Get to know Mobile Music Lessons flute and piano faculty member, Rebekah Hickok! Learn more about her on our faculty page. Read more faculty spotlights on our blog.
Q: How did you get started playing the flute? A: When I was in fifth grade, it was time to select a band instrument and all the girls wanted to play flute, so I wanted to play it as well. The first time I tried it, I could not get a sound out of the head joint. I kept trying and trying, but I could not produce a sound and so the band Director told me he felt I should play the clarinet. I was very upset by that and so I asked him if I took the flute home and was able to get a sound out of it could I play it? He said yes so I took the flute home for a week. I blew and blew making myself dizzy. I was determined, so I tried and tried and tried until I finally got a sound out of it. I went back the next week and played for him, and the rest is history. I fell in love with the flute and can’t imagine life without it. Q: What is your favorite piece or composer and why?
A: It is really hard to pick a favorite piece of music or favorite composer because there are so many wonderful ones out there. If I did have to pick one particular piece, I would say it is "Appalachian Spring" by Aaron Copland. I feel the piece mimics life in its very sound in so many ways. It starts out so simply with a beautiful flute solo. As the composition continues, you can hear the ups and downs and highs and lows of life. The piece goes through quiet moments of repose followed by grand, majestic gestures. The harmonies are gorgeous throughout. The Shaker Hymn “Simple Gifts” is a simple but beautiful melody woven into the work as well. Eventually, it returns to a very quiet ending. To me that is how our lives are. I could listen to it over and over and over again and never get tired of it.
Q: Why is music important to you? A: Music is so important to me because it speaks to me. It has gotten me through some very difficult times in life and brought me comfort and peace. I believe music is a very therapeutic tool. It’s also a way to communicate with others and express myself. It’s a way to get feelings out and connect with others. I believe when you are sitting on a stage playing by yourself or with other people creating something, that’s a pretty intimate connection. Q: What is your teaching philosophy? A: If I had to summarize my teaching philosophy, I would sum it up as “fun”damentals are the building blocks of fun. I want all my students to be having fun while they are learning the basics to make it even more fun. I believe that I need to teach the way they learn instead of asking them to learn the way I teach. Each student is different and learns differently and that’s one of the most fun things about it. Getting to know each student and how their brain works and when you see the “aha” moments, there’s no greater feeling. I have the fondest memories of my early days with music and that’s what I want to instill within each student. In the end whether they go on to pursue musical careers or just play in their living room for fun, I just want want them to have a lifelong appreciation for music.
