information would you like to tell someone who is considering pursuing music at Texas State University and auditioning for Dr. Jones' studio?
“Being involved with music is not easy, but remember that at one point it was fun and there will always be an ally to help you become better within yourself. If you start to be competitive with anyone but yourself it is self destructive and no one can help you. Dr. Jones is the guide for all of these things. Meet with her before the actual audition process several times and get to know her. And actually try every single thing she suggests, even if you think it sounds insane... Open minds go very far.”
"If you plan to attend Texas State to pursue a music education degree, Dr. Jones will still hold her expectation of your playing to the standard of a performance major. This is encouraging because there is no divide in ability level between education and performance majors. Her expectation for everyone in her studio is very high, which requires individuals to have a strong work ethic in order to be successful. I believe that you appreciate your education much more when you are forced to constantly put forth your best effort."
“DO IT. It is the best decision I have ever made. So much of who I am has been molded by Dr. Jones and Texas State University. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help. Dr. Jones is not only as knowledgeable as you can get, but she is very caring as well.”
7. What attracted you to the masters program at Texas State?
“I met Patricia George at a flute master class at James Bowie High School in Austin, TX. Mrs. George gave me a flute lesson and I told her of my previous pursuit of a MM degree and she said I should contact Dr. Jones, her past student. I did and after the first lesson with Dr. Jones I knew that I had met my new flute teacher. Dr. Jones was the main draw to the school.”
8. How has your masters degree from Texas State University furthered your career?
“I have been able to network with friends, professors, and alumni in the Austin and surrounding areas for gigs and such.”
*Answers provided by:
Hilary Janysek, elementary music teacher and recipient of Bachelor of Music with all level teacher certification
Jamie Hunt, private flute instructor and recipient of Master of Music – flute performance
