Ketija Ringa Karahona

Flute Lessons in Amsterdam – Jazz, Pop, Folk & Improvisation

I’m Ketija Ringa Karahona, a professional all-round flautist and qualified flute teacher specialising in jazz, improvisation and contemporary music. My musical background is rooted in classical music, but during my studies at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and The New School in New York, my focus shifted towards jazz, improvisation and crossover styles.

Performing musician

As a performing musician, I regularly play at festivals and concerts in the Netherlands and abroad. I bring that practical experience directly into my flute lessons, creating a fun, inspiring and personal learning environment.

Is the Lesson Location Easy to Reach?

Absolutely! You’re welcome to have your flute lessons in my fully equipped private studio on KNSM Island in Amsterdam. Have a busy schedule or prefer to learn at home? Home lessons and online flute lessons are also possible by arrangement.

Flute Lessons for Adults

My flute lessons in Amsterdam are for adult flautists who want more than simply playing notes on a page. Whether you love classical music, jazz, pop or contemporary styles, the most important thing is that you enjoy making music. Lessons are tailored to your level, interests and goals and are always educational, motivating and, most importantly, lots of fun!

Flute Lessons for Children

Children often love playing the flute. Its technique is relatively accessible, which means that students can usually produce a beautiful sound surprisingly quickly.

From what age can my child start with Flute?

Children can generally start learning the flute from around the age of seven, depending on their height, teeth and physical development. We work with fun songs and melodies and explore the flute and the basics of music in a playful and engaging way.

Your Child’s First Flute Lessons

During the first lessons, we focus on developing a relaxed posture, a healthy embouchure and a beautiful tone. This gives young players a solid foundation for good playing technique from the very beginning. 

Favourite songs and duets

Through classical pieces, popular songs and fun exercises, your child will learn to read music while also developing their musical ear. And of course, we play music together from the very first lessons!

Book a Flute Trial Lesson

A trial flute lesson is the perfect way to get started. We’ll get to know each other, explore your current level and discuss what you would like to achieve. Bring a piece you love or something you’re currently working on. Never played the flute before? No problem! I have an instrument available for your first lesson, so you can pick it up and start exploring the flute straight away.

No Waiting List

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced flautist looking to explore jazz, classical music, improvisation or other styles, you’re very welcome.
There is currently no waiting list, so after your trial lesson you can start scheduling your regular lessons right away!

Personalised Flute Lessons

Your musical interests are at the heart of the lessons. Of course, the amount of time you have available to practise also plays a role. That’s why every lesson programme is tailored to your level, musical taste, goals and schedule.

We can work on:

• Developing a powerful, flexible and beautiful flute sound
• Breath support and efficient flute technique
• Timing, feel and articulation
• Improvisation
• Ear training
• Reading music and playing by ear
• Playing together and duets – because making music is more fun together!

We can explore music from a wide range of styles, including jazz, Brazilian music, funk, pop, folk, film music and classical music.

Yes, you can learn to improvise on the Flute

Improvisation is a skill that develops through listening, experimenting and playing. In my jazz flute lessons, you’ll learn how to listen, transcribe, analyse and immediately apply musical ideas to your instrument. 

What Can You Expect? Here's how

I demonstrate a lot during lessons, and by playing back what you hear, you’ll gradually discover how to create variations, develop your own ideas and become a more confident and creative musician. We focus on:

• Rhythm and timing
• Phrasing and articulation
• Melodic development
• Harmonic awareness
• Scales and modes
• Jazz harmony
• Developing your own improvisational vocabulary

No dry, abstract theory. Instead, you’ll learn practical musical tools that you can immediately use when playing and improvising.

Music Theory That Actually Works

For me, music theory should always serve the music. You’ll learn to understand how a piece is structured and how its rhythmic and harmonic elements work together. This makes it easier to improvise, learn new music and play confidently with other musicians.

Connected to the music you’re playing

Everything we cover is directly connected to the music you’re working on, so theory becomes something practical rather than something you simply study on paper.

Advanced Flute Lessons

Are you an experienced flautist looking to expand your skills beyond classical flute playing? We can work on style, improvisation, sound, timing and contemporary flute techniques. Depending on your interests and goals, topics can include:

• Jazz and pop phrasing
• Groove and rhythmic flexibility
• Transcribing solos
• Singing and playing simultaneously
• Overtones and advanced flute techniques
• Preparing for auditions, performances or conservatory entrance exams

If you come from a classical background and want to make the transition to jazz or pop flute, we can explore the specific approach these styles require – from timing, sound and groove to jazz harmony, scales and improvisation.

The Flute Beyond Classical Music

The flute is an incredibly versatile instrument. You can hear it in jazz, funk, Brazilian music, folk, pop, hip-hop and film music. From Roland Kirk and Jethro Tull to Brazilian choro and modern crossover music, the flute can fit into far more musical worlds than you might expect.

New experiences

Exploring these styles can completely change the way you experience your instrument, and open up a whole new world of musical possibilities.

Ready to Explore the Flute?

Whether you’re a complete beginner, an experienced classical flautist or an advanced player looking to explore jazz and improvisation, you’re very welcome. Learn to play the music you love, develop your own sound and discover everything the flute has to offer.

Book a trial flute lesson in Amsterdam and let’s start making music!