Coaching Sessions
For Experienced Flameworkers
and for Young Students
Vicki is a highly experienced and accomplished instructor. To meet the needs of her students, she offers individualized coaching sessions to help them improve their skills, learn new techniques, and focus on their priorities. Goals for coaching sessions are developed collaboratively with each student.
Coaching is available both in person at Expressive Glass Studio and virtually via Zoom, making individualized instruction accessible wherever you are.
In-Person Coaching
Work one-on-one with Vicki at Expressive Glass Studio in a private, personalized learning environment.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the fundamentals or an experienced flameworker refining advanced techniques, each session is tailored to your goals, interests, and skill level. Coaching may focus on technique development, project guidance, troubleshooting, or artistic growth.
Young students (ages 10–15) usually begin their training with a coaching session. This private instruction offers personalized lessons adapted to each student’s needs, interests, and learning style.
Virtual Coaching
Learn from your own studio, wherever you are. Virtual coaching is a highly interactive Zoom-based experience in which Vicki observes you working at your torch and provides personalized, real-time instruction tailored to your goals, skill level, and projects. When helpful, she can also demonstrate techniques from her own torch while you observe and ask questions.
Virtual coaching allows you to focus on your priorities, avoid travel expenses, and receive individualized guidance from an experienced instructor. A complimentary recording of your session is provided for future reference. No long-term commitment is required—simply schedule sessions as needed.
Creations by Experienced Students
Figurines
By Zoë C.
By Jon V.
By Zoë C.
By Ty P.
By Donna M.
By Alyssa S.
By Jack K.
By Zoë C.
Flower Sculptures
By Donna M.
By Donna M.
By Nicholas W.
By Zoë C..
By Zoë C.
Marbles
By Zöe C.
By Emma B.
By Phil C.
And lots of other cool stuff!
Once you can work safely, comfortably, and independently at the torch, you can rent studio time and pursue your own designs. Vicki will always be present to offer guidance and support.
Glass figurine
by Ty P.
Dog portrait by
Nicholas W.
Mini Amphora
by Eva Marie F.
Berry sculptures
by Alyssa S.
Blown Seashell
by Nicholas W.
Submit Form to Book
Private Coaching
Students at Work
FAQs
About Coaching
Everything you need to know about Vicki’s coaching process
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Except by agreement, all coaching sessions are billed in advance for a minimum of 60 minutes.
The fee for coaching is $60 per hour, rounded up or down to the nearest 15 minutes. If two people want to be coached at the same time for the same project or skill, the fee is $80 per hour ($40 per hour per person.)
Students who have purchased rental packages can apply 4 hours from their package to one hour of private coaching.
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Vicki will provide you with her undivided attention during your session to work on the skills or projects you and she have selected.
VIRTUAL SESSIONS: If your session is held online, up to the first 30 minutes of the initial session is complimentary. This time is spent ensuring the technology is working well. Vicki will have her station set up so you will be able to see her at work. She will have didyclips attached to her camera to eliminate the distraction of sodium flare. Ideally, you will have a live camera set up at your station as well so Vicki can see you and provide real time guidance as you work. With your permission, Vicki will record your session and provide you with access to the electronic file so you can watch it as often as you’d like.
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Sessions are offered seven days a week by appointment, usually during the day. You and Vicki will select a time that’s mutually convenient.
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Sessions are a minimum of one hour, but they can last as long as you and Vicki agree.
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Prior to scheduling a coaching session, Vicki will confer with the student to ensure they’ve established attainable goals that she is confident she can guide the student in achieving.
IN-PERSON: Anyone who has an interest in learning flameworking, improving their skills, or working on a specific project can sign up for a coaching session. Typically, inexperienced students participate in a beginner’s class prior to seeking coaching.
VIRTUAL SESSIONS: Anyone over 18 who has their own equipment, including a camera (computer/smart phone), ventilation, goggles, basic tools, and a kiln, and has basic flameworking skills can sign up for virtual coaching sessions.
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Children ages 10-15 are generally taught through in-person coaching sessions. This private instruction ensures that the student receives constant supervision and allows us to customize the subject matter and pace to the specific needs and interests of the student. Once the student can function safely and confidently on their own, they can transition to open torch rental sessions.
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Most coaching sessions are scheduled in advance. At times a student may encounter obstacles or get an idea for a new project while they are in a practice session. If Vicki has time, you can move into a coaching session right then to help you move forward.
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If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, you need to provide at least 24-hour’s notice or you will forfeit the equivalent of 30 minutes of coaching. If you are ill or another emergency arises, the cancellation fee may be waived at Vicki’s discretion.
In the rare instances that Vicki needs to cancel your class due to a weather or personal emergency, she will notify you as soon as possible. You will have the option to reschedule the class or receive a full refund.
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IN PERSON SESSIONS: You can pick up your pieces at the studio, or if that’s not convenient, we can ship them to you for a $10 flat fee (to one address).
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Yes. If you’re a self-sufficient flameworker who can work safely at a torch without direct supervision, you are welcome to rent studio time by appointment. More About Studio Rental
What Students Are Saying
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Nicholas W.
“Vicki is an absolutely wonderful glass artist and teacher. She makes the intimidating art of flamework approachable and fun!”
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Donna M.
"Much of my accomplishments in glass work are owed to Vicki! After seeing her beautiful work in publications, I contacted her to visit her in her studio. She did not disappoint!!! I have taken many classes from her since. I am now in Gallery 104 in LaGrange, KY and actually am making money to pay for my obsession! Thank you, Vicki!!!”
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Gwen N.
“Vicki is a highly skilled artist and a gifted teacher. She has a unique way of making complex techniques approachable. Her patience, encouragement, and passion for glass create an environment where my creativity flourishes. Vicki always makes me feel inspired and supported. It’s rare to find a place that combines professional-level instruction with such a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.”
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Phil C.
"If you’re looking for a hobby to try or express your inner artist, there is no more mesmerizing media than glass! We’re fortunate to have a world class instructor right here in Hamburg, NY. I’ve been torching for 4 years now and it’s my weekly therapy. So get off your glass and give it a try."
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Alyssa S.
“I’ve been learning and creating glass art under Vicki’s guidance for over ten years. During that time, I’ve not only crafted beautiful glass pieces but also experienced tremendous personal growth. Vicki fosters a warm, encouraging, and inspiring environment where creativity thrives. Working with her has strengthened my confidence and deepened my respect for both myself and others”
Our most popular gift certificate is for a hands-on class at the Expressive Glass studio, where students learn the basics of lampworking and make their own colorful glass treasures.
Give a memorable experience working with hot glass.
A Thoughtful Gift
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