RAFA Teacher Directory

Erica Alexander

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(919) 891 3569 / esalexander1@icloud.com
Website

Location: In-person outdoor lessons, and online. Open Wings Flute School, Chapel Hill/Durham
Availability: Currently accepting students
Teacher Statement: The mission of the Open Wings Flute School is to help children and adults tap into their infinite brilliance and compassion through music. We learn music in the same effortless and joyful way that young ones learn to speak. Every person can play music beautifully.
Education:
Master of Music Education and All-level Teacher Certification, University of North Texas
BA, Wesleyan University
Background: Suzuki Method, 8 units of teacher training, including study with Toshio Takahashi, longtime student of Marcel Moyse and creator of the Suzuki Flute Method.

Connie Beach Hillard

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(704) 995-3962 / conniebeach@msn.com
Website

Location: In-person and online via Zoom. Charlotte, NC at the Charlotte Academy of Music in Matthews. I may have slots open at my home studio in the Steele Creek area.
Availability : I teach 6 days a week at the academy – currently accepting new students.
Teacher Statement: I have taught all ages and levels from as young as 5 to post retirement, so lessons are tailored to the individual’s needs and ambitions. All students have frequent informal performance opportunities at the Charlotte Academy of Music recitals, and are also encouraged to participate in many other competitions and events according to their level and desires, which include RAFA Contest and Review, NFMC Festival, All District and youth orchestra auditions, and NFA competitions.
Education:
Bachelor of Music (Flute Performance) University of Memphis
Master of Music (Flute Performance) University of Memphis

Major Teachers: Paul Eaheart, Bruce Erskine. Special flute studies with Murray Panitz, Benoit Fromanger, Kathleen Chastain, Alexa Still, Jan Gippo, Eric Gratton, Becky Arrensen.
Background: Connie Beach Hillard has played with the Germantown, Tupelo, and Memphis Symphonies, and the Charlotte Symphony and Charlotte Philharmonic, and Union Symphony. She served as associate director of the Charlotte Flute Choir, Junior Flute Choir, and is actively performing in numerous other local free lance organizations, including CPCC Theater and Children’s Theater productions. Before coming to Charlotte in 2001, she was an active performer and teacher in Memphis, Tennessee, having performed live and in the studio with Isaac Hayes, Ray Charles, Rod Stewart, and numerous area church, free-lance orchestras, and chamber groups. She was a featured soloist with the Germantown Symphony, performing the Nielsen Concerto and the Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp with Carrol McLaughlin. In Memphis, she was co-founder and past president of the Memphis Flute Society and past president of the Germantown Collierville Area Piano Teachers Association.

John Billington

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

Contact: (919) 637-2603 | billington@jtbmusic.com
Website

Location: (Virtual Lessons only) Home studio off N. Harrison about 1 mile from Cary Academy, Cary

Availability: Currently accepting students approximately age 9 through adult. Majority of students are middle and high school age.

Teacher Statement: I believe in setting musical goals with the student and/or parents and then working with the student to achieve their personal goals. I also believe that music should be fun and I have selected a wide variety of classical and jazz duets that are great fun for students.

Major Teachers: Arthur Kitti, Dr. Robert D. Billington

Background: My teaching ability is demonstrated by the All State, All District and All County success of my students on flute and saxophone. My students have been accepted at the music programs at ECU, UNC Wilmington and Berklee College. I am a member of ASCAP with over 30 original songs and two commercially available CDs produced on home computer. Acceptance and performance at Stephen Preston master classes for Baroque style flute.

Specialties: Baroque/Classical period music on flute. Jazz flute performance. Transitioning classical flute players of all levels into improvisational jazz performers. Transitioning flute players of all levels to saxophone or EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). Placing students in All County, All District and All State competitions.

Mary Boone

by Kathy Hancock January 16, 2021

booneme@yahoo.com

Location: (Virtual lessons only) Raleigh, flexible availability.

Teacher Statement: I focus on good basics and form and the use of the body. I help you correct and solve issues in your flute playing so you can move towards whatever goals you choose. I enjoy working with students of all ages and abilities. I perform full time with the North Carolina Symphony but love mentoring and helping students attain their dreams and goals. I’ve taught almost as long as I’ve played and know from experience what works and how to get the fastest results to improvement. I am also the flute professor at NCSU.

Thiago Bohm Bottega

by Kathy Hancock August 21, 2023

bottega.thiago@gmail.com
Website

Location: West Raleigh/Cary
Availability: Currently accepting students
Education:
D.M.A. in Flute Performance and Pedagogy, University of Southern Mississippi
M.M. in Flute Performance, University of Southern Mississippi
B.M. in Flute Performance, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (Brazil)
Background: Award-winning Brazilian flutist, Dr. Bottega has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in Brazil, Colombia, and the United States. In the U.S., he has performed and presented lectures at flute festivals including the NFA Convention, Mid-South Flute Festival, and Southern Flute Festival. He has participated in numerous music festivals throughout the Americas, where he performed in orchestras and participated in masterclasses of world-renowned flutists such as Marianne Gedigian, Carol Wincenc, Ransom Wilson, Alberto Almarza, and many others. Additionally, he has performed with popular music groups in a wide variety of genres, including bossa nova, salsa, prog rock, and neo-soul.
Teacher Statement: My teaching aims to foster intellectual and artistic growth within my students while being sensitive to their individual characteristics and goals. With innovative methods and a historically informed approach, I serve as a guide to my students as they develop their own voices. I make use of a recording set as an essential teaching tool. I teach all ages and skill levels, and I welcome students of all social identities. I am fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Specialties: Performance practices, audition preparation/recording, music technology, Brazilian music, popular music

Sarah Busman

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(615) 424-4582 / sarahbusman@gmail.com
Website

Location: Hope Mills / Fayetteville
Availability: Currently accepting students for summer and fall!
Education:
B.M. Middle Tennessee State University
M.M. Peabody Conservatory of Music
Background: Applied Flute Professor, UNC Pembroke ; Principal Flute, Fayetteville Symphony ; Principal Flute, Carolina Philharmonic
Teacher Statement: Most lessons consist of some combination of tone exercises, scales, articulation studies, etudes, solo and ensemble music, and basic music theory training, however each student is treated as an individual. I will work with the student and parents to set out a plan for success!
Specialties: Audition preparation, starting beginners

Margaret Carlson

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(757) 253-0850 / mcarlson@widomaker.com
Website

Location: Williamsburg, VA
Availability: Weekdays, occasional weekends by appt.
Teacher Statement: My goal is for your flute to be the tool you use to express your feelings. To achieve this we explore different aspects of tone, technique, and repertoire, and always include some ensemble music. Weekly 45-minute or hour lessons are available for all ages and all levels.
Education:
B.M. Flute Performance, Greensboro College
M.M. Flute Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music
Major Teachers: Maurice Sharp, William Hebert, Tom Nyfenger, Julius Baker
Background/Affiliations – Former Flute and Piccolo positions: Ft. Wayne Philharmonic, Norfolk Symphony, Virginia Opera, Williamsburg Symphonia; Artistic Director, Flute Frenzy
Specialties: piccolo, baroque flute, ensembles

Alma Coefman

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(919) 619-9971 / almacoefman@gmail.com
Website

Location: (Virtual Lessons only) Chapel Hill, NC
Availability: Currently accepting students
Background: Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Alma Coefman has performed in numerous chamber music concerts in Argentina, Japan, Italy, Canada and United States, appearing as soloist or as a member of various contemporary and Argentinean- Latin American music ensembles. Currently Alma performs and teaches flute in the Triangle area of North Carolina.
Specialties: Flute, Piccolo, Alto and Bass Flute, Chamber Music coach

Linda Cykert

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

Home: (336) 570-1989 / Cell: (336) 675-2798
Elon University: (336) 278-5525 / cykert@elon.edu

Location: (Virtual lessons only) Elon University and Greensboro, NC – City Arts
Availability: Currently accepting students, beginner through advanced.
Teacher Statement: In teaching music (flute in particular), I consider each student an individual and base my teaching style on that. I enjoy teaching just as much as I enjoy performing!
Education:
B.M. Performance, UNC-Greensboro
M.M. Performance, UNC-Greensboro
Background:
Instructor: Elon University and Greensboro City Arts
Member: Greensboro Symphony Orchestra
Specialties: Flute/piccolo – traditional style. Also certified in the Suzuki Method of Flute Instruction.

Nicolas Duchamp

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(917) 214-5803 / duchampus@gmail.com
Websites:
www.durhamflutelessons.weebly.com
www.frenchfluteteacher.com

Location: Triangle area
Availability: 7 days a week – flexible
– Teaching Flute, Piccolo, G and Bass flute
– Skype lessons are available except for beginners
– Languages of teaching: English, French ( fluent), Spanish, German, Italian
– Beginners will start with solid basics (start at 8 years old)
– Intermediate students or amateurs will unlock technical issues to keep going for life
– Advanced students will be well prepared for application to any musical institution
– Adults are welcome !

Education and awards:
Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique Lyon (1991- France)
Ecole Nationale de Musique Evreux (1989- France)
Ecole Nationale Creteil-Paris (1986-France)
Conservatoire National Bordeaux ( 1983- France)
5 first prizes in a National French Music Schools
3 International nomination in flute competitions (France-Germany- Austria)
Silver Medal from The cultural organization for progress (French senate)
Background:
International guest teacher
International soloist career
Former principal flutist at Paris Opera Comique (France)
Former flute assistant teacher at Ecole Normale Superieure de Musique Paris (J.Ferrandis)
Solo recording artist

Jenna Guerra

by Kyle Owen October 5, 2021

(919) 527-4131 / jennanguerra@gmail.com
Website

Location: Durham 27704
Availability: Currently accepting new students. Monday-Friday 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Teacher Statement: I teach beginner and intermediate students of all ages. I offer both online and in-person lessons and am currently accepting new students. I have been playing the flute since 2008 and love teaching! Contact me today for flute lessons in the Durham area.
Education: B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Brigham Young University – Idaho
Background: Classically trained for 7 years in a private studio in Cary, NC. Solo piccolo player in Panther Creek High School’s collegiate-level ensemble for 4 years. Member of multiple Wind Quintets and Flute Choirs over the years. Soloist in church services and Rexburg Children’s Choir for 4 years.
Major Teacher: Susan Brown (Cary, NC)
Specialties: Accompaniment, classical, ensemble.

Amanda Hoke

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(910) 742-1574 / amanda@amandahoke.me
Website

Location: Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, NC area
Availability: Accepting students of all levels. Scholarships available, please contact for more details.
Teacher Statement: I believe the flute is an extension of one’s own voice. I focus on nurturing each of my student’s unique capabilities by creating individualized teaching strategies. My ultimate goal to create life-long musicians. In general, my students learn the best practices for sound production (tone), kinesthetic awareness (posture), and how to speak their musical ideas with confidence.
Education:
Bachelor of Music, University of Louisville (KY)
Master of Music, Flute Performance, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Doctorate of Music Florida State University
Background: I have over nine years of studying flute pedagogy. I’ve held teaching assistantships with Dr. Shelley Binder (Univ. of TN), and Eva Amsler (FSU). I currently play with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra (NC) and have held past positions with the Oak Ridge Symphony (TN), Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (TN), and most recently with the Panama City Pops Orchestra (FL), Northwest Florida Orchestra and Sinfonia Gulf Coast (FL). I play professionally with the Cypress Duo, a flute & guitar duo. The Flute Examiner is my online blog about flute and flute pedagogy: http://www.thefluteexaminer.com

Amy Holt

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(919) 720-0531 / amybholt@gmail.com

Location: Raleigh
Availability: Contact for openings
Education: B.A. Flute Performance, University of Georgia
Major Teacher: Angela Jones-Reus
Background: Amy Holt is a flute performer and private instructor based in Raleigh, specializing in modern flute techniques. She is the former conductor of the Silver Pipes and Silver Fantasy flute choirs.

Melissa Jeffreys

by Kathy Hancock July 8, 2017

(919) 845-6770 | melissa@themusicianslearningcenter.com
Website

Location: North Raleigh, off Six Forks Road, at The Musicians Learning Center. Private lessons available Monday through Thursday.

Availability: Currently accepting students

Teacher Statement: I structure lessons to fit the student’s individual needs and musical tastes. Lessons are planned to make each student a well-rounded musician by focusing not only on learning songs, but also on learning music theory, history, composition, sightreading, and general musicianship.

Education:
B.M. Flute Performance and Music Composition, Meredith College, 2003

Background: I have been teaching flute and piano for over five years. Member: Sigma Alpha Iota, Raleigh Area Flute Association, National Flute Association, Music Teachers National Association, and Raleigh Piano Teachers Association.

Clara Kempter

by Kathy Hancock May 13, 2023

(919) 932-0101 / cakempter@gmail.com

Location: Offering in-person or online lessons from a studio in East Durham, less than 10 minutes from Chapel Hill
Availability: Currently accepting students of all ages
Teacher Statement: My teaching emphasizes listening and building technical skills to help in playing music with other people. I believe that playing the flute is something which, when done with care and thought for the sound and the music, can offer a bridge between oneself and one’s community. I teach students to use the mechanics of flute playing to improve performance with the goal of building the skills to communicate musically with others. I aim to create a positive lesson environment to support anxious players in developing the confidence to make joyful music.
Education: Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance, Appalachian State University
Background: I have performed with university orchestras, chamber groups, and wind ensembles at Appalachian State and Bard Conservatory of Music, as well as community ensembles in Durham and Chapel Hill. I have also played in student orchestral and chamber groups in Seoul, South Korea and Mannheim, Germany, and hope to continue to use music as a tool to connect across language barriers. More recently, I have played as a substitute chair with the Johnson City Symphony in Tennessee and have worked as a private flute teacher both in my own studio and with the Appalachian State University Community Music School. I have studied with Dr Nancy Schneeloch-Bingham, Catherine LeGrand, and Tara Helen-O’Connor.

Vera Le Bris

by Kathy Hancock September 9, 2022

vlagmusic@gmail.com

Location: Pittsboro, NC
Availability: Contact for openings
Teacher Statement: Flute, piano, and theory instructor. Vera teaches privately in addition to promoting performances and master classes abroad for her students.
Languages: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Education: B.M. Piano, Flute, and Theory; Conservatory M.M. Piano Performance
Major Teachers: UCLA Professor James Newton (flute); CDMSP Professor Alonso Anibal da Fonseca (piano)

Lindsay Leach-Sparks

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(412) 849-2102 / lindsay@sparkscreative.org
Websites: www.sparkscreative.org and https://llsparks.com/instruction.html

Location: Studios in Chapel Hill (off of New Hope Church Road) and downtown Southern Pines. My studio is all online until summer 2021.

Availability: Currently accepting students / Flexible Schedule

Teacher Statement: I have maintained private teaching studios since 1999 and specialize in college level flute preparation and study. I have taught all ages as well as modern flute and piccolo and early flutes (Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical).

Education:
DMA from University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music
Post-graduate Performance Diploma from the Royal Academy of Music (London, UK)
Diplome from the Académie International d’Eté de Nice, France
MM and BM from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University
Major Teachers: Brad Garner, Randy Bowman, Brooks de Wetter-Smith, Clare Southworth, Wendy Kumer, Patricia Morris (piccolo), Laurie Sokoloff (piccolo), Lisa Beznosiuk (early flutes), Colin St. Martin (early flutes)

Background: I have performed regularly as Second Flute and Piccolo in the Long Bay Symphony (Myrtle Beach, SC) in 2008, and more recently have performed with the Durham Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, and Columbus Symphony. I have served on the faculties of Rutgers University, UNC Pembroke, Methodist University (Fayetteville), and the College of Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati, OH). In addition, I have performed as a soloist and orchestral musician throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Specialties: Preparation for college auditions, All-County/State/District auditions, Honor band auditions, summer program auditions, competitions, and public performances. Early music study and piccolo. My students generally play in at least 2 recitals per year.

Catherine LeGrand

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

Home: (919) 403-6152 / Mobile: (919) 656-0383
catherine@catherinelegrand.com
Website (Catherine LeGrand)
Website (My Flutorials)

Locations: Private studio convenient to Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Raleigh. Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC.
Availability: Currently accepting new students of all levels and ages, beginner through professional, at my south Durham studio.
Teacher Statement: I have joyfully maintained a large independent studio for over 30 years and I serve as Adjunct Professor of Flute at Campbell University. My approach is highly individualized, encouraging development of creative thinking and music making in each student, with emphasis on self-exploration and humor.
Education:
M.M. University of Cincinnati College, Conservatory of Music
B.M. University of Cincinnati College, Conservatory of Music
Temple University, additional graduate work
Major Teachers: Keith Underwood, Paige Brook, Kyril Maag, Robert Cavally, Jack Wellbaum, Loren Lind, June Warhoftig.
Background: I served as Principal Flute with Houston Grand Opera’s Texas Opera Theater Orchestra, Piccolo with Lexington Philharmonic (KY), and performed frequently with the Houston Symphony. I have also performed with Grand Teton Festival Orchestra, West Virginia Symphony, and Houston Ballet Orchestra. Previous teaching contributions include Flute Instructor and Flute Choir Director at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, Flute Consultant at the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, and Instructor of Flute at San Jacinto College. I perform with pianist Kenneth Grigg as Senza Misura, and with guitarist Randy Reed as LeGrand-Reed Duo. My websites and blogs provide resources on breathing, music-making, and creative pedagogy. I enjoy combining my passions for teaching, performing and traveling as a frequent guest artist and clinician. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Raleigh Area Flute Association as both Member-at-Large and Tune-In newsletter layout editor.
Specialties: I specialize in teaching the efficient use of breath, tongue, and body position, promoting enjoyment, comfort, and musical expression in performance. My teaching combines traditional techniques with an innovative approach and technology. Optional additional music theory/ear training and accelerated online studies are offered to enhance students’ musical development. Select studio members are invited to join a comprehensive Honors Program to help them attain a professional level, whether or not they choose music as a career.

Emma Morris

by Kathy Hancock February 7, 2022

(912) 257-5949 (personal cell) or (919) 460-0052 (Cary School of Music) / emorrisflutist@gmail.com

Location: Cary School of Music in downtown Cary or my home in southeast Raleigh
Availability: Currently accepting students of all ages and abilities at the Cary School of Music, Monday through Friday; limited weekend availability at my home in southeast Raleigh
Education: M.M. Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music; B.M. Frost School of Music at University of Miami
Background: Private and group flute instruction since 2011; Cary School of Music faculty since 2023
Teacher Statement: My goal as a teacher is for my students to hear their own improvement every week. It is rewarding to create fun and inventive practice techniques (alongside a regular scale study and tone exercise regimen that I cater to each student’s style) that keep the student engaged and excited to practice. I encourage every student to explore different genres and styles and hope to expand their knowledge of music history, theory, and performance practice. I have connections to various performance and/or competition opportunities for all levels of playing — from brand-new beginners to advanced college-level players to casual adult amateur flutists.

Alison Mossey

by Kathy Hancock January 16, 2021

Contact: (252) 258-2257 | alisonmossey@gmail.com
Website

Location: Greenville, NC

Availability: days and evenings Monday-Friday; weekends by special arrangement. In-person and online private lessons available. Group masterclasses available in person or on Zoom.

Teacher Statement: I enjoy teaching students of all ages. Whether you need help with beginning basics, preparing for that important audition or performance, or are ready to dust off your flute that has been hiding in a closet for years, I would love to work with you!

BM Flute Performance, Hartt School of Music, Hartford, CT
MM Flute Performance, East Carolina University

Specialties: audition/performance preparation; adult amateur students

Mary E. Mitchell

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(919) 676-1400 | marymitchell7@gmail.com
Website

Location: North Raleigh, near Creedmoor, Ray, and Leesville Roads
Availability: Accepting students Mondays through Saturday mornings
Teacher Statement: I teach all aspects of flute playing including tone, breathing, posture and technique using tone studies, solos and duets. I want the student to be proficient in each of these aspects so they can compete and do well in any competition. I want them to be exposed to a variety of music, and to really enjoy the learning process of playing the flute.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance, University of Arizona
Master’s Degree in Flute Performance, University of Arizona

Major Teachers: Brooks de Wetter-Smith, Phil Swanson, Bernard Goldberg, Michelle Sahm
Background/Affiliations: National Flute Association, RAFA. Played principal flute of The Concord Orchestra for 13 years. Lowell Opera Orchestra, The Tucson Symphony. Played in the Raleigh Chamber Orchestra for 10 years, and currently principal of the Raleigh Civic Orchestra for the last 25 years.
Specialties: Orff certification for Elementary Music in public schools.

Kelly Nivison

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

919-740-5505 / kelly.nivison@gmail.com
Website

Location: (Virtual lessons only)
-Ravenscroft School, North Raleigh
-West Cary / Apex on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

Availability: Currently accepting students.

Teacher Statement: My mission is to fuse historically backed artistry and innovative teaching to help students find the self-teaching musician that is inside all of us. I believe building trust is of utmost importance, and not only provide excellent music education, but also give my students the support and encouragement they need to be confident musicians.

Education:
D.M. Historical Flute Performance, Indiana University
M.M. Flute Performance, Florida State University
B.M. Flute Performance, Appalachian State University
B.M. K-12 Instrumental Music Education, Appalachian State University

Major Teachers: Kathryn Lukas, Barbara Kallaur, Eva Amsler, and Nancy Schneeloch-Bingham.

Background/Affiliations: Dr. Kelly Nivison is a versatile flutist with expertise in both modern and historical flute performance. She currently performs with the Durham Symphony as 3rd flute and piccolo and with the Raleigh Camerata, North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, and Catawba River Baroque on baroque flute. Kelly is the artistic director for the Raleigh Camerata and a founding member of both the Camerata and Catawba River Baroque. She frequently performs with the Fayetteville Symphony and Carolina Philharmonic in addition to other local ensembles. Kelly has won second place in the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra’s Concerto Competition (2014), has been a semifinalist in the National Flute Association’s Baroque Flute Artist competition three times (2007, 2009, 2012), and has won the National Flute Association’s Baroque Masterclass Performers competition (2011).
Specialties: All-District auditions, piccolo, baroque flute, historical performance

Kaitlyn Ritter

by Kathy Hancock September 13, 2024

(816) 721-0825 (text or call) | ritterkaitlyn@gmail.com

Location: Greensboro, NC, or online
Availability: Monday through Saturday
Teacher Statement: I help my students (of all levels) set short and long terms goals to help them achieve their goals! I strive to help my students enjoy practicing and performing! I believe the skills we gain in learning to play the flute will help in all areas of life!
Education: BA in Flute Performance at Brigham Young University and currently studying at UNCG for my MM in Flute Performance.

Debra Robert

by Kathy Hancock January 14, 2021

Contact: (921)-621-9330 | drms899@gmail.com

Location: Apex, NC

Availability: Accepting new students of all ages and ability levels.

Teacher Statement: I taught Music, N-6, for 16 years in a NY Montessori School and have been giving private piano and flute lessons for more than 30 years. Beginners are my specialty as I make learning fun, for both adults and children, helping to foster a love of music and learning.

M.A. Education

Mansi Shah

by Kathy Hancock February 22, 2017 Comments0

Contact: mkshah605@gmail.com | https://www.iammansi.com/
Location: Available for virtual lessons
Teacher Statement: Mansi teaches all ages and skill levels, and believes in a holistic, well-rounded, and culturally inclusive approach to music-making. With her emphasis on building strong fundamentals in breathing, technique, aural skills, and music appreciation, her students are prepared to play everything from folk songs to solo repertoire and audition excerpts. Mansi strongly believes in music as a vehicle for self-expression, and enjoys working with her students to build confidence, good habits, and find their own voices through their music!
Education:
- B.A. Music Performance, UNC Chapel Hill
- B.S. Environmental Science, UNC Chapel Hill
- M.S. Analytics, Institute for Advanced Analytics at NCSU

Kate Steinbeck

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(828) 254-7123 / kate@pan-harmonia.org
Personal Website / Pan Harmonia Website

Location: Asheville – home studio, flute instructor at UNC-Asheville, occasional visits to the Triangle

Availability: Currently accepting students virtually and in-person when weather permits to be outside. I teach students across the US and internationally over Skype and FaceTime.

Education:
M.M. San Francisco Conservatory, performance studies with Tim Day
B.M. Baldwin-Wallace College, performance studies with William Hebert
Fulbright Scholar in Chamber Music to Belgium
Background: Over 30 years of experience teaching all ages, middle school through university. Flutist & Artistic Director of Pan Harmonia; recording artist. Kate enjoys teaching all levels and ages to discover the joy of music and new levels of accomplishment and self-awareness. She has presented masterclasses at the Spanish Flute Convention, in Belgium; New England Flute Fair, Durham Arts Center, Duke University and the Fine Arts Center, Greenville, SC.

Marissa Rose Stygles

by Kathy Hancock December 14, 2018

Contact: (434) 989-2104 | mstygles15@gmail.com

Location: (Virtual Lessons only) Dryer Music School

Availability: Accepting new students of all ages and ability levels.

Teacher Statement: I design each lesson specifically to meet each student’s individual needs. I work with students to identify how they best learn, to create personalized goals, and to ensure that they enjoy playing the flute.

Education:

M.M, Music Performance, Cleveland Institute of Music
B.M. Flute Performance, University of South Carolina – Columbia

Specialties: Audition and college preparation.

Megan Torti

by Kathy Hancock November 12, 2024

Contact: megantorti@gmail.com
Website

Location: In-person lessons in Garner and online.
Availability: Currently accepting students.
Teacher Statement: I teach all levels and ages of flutists. My teaching approach is very individualized to the student’s needs and goals. I specialize in audition and performance preparation, effective practicing skills, and focus heavily on the fundamental aspects of the flute. As a full-time orchestral musician with lots of experience in the field, I am enthusiastic about setting students up for success. I would be thrilled to be a part of your musical journey!
Education: Master of Music in Orchestral Performance, Manhattan School of Music; Bachelor of Music, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University.
Background: Megan Torti is the newly appointed Principal Flute of the North Carolina Symphony, starting in the 2024-2025 season. She has performed with the New York Philharmonic, along with the Baltimore, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, and Tulsa Symphony Orchestras, among others. As an active chamber musician and soloist, Megan has been a recipient of the Ensemble Forward Grant from Chamber Music America, and also won first prize in the International Latin American Flute Competition and New Jersey Flute Society’s Young Artist Competition.
Major Teachers: Robert Langevin, Leone Buyse.
Specialties: Audition and performance preparation, effective practicing skills.

Mary Joanna White

by Kathy Hancock July 23, 2017

(910) 793-1725
Website

Location: Wilmington, NC
Availability: Not accepting students outside the university at the moment.
Major teachers: Doriot Anthony Dwyer, Israel Borouchoff, Martha Rearick
Education:
B.M. East Carolina University
M.M. Michigan State University
D.M.A. Boston University
Affiliations:
Associate Professor of Flute, University of North Carolina – Wilmington
Principal Flutist with Wilmington Symphony
Specialties: New Music