Merlin Shakaj

Merlin is a qualified and experienced flute teacher based in Oxfordshire. She has been teaching for a number of years, people of all ages and abilities. Her approach to lessons is to make them enjoyable and fun with a relaxed manner whilst at the same time pushing the students to reach their full potential. All lessons are tailored to the needs of the individual, ranging from total beginners to graded examinations with all the leading examination boards such as ABRSM & Trinity. Although exams are not essential Merlin is happy to teach popular pieces and arrangements for flute just for fun and enjoyment.

Merlin is a recent graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music, London where she completed her Postgraduate Diploma in flute performance. Highlights of performance in the past two years are : playing with Opera Welsh in Cardiff and performing with the Flute Choir of Trinity Laban and Symphony Orchestra. A wide variety of musical projects such as playing in different ensembles and collaoborating with British and European composers in performing new works.

In 2018, she was invited to join the National Radio-Television Orchestra of Albania where she performed around the country as a principal flutist and worked with highly regarded conductors such as Anna Volchenko, Uwe Theimer, Mateusz Moleda and Noorman Widjaja.

Alongside completing her studies, Merlin has participated in many Festivals and summer music academies around Europe and has had masterclasses with distinguished soloists such as Philippe Racine, Ljubisa Jovanovic and Erwin Klambauer. Learning from the best in the field is Merlin’s passion and she wants to transfer her knowledge and skills to the young generation of flutists here in Oxfordshire. If you would like to book a lesson or have an informal discussion about your goals and aspirations please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Music Qualifications & Achievements:

• Bachelor of Music Degree – Tirana University of Arts