Tara Helen O’Connor, whom Art Mag has said, “so embodies perfection on the flute that you’ll forget she is human.” O’Connor serves as Visiting Associate Professor of Flute at the Yale School of Music, Artistic Director of the Music from Angel Fire Festival, and is also on the faculties of the Bard College Conservatory of Music and the Manhattan School of Music.
Artist to Architect: Building a Musical Life is an interactive workshop designed to help flutists think about and develop the foundational skills needed to build a successful and sustainable career in today’s classical music landscape. Through conversation and practical strategies, participants will explore entrepreneurial thinking, adaptability, and the confidence required to navigate an ever-evolving profession.
The workshop encourages students to take ownership of their artistic paths, shifting from artist as participant to artist as creator, curator, and leader, while discovering how to shape opportunities that align with their unique strengths and aspirations.
Rama Kumaran became the youngest-ever winner of the American National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition. His current work includes cross-disciplinary storytelling, creative research, and historical performance. Join us for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the music of Herman Beeftink. As a longtime collaborator of Beeftink and the performer behind numerous recordings of his works, Rama brings a unique perspective on the composer’s musical language, creative process, and performance practice.
Rama will perform a recital showcasing selections from Beeftink’s repertoire, followed by an interactive workshop exploring beatboxing and other contemporary flute techniques frequently featured in his music. Participants will gain practical tools for incorporating these techniques into their own playing while discovering new approaches to expression and storytelling through music. The afternoon will conclude with a masterclass open to chamber ensembles and individual performers presenting works by Beeftink.
This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the foremost interpreters of Herman Beeftink’s works and deepen your understanding of this imaginative and widely performed repertoire.
Sharon Floyd is a retired elementary school teacher in Ridgefield, WA. She holds a certificate in Musical Instrument Repair from Renton Technical College and a master’s in teaching from George Fox University. Additionally, she has worked in flute sales for J.L Smith, Flute World, and Carolyn Nussbaum. Sharon performs with the Southwest Washington Symphony, the Oregon Symphonic Band and also plays with the Cascades Flute Choir.
Learn how your flute works, assess its condition, test for mechanical soundness, and build the vocabulary to communicate with a technician, all in this hands-on session designed to help you understand your instrument better.
Join internationally acclaimed piccolo specialist Peter Verhoyen for an in-depth masterclass on Antonio Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto in C Major, RV 443, one of the most significant and frequently performed works in the piccolo repertoire. Designed for piccolo players, flutists, and teachers, this session will explore the technical, musical, and stylistic challenges of this beloved concerto.
Drawing on his extensive experience as a soloist, orchestral musician, and pedagogue, Peter will offer practical guidance on articulation, ornamentation, phrasing, tone production, and Baroque performance practice. Participants will gain valuable insights into effective preparation and interpretation of the concerto while developing strategies for achieving greater virtuosity, musical expression, and confidence on the piccolo.
Whether preparing the work for performance, auditions, competitions, or personal study, attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of Vivaldi’s masterpiece and the artistry required to bring it to life.
Open to all flutists aged 18 years or older from any geographical region. Candidates will submit an unedited YouTube video performance of the preliminary round. Finalists will record and submit an unedited YouTube video performance of a recital program 20 minutes in length.
Lyon Leifer is recognized in Europe, the Americas, China, and India as a master flutist who performs both on Western flutes and on the bansuri (North Indian keyless bamboo flute). After early studies in Chicago with Emil Eck and Walfrid Kujala, Mr. Leifer attended the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied with Julius Baker. He became a member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Pursuing an interest in the improvised raga music and flute playing in India, he accepted a Fulbright Grant to study there with Devendra Murdeshwar, the inheritor of the legacy of the great Pannalal Ghosh. Remaining in India for five years, Mr. Leifer won the praise of Indian audiences and critics for his authentic renditions of raga melodies. In 2019, he won another Fulbright Grant to study the current state of bansuri playing and making in India, spending two months there and taking part in many seminars organized throughout the country.
Lyon Leifer will present a bansuri recital with a tabla player, followed by an interactive demonstration geared towards western flute players eager to know more about this ancient instrument.
Amy Likar is a flutist with the Oakland Symphony and an active freelance musician. She directs the training program for the Association for Body Mapping Education and champions musicians’ health and wellness. Amy is an AmSAT Certified Alexander Technique Teacher. Her passion is helping people to get out of their own way to create meaningful, compelling performances.
Join us for an inspiring flute workshop that integrates principles of Body Mapping and the Alexander Technique into the practice process. Amy Likar will explore strategies designed to support greater ease, freedom, and expression in performance.
Topics include factors that impede musical expressiveness and contribute to physical tension; the concept of “grip points” in musical practice and performance; the integration of Somatic principles into practice routines; and strategies for developing a holistic approach to musical interpretation and physical awareness.
Alberto Almarza is Associate Professor of Flute at Carnegie Mellon University and founder and Artistic Director of The Consummate Flutist. The flute is one of the most varied and widespread instruments in the world, going back tens of thousands of years in many societies. As a result of the multiple types of flutes and the diversity of their musical and social role throughout the world, an amazing repertoire of timbres and playing techniques has been developed, preserved by flute players of native cultures. Many of these techniques arose from the desire to evoke nature, imitating birdsongs, wind, and water. Others came into being as an attempt to produce sounds that would have healing powers and communicate with sacred spirits. In this lecture demonstration, using his large collection of instruments, Alberto Almarza will introduce us to the fascinating world of traditional flutes, their performance practice, and the ubiquitous utilization of “extended techniques” in the traditional repertoire.
A Path from Duty to Beauty explores practical and effective strategies for accelerating artistic and technical growth. In this engaging lecture, Alberto Almarza examines the purpose of practicing, the role of habits and motivation in sustaining progress, and methods for organizing practice sessions with greater intention and efficiency. Participants will learn a framework for navigating the analytical, artistic, and execution phases of practice, gaining tools to transform daily work from a routine obligation into a meaningful path toward expressive and confident performance.
The CFC will award $2,000 to one flutist to support a project proposal of their choosing. Applicants will submit a narrative statement and video explaining their project proposal and its significance. Special consideration will be given to proposals that promote leadership, performance, and advocacy in the music field.
Repertoire requirements for each of the three divisions (Elementary, Junior, and Senior) will be available soon, as well as details for the competition through the link below! There will be one pre-selected piece per division, and students are required to choose a second piece of their choice to complete their competition program.
Showcase your talent and connect with fellow flutists at our exclusive Member Recitals! These exciting events are open exclusively to Chicago Flute Club members, providing a unique opportunity to perform in a supportive and inspiring environment. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting your musical journey, our Member Recitals offer a platform to share your passion and build lasting friendships.
