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What made you start playing the flute?

When they opened the flute case it smelled really good! We took it home. I was about 8 yrs. old.

 

Who was your first teacher?

Hungarian flutist Josef Juhos at Cleveland Institute Preparatory Program,  He was very formal; a real gentleman. He taught me respect for a focused tone right away.

 

What flute do you play now?

Brannen 9k.

 

Have you always played that flute, and how is it different from other flutes?

No, I have tried many different flutes over the years. It seems to come down to an issue of how much resistance you want within the instrument.

 

Who or what inspires you and why?

Renee Fleming, Wynton Marsalis, Riccardo Muti, Jimi Hendrix, James Galway,  Mitsuko Uchida , Emmanual Ax, Radiohead, Sting, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Pat Metheny, Paul Winter, Nat King Cole, and many of my colleagues have been inspiring. As to what is inspiring, only one thing: music’s power to transform energy.

 

What’s your approach to practicing?

I go with what is inspiring at the moment, or I’m task-oriented:  getting the job done, whether it involves learning lots of notes in creative ways, studying the piece, or growing the sound in a particular way.  In the end, things have to feel good.

 

What is the main difference between playing in orchestra and playing solo?

Playing solo is like playing golf; orchestra is like basketball.

 

How do you handle nerves?

I try not to “handle” nerves. I respect them and try to understand them; when they knock at the wrong time I ask if we can discuss later.  

  

What achievement are you most proud of?

Becoming myself as much as I have so far!

 

What have been the main milestones in your musical life?

Being Principal flute of a great orchestra was and still is my dream every day, so I’m living it.  25 years playing and teaching at the Aspen Music Festival has been very unique.

 

What have been the biggest challenges in your career and how have you overcome them?

For me, like all flutists, the biggest challenge is to find your true sound. Still working on it!  I am developing my sound now by playing all sorts of great melodies and passages from the orchestra pieces I love.  My new Exploring Sound book series is about that.

 

What advice would you give to a musician embarking on a career today?

If you want to work hard at something you love without guarantee of satisfaction, success or wealth, it might be a reason to consider the career; but I’m not at all sure “reason” is the operative word!

 

Apart from performing/practising, what other tasks form part of your professional life?

I’m  doing some arranging for flute and piano.  Also I am publishing some innovative practice books. Oh, and the rehearsals of course; they are pretty constant.

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