DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
As a flute professor and artist-teacher, I am committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their unique voice. I believe that musical excellence is enriched by diversity of experience, perspective, and culture, and I strive to ensure that my teaching and artistry reflect this understanding.
In my studio, students of all identities and backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, nationality, religion, and first-generation status are welcomed as integral members of a vibrant and creative community. I view open dialogue, empathy, and critical thinking as essential components of both musical and personal growth.
I actively work to challenge and dismantle systemic patterns of exclusion in the classical music world. This includes examining my own positionality as a white woman in higher education, acknowledging my privilege, and engaging in ongoing self-education and anti-racist action. I speak out against inequity, resist silence and complacency, and commit to continuous self-reflection and growth in allyship.
This commitment is embedded in my teaching and artistic practice through:
Reconfiguring repertoire lists and programming to center BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women composers and performers.
Highlighting a wide range of musical traditions and historically underrepresented voices.
Encouraging honest and sometimes difficult conversations about bias, systemic inequities, and cultural context in music.
Inviting guest artists, speakers, and collaborators from diverse communities to enrich the learning experience.
Practicing inclusive language and gender-neutral patterns in all aspects of communication and instruction.
Supporting student leadership in DEI-focused initiatives through committees, performance projects, and advocacy.
Beyond the classroom, I use my roles as performer, collaborator, and arts leader to promote social justice in the broader musical landscape. My work with orchestras and chamber ensembles is rooted in reimagining the concert experience to create more equitable spaces for artists and audiences alike. Through these efforts, I aim to model civic engagement, cultural responsiveness, and artistic activism for my students.
I believe that honest self-examination is a journey, not a destination. Together with my students, I seek to build a studio culture defined by curiosity, courage, and community, one that embraces diversity as a source of strength and creativity. By cultivating inclusive practices in performance, pedagogy, and leadership, I strive to prepare the next generation of flutists to be not only exceptional artists, but also thoughtful, engaged citizens of the world.