Testimonials

Bonnie,

I love you so much!!!! Why? Because you are so skilled and experienced at preparing your students, young and old. I just came back from the church. It went well. I am very happy!! Playing solo was a big challenge psychologically but Heck! I did it. That’s what matters. And I thank you for giving all I needed to get up there to do this. Thank you for the emergency lesson, too. You are the BEST.

—Sayoko Kuwahara

 

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Dear Bonnie,

Thank you for not giving up on me and always believing in me. I’ve learned so much from you not only about music but about having passion and being confident. I’ll always love my flute teacher and flute and miss flute lessons.

—Karen Kim

 

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Dear Bonnie,

Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher! You’ve pushed me to become not only a better player but a better person as well! Thanks for your hard work!

—Christina Schawcroft

 

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Dearest Bonnie,

You may not be my biological mother, but you are a second mother to me. You have encourage me, comforted me, and listed to me through our many years together. The memories I have with you will be with me forever.

—Laura Stone

 

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Bonnie,

I know you’re not my biological mother but you’ve always been like a mother to me. I want you to know that I appreciate all the times you’ve been there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on. Thanks for listening to my problems, complaints, and whining! You’re the only one that won’t get mad at me if I do! Thanks for all you’ve done for me!

—Catherine Mun

 

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Bonnie,

Well, my dear friend, thank you for helping me become this music lover. I am so happy. Now I’m graduating and you have been this amazing part of my life. I so appreciate you.
In addition fake rolex for sales to being the teacher I needed, you have been a wonderful friend. I don’t know what I’ll do next year when you are so far away

—Jennifer

 

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Dear Bonnie,

Thank you for being the very best flute (and spelling ) teacher for all you have done for me.

—Zachary Kellogg

 

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Dear Bonnie,

Hello from Eastman! I’m so happy here. I want to tell you how grateful I am to have studied flute with you these past 8 years. Without you, I would not be having this wonderful experience. You prepared me so well!(Everything from A Tune A Day to how to smile at the judges!). Aside from being the best flute teacher a student could possibly ask for, you’ve been an amazing friend and mentor. I will do my best to continue to make you proud and always remember the wonderful years spent with you. Thank you!

—Kasumi Leonard

 

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Bonnie,

Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me. I truly could never had made it so far without you! You have been so supportive and a great friend as well but most importantly, you were an incredible teacher pushing me far beyond what I thought my limits were. Everything I’ve achieved and will achieve is all because of you. Thank you!

—Katy Ladner

 

 

Thanks. You are the best. Elise loves to have you as a teacher. I wish I can make Elise listen to me like you do.

—Young Kim

 

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Dear Bonnie,

…Sometimes Karen had stage fright and hard times, but she learned to overcome those hardships with your guidance. When she has difficulty in her life, she will remember the passion of music and life that you taught her. Thank you Bonnie from the bottom of my heart.

—HeeJung Kim

 

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Dear Bonnie,

No words can express my gratitude for bringing Dylan to this level of musical technique and appreciation. You are truly a great teacher, one who challenges and inspires. Of all the teachers who have taught Dylan, you are the one he respects and admires most. Me, too!

—Mary Carson

 

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Dear Bonnie,

Thanks is something I really mean to say to you more often. We appreciate your special attention to Leslie and your work to make her the best she can be. Let’s hope her senior year will be the best ever and with your continued guidance I’m sure it will be !

—Kathie Moyer

 

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Dearest Bonnie,

Thank you for the role you’ve played in helping our wonderful Anna become a butterfly these last years. You’ve shepherded so many students through the transformations from childhood to pre-adulthood and pre-musician into poised, self-assured flute players. I’m immensely grateful to you. With love and deep respect…

—Kari Tupper

 

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Dear Bonnie,

Okay… even the thought of writing this note this year brings tears to my eyes. It’s been an amazing journey. Thank you for giving so much of yourself all these years, for opening up the world of music to us, for believing in Janna’s ability through the rough spots, for demanding her best and appreciating it and for your part in making her who she is.

—Jane Ruberry

 

June 10th 2008

To Bonnie’s Students,

I wanted to thank you for your wonderful performance of the Henry Brant’s Angels and Devils. You each brought something very special to the work and played on a wonderfully professional level.. You performed with seriousness and thoughtfulness, in a cooperative way that was remarkable. I congratulate you, and of course I congratulate Bonnie for being such a remarkable teacher.

With warmest wishes,
—Gerard Schwarz, Music Director, Seattle Symphony

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Working with Bonnie Blanchard’s four fantastic high school flutists was a delight. In rehearsals, they were not only very attentive and well-prepared, but flexible in interpretation and open to suggestion. Rehearsals seem to fly by as we prepared the four movements of the Bozza Quartet. Their ability to integrate with the various idiosyncrasies of the orchestral timbres and rhythms indicated a high level of musical sensitivity and sophistication that I have rarely experienced from that age group. Bravo!
—George Shangrow, Director Seattle Chamber Singers and Orchestra Seattle

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Having traveled all over the US working with flutists for many years, I am always deeply impressed with the level of performance in Bonnie Blanchard’s studio. Not only are her students at the top of their game, but also they clearly love Bonnie and thrive on her teaching approach. Bonnie doesn’t just teach the flute; she cultivates a joy for learning and her enthusiasm is infectious!
—Catherine Miller, Vice President, Miyazawa (USA)

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Bonnie Blanchard has a rare gift as a profound flute teacher and author. The teaching methods outlined in her books have influenced many award-winning students who have gone on to launch professional careers, either as performers, or educators. Her versatility in coaching covers a range of individuals from gifted young musicians to college professors. She has an in-depth understanding of the whole person, utilizing creative psychology and fostering social skills while also teaching the flute. A highly trained and observant instructor, her understanding of the flute and human psyche extend into the realm of healing; the concept of creating change through making activities fun for the flute student continues to receive respect and international recognition from peers.

—Diane Hsu

 

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Your teaching is inspirational, and your students are amazing!!

—Merrie Siegel, 2010 Simon Fiset adjudicator

 

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The sign of a good teacher is when even the less gifted of her students play well and enjoy it. Whatever the future may hold for them, the time and care spent by the young performer; and the teacher’s dedication and love will never be lost.

—Michel Debost, Author of The Simple Flute (Oxford U. Press); Professor of Flute, Oberlin Conservatory; Professor, Paris Conservatoire National (ret.); Principal, Orchestre de Paris (ret.)

 

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I was so impressed with the quality of Bonnie Blanchard’s high school flute quartet that I invited them to perform a concerto with the Seattle Symphony. Their technique, tone, intonation and musicality were extraordinary. Bonnie is an inspirational and motivating master teacher. The Music for Life series stands alone as an incredible resource for all professional musicians—whether performing or teaching. Music for Life deserves a standing ovation!

—Gerard Schwarz, Conductor Seattle Symphony

 

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It takes ability, intelligence and imagination to be a great music teacher, but it also takes something more: a passion for awakening the musician inside each student which Bonnie has.

—Dr. Melinda Bargreen, composer, former music critic, the Seattle Times

 

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I have had the opportunity on several occasions to observe the results of Ms. Blanchard’s teaching skills. Her students are extremely well prepared and handle themselves with confidence and dignity in presenting their various solos and ensembles. Their response to Ms. Blanchard’s teaching was a clear picture of her well-defined teaching methods.

—The late Dr. Ralph Guenther, Professor emeritus Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas

 

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Every year I hear hundreds of flutists from around the country, and Bonnie Blanchard’s students are a cut above. It is a pleasure to witness Bonnie’s concern and commitment to her students. Her unique teaching style produces musicians with excellent playing skills who demonstrate a joy for music. Bonnie Blanchard delivers!

—Jeff Weissman, President and owner, JB Weissman Music Company
America’s largest professional flute sales and repair company, New York, NY

 

Dear Bonnie,

On behalf of the residents of Northgate Plaza, I would like to thank you for entertaining and enlightening them with the wonderful flute recital last Thursday. “You are a class act” in every way, Bonnie! The residents have been buzzing about the event ever since. They were impressed by the caliber of talent you have developed. I also want to thank you for making the recital an annual tradition. I know it takes a lot of effort to make things happen so I really appreciate your commitment.

Regards,

Gale Shaur
Active Living Director
Northgate Plaza Retirement Home