My Backstory
Fun fact: When I went to instrument try out day in fifth grade I could NOT make a sound on the flute. I was actually encouraged to pick a different instrument. Did I listen? No.
I actually turned out to be pretty good at flute. I wasn't naturally talented but I worked hard and it showed. I made top band every year, I was usually either first/second chair. I even made region band every year in high school.
Despite my many successes, I was told by a flute teacher that I would not make it as a music major because I wasn't nationally ranked as a high schooler. Did this stop me from applying to college for a music degree? No.
I applied to 4 different schools and actually got REJECTED from the first 3 I applied to. But that's okay because Texas Tech University was the perfect place for me.
What was being a music major like?
My undergrad flute teacher, being a rockstar, not only taught flute but also owned her own yoga studio! This is when I started to see that the whole musician is more important. There is more to being a good musician than playing all the right notes and rhythms.
At this point I was about to graduate and had ZERO idea of what I was going to do. So I did what most people did: apply for grad school! I was told that I actually wouldn't be successful in grad School. Did this stop me from applying? No.
This time around, my luck turned around. Instead of only getting into one school, I got into EVERY SINGLE ONE except one. It was in my masters that I got a real look into who I am and what I have to offer.
What did I learn?
1. It's okay to not be perfect.
2. Success looks different for everyone.
3. Music making should be FUN, not stressful.
4. Despite the failures that out number the successes, I'm still here making music.
5. I am a FANTASTIC flutist and teacher.
Where am I now?
I am located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
I teach private flute lessons AND yoga classes!
I also perform flute gigs, ranging from small chamber ensembles to large full orchestras.
(side note: I am a novice video-gamer.)
Check out my experience
Education
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Master of Music in Flute Performance
GTA for Music Appreciation
Teachers: Michelle Stanley, Ysmael Reyes, Colleen White
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance
Certificate in Community Arts Entrepreneurship
Teacher: Lisa Garner Santa
Performance
ENSEMBLES
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Celtic Ensemble/Elegant Savages Orchestra (2015-2016)
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CSU Symphony Orchestra, Principal (2016-2018)
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New Music Ensemble (2016-2018)
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Chinook Woodwind Quintet (2016-2018)
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Coraggio Flute Quartet (2016-2018)
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TTU Flute Choir (2012-2016)
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Vade Mecum Flute Trio (2013-present)
ORCHESTRAL FESTIVALS AND CONFERENCES
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Interharmony International Music Festival: Flute/Piccolo (2017)
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National Flute Association: Performer (2016, 2017)
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Philadelphia International Music Festival: Principal (2014)
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Texas Music Educators Association: Clinic Performer (2016, 2019)
