“Our family’s experience with Jennifer Wilhelms was outstanding. Jennifer is a gifted flautist, writer, and scholar. She is a thoughtful and engaging teacher. Most importantly, Jennifer is simply a wonderful person. She is genuine in her desire to make the most of your child’s musical abilities and to grow their appreciation of how music is composed, performed, and experienced.
As a parent, I have appreciated how Jennifer skillfully worked to keep my kids on task during lesson and productive during their daily practice. When my teen went through a “no practice” phase Jennifer threw him a lifeline and their lessons expanded to include discussions of respect, self-discipline, and how to cultivate healthy habits. Jennifer is both honest and warm. Your kid knows she thinks the world of them and wants them to grow and succeed. Her support has meant everything to my teen and endeared her to this mom.
My kids both learned so much from Jennifer Wilhelms. Their abilities blossomed beyond our expectations. We were exposed to concerts, guest teachers, and musical scholarship. They had fun and looked forward to their lessons. We worked through tough times together. Jennifer is a teacher, partner, and friend. She is fantastic. ”
Jennifer Gehant Ortiz
“I was taught by Jennifer for over 7 years and found it to be a wonderful experience. Of course, Jennifer is incredibly experienced, but beyond that she is an amazing individual to have been taught by. I personally struggle with consistent practicing, and yet despite this setback I made substantial progress during my time with Jennifer, as she worked with me constantly to make an effective schedule, which was instrumental in ensuring I continued to progress in my studies. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for flute at various times during my tenure with Jennifer, her dedication to her students beyond solely aspects of flute playing, such as aid with scheduling practice times, adapting lessons to the impacts of the pandemic through virtual sessions, and even helping with music related assignments from school, was an immense aid for me as I navigated through high school and issues I tend to have with organization.
Through the entirety of high school, and all the stress that can entail, Jennifer’s continued aid and constant push for me to challenge my abilities, even when I did not want to, ensured my skill with the flute continued to grow. I ended my high school career and my time with Jennifer along with it, to move forward into university, however I now carry with me a stronger work ethic and quality flute skill that I can continue to work on with the foundations taught to me. Thank you, Jennifer!”
Hugo Gehant
“I recently had the opportunity to watch Jennifer teach an 8 year old the beginning basics of flute. What I found most remarkable was how Jennifer incorporated into her lesson the key, life-long concept that in music we have to learn how to teach ourselves. During the lesson Jennifer and her pupil explored a variety of techniques to train the ear and discussed how to incorporate these techniques into home practice.
Throughout the lesson, opportunities were identified to discuss how to train oneself for rhythm, sound, pitch, correct posture and position to ensure healthy playing, and most of all to maintain joy and pleasure in learning to play. The foundation Jennifer laid out was indeed a solid one which could be carried throughout her young pupil’s progress from beginner to accomplished flutist.”
E.B.
“I was nervous but excited and enthusiastic when I met with Jennifer for my lesson. I didn't know if my breath would produce notes. She was welcoming and inviting and asked me to play something. My fear disappeared, replaced by music I could hear as my fingers and lips and breath produced it. Jennifer listened attentively.
"You have really good embouchure," she announced brightly as I concluded the piece. She set more music on the stand, picked up her flute, and played along with me. She made the lesson feel comfortable, and I felt happy in my accomplishment. Jennifer was gentle in encouraging me to continue to take my flute out of the case; play scales, continue.
She reminds me still--that I can continue to learn and improve and gain the skills and pleasure of making flute music, myself--but I have to do it. I have to pick up my flute and play it. Jennifer is an excellent teacher.”
T.S.
“I was looking for a flute instructor when I came to Chicago for six months’ job-related training. I found Jennifer through her website and sent her a message to ask for flute lessons.
Since I am Japanese, I was a little worried about taking lessons all in English, but she taught me so kindly and politely that I much enjoyed her lessons during my stay. I was so happy to have the opportunity to perform in a recital.
One thing I like about the way she teaches is that she uses metaphors to explain things, which made it easier for me to understand. I also like that she tells interesting stories about composers and musicians. I really enjoyed lessons with Jennifer, and it is definitely an unforgettable memory of my time in Chicago!”
Yoko Takano
“My daughter has been taking lessons from Jennifer, weekly, for one year. In that time, her ability to read, understand, and play music grew unbelievably! Jennifer was funny and kind and knew just how to incorporate many advanced concepts and music theory without it ever seeming overwhelming. I often felt that we were getting the benefit of years of schooling and experience, in one short 45-minute lesson. This was our first year of private lessons, and I had no idea how much of a difference it would make when we started out. I heartily recommend Jennifer to anyone considering flute lessons.”
C. Zissis
