PorterFlute Pod

What's up Amy? Featuring surprise guest Gareth Davies, Principal Flute, London Symphony. Plus updates on Trio Virado, Brevard Music Center and AP's summer reading list.

Happy (would have been) 87th Birthday WIBB on February 7th!  The legendary WIlliam Bennett died in May 2022 and he left a hole in all of the hearts of the musicians that knew him. I was never his student, only a fan, so today my guest is Lorna McGhee, and we discuss this incomparable flautist. I'm including some of his recordings, special memories and dedications from his students and friends Denis Bouriakov, Wissam Boustany, Emily Beynon, Joel Tse, and Jeffery Zook.

Drama! Stolen Flutes! Stolen Music! It's a backstory from 200 years ago. Plus - In the preface of the Drouet Etudes it mentions that they should be practiced after the Berbiguier etudes. I was so happy to read that because I needed something to bridge the gap from Berbiguier to Altes and Rose.

New York Flute legend Elizabeth Mann and Blue Flute Alum Karmen Gould bring the one piece advice that everyone needs when they say to themselves and others, "I want to play in the movies, the pit or in rock band!" If I had a nickel for every time I hear that. You have to love it, live it and be "the musician's musician."

Fear. Blame. Regret. All feelings that can emerge on the yoga mat, in a lesson and in a personal relationship. Today I want to discuss the concept that these feelings of fear, blame and regret represent the space between where you are RIGHT NOW (who you think you are) and where you want to be (who you are going to become).

No one is producing this podcast except me, myself and I so get out your journal, sit on the couch and let’s discuss one mental health issue – feelings.

Get out your piccolo notebook in this therapy session everyone because In the pod with us is legendary Detroit musician Jefferey Zook and I ask him the questions you’ve asked me.

Meet Masters of Music flute students Minseo Kim from Korea and Lexi Eubanks from Georgia, along with DMA candidate Brandon LePage from Michigan. They're all checking in and letting us her their voices as they tell us in their words, how their experiences have been in 2022. 

Meet Viviana Guzman.

This episode takes a deep dive into the "Etudes for solo flute" by Korean composer Isang Yun. Here I excerpt the dissertation and feature the playing of Dr. Brian Dunbar, faculty at Anatomy of Sound and Professor of Flute at Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.

Let's think about the awareness of our behavior in our business, or job, our workspace. We’ll speak about some of the things people are learning as young adults and are like, “HEY! I wish I knew that earlier!” Today I’m discussing what to say and how to behave in several different arts and artistic settings and hopefully it will elevate your purpose. Suggestions from Vicky Oliver, Janet Horvath, Alan J. Tomasetti, and the Cincinncati Metroplitan Orchestra.

Meet "Funny Girl" Alice K. Dade. She loves making people laugh in stand up comedy. AND she's a great musician and teacher. From the University of Missouri, welcome my friend Alice.

They are astoundingly wonderful people beginning their journey within the folds of the University of Michigan Flute Studio. Meet the new Blue Flutes!

Today I want to get into that very popular phrase - that "blessing" we bestow on others in the hallways of homes and music schools everywhere. "Have a Good Lesson!" What does that mean exactly? And to whom? I pose some ways we might look at this wonderful and ever-changing one-on-one meeting with our mentors. I give both perspectives here, having been in both situations. Of course, I haven't been in your situation. Only you can change your perspective in order to have a good lesson.

Blue Flute Alumni and award winning composer Nina Shekhar is my guest and we really give the attention and light to female and nonbinary composers. We want to live in the solution. From her  bio "Nina Shekhar is a composer who explores the intersection of identity, vulnerability, love, and laughter to create bold and intensely personal works." Enjoy the podcast as we feature some of her works!

Meet Daniel Dorff. Flutists adore playing his music and I adore his humor. Featuring excerpts with Katie Leung, pianist in my live performance of Dorff's Sonata (Three Lakes).

I met Tom Garcia at Juilliard as a tuba major. Then we formed the Porter/Garcia Flute and Guitar Duo and the rest is history. Born in Brazil, he's an expert in all things Villa Lobos and even makes his own period Latin American guitars. He is Professor of Ethnomusicology and Musicology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

We were appointed in the same week. My flute sister for 8 years, Christina Smith, is here to talk about how we played then, and how we play now. And, of course, we serve up some Tea.

We go there, firing questions about "Early" music with Kathie Stewart, my partner for my recent project on YouTube, Quantz Quickies. We discuss J.J. Quantz's treatise, "On Playing The Flute". A founding member of the GRAMMY-award winning baroque music ensemble Appolo's Fire, currently Kathie is Curator of Historical Keyboards at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Historical Performance Institute, and Academic Specialist in Historical Performance.

Let’s talk about music, animals and life. They all go together emotionally and scientifically. Listen to stories, studies and facts behind music on our human planet and our animal planet. With stories by Laura Dwyer, and Co-producers Justine Sedky and Alan J Tomasetti. Featuring Amy Porter playing "Zoo Song" by Nina Shekhar.

Welcome to Season 4! Need to know about repair warning signs, talk shop about gold and silver, and understand a ton more that you did before? Meet Adam Workman. He's likable, trustworthy and always current. First Flutistry Boston, then Flutistry Austin, now Flutistry Florida. Your Flutistry is always evolving. 

The Juilliard 1980s reunion continues as we tell stories from our time at Juilliard in the 1980s and living in New York City's Ansonia Hotel. We invited two of my closest buddies, a girlfriend who’s just a great girlfriend and a neighbor who was just a great neighbor. Violist and educator Rebecca Young and pianist, composer and educator Robert Apostle. I went to the vault and found a Sonata that’s a favorite among flute players- Christopher Caliendo’s Sonata No 8 Movement 3 the Ride of the Headless Horseman. It tells an amazing story and I appreciate that I received the dedication and the premiere. Pianist David Gilliland.

I’ll give you just a few thoughts from my experience over 20 years at Michigan on the relationships with a teacher of your instrument and  highlight work that students can do personally to have everything click. Featuring Gieseking Sonata with Tim Carey on piano.

In honor of December application deadlines we have some advice on auditioning for the UMICH SMTD Flute studio. And there are four Blue Flute alumni updates!

Let's dive deeper into the the stories behind the Atlanta Flute Club (Founded in 1997) with Kathy Farmer and Southeast Michigan Flute Association (Founded in 2002) with Debbie Ash and Holly Clemans. We also discuss flute choirs and their development. Featuring Desert Echoes Flute Project Flute Choir with member and co-producer of PorterFLute Pod, Alan Tomasetti. Performing "Flourishes" by Kathy Farmer.

We come bearing a Rose - etude that is. It’s our  Etude edition and Cyril Rose etudes for clarinet are discussed today since I’ve recently recorded them all from my edition published by Carl Fisher. and we’ll be looking into them more creatively with my two colleagues from UMICH SMTD, Professors Chad Burrow and Dan Gilbert.

We’re bringing some advice to those students wondering if they can have a career teaching and performing as an instrumentalist – together – and not put into a box of being one or the other. Meet the most recent Doctorate graduates that have jobs here in the US - Dr. Erika Boysen, University of North Carolina, Greensboro and Dr. Maria Castillo, University of TN, in Knoxville. Both women weigh in on being DMA graduates from UMICH and young Professors in the 21st century.

Meet Lowell Liebermann, composer, pianist, Juilliard friend and lover of all things music. We feature his Sonata for Flute and Piano published by Theodore Presser. Chia-Chi Hsu, piano.

Long podcast alert! Repetitive overuse is preventable and we can avoid it at an early age. Meet Angela McCuiston from "Music Strong" and hear stories of overuse from our co-producer Alan J. Tomassetti and professional flutists Angela Massey and Melissa Mashner Donker.  Featuring my recording of JS Bach's Cello Suite in D minor from my album "In Translation."

Jake and Gabe Fridkis are both flutists in the Fort Worth Symphony and talk about growing up with each other, guiding each other and asking for each other's help along the way. These two brothers will inspire you keep going, always with a laugh and stay practicing. I've never met The Flute Bros. and Oh my Goodness! These guys are worthy of cult status, don't you think? Featuring their performance of Andante and Rondo by Doppler. Esther Park, piano

Meet Ella, Isabella, Ting-Yu, Joyce and Mia, all freshmen at UMICH SMTD who are pursuing flute as something important in their life. And they want to spend time hearing what I have to say. OK!! I love that! And I appreciate and value their dreams. Go Blue Flutes!

This convo is for ALL Composers and Commissioners. Our guest Michael Haithcock is a pro when it comes to programming, commissioning and scheduling. In other words, making the future of live music happen. Professor Haithcock conducts the internationally renowned University of Michigan Symphony Band, guides the acclaimed graduate band and wind ensemble conducting program, and provides administrative leadership for all aspects of the University of Michigan’s diverse and historic band program. Featuring Joel Puckett's flute concerto Shadow of Sirius from the Artifacts recording.

Let's take a dive into my 2005 Karg-Elert Caprice Study guide and hear some of the fun facts and interesting takes on performing these complicated caprices we call etudes. I think we can play them in concerts! Featured is audio from the Study Guide and presents Marie Herseth with an historical commentary as well as some of the lectures from Caprices #12,23,25 & 28. Thanks to Margaret Jane Radin for the seed money, to UMICH SMTD and UMICH CLRT for the grants.

Featuring our Co-Producer Justine Sedky answering Who, What, When, Where and Why? and Shanna Pranaitis and her FluteXpansions.com website. I know it’s challenging to be in a situation you don’t like, especially on the flute, but there are rewards in working with the magic that is upon you! It’s a composer’s dream to have their creation produced, It’s up to us to believe in ourselves and our own magic to produce it.

What's Up Amy? Join us for our Season 3 preview, Season 2 review and catch up on updates from the summer of 2021. You'll learn about a new member of Trio Virado and find out about the latest invention that we can't talk about! Featuring "Blaze" for five flutes by Nina Shekhar. Performed by Amy Porter, Chappy Gibb, Henry Woolf, Rachel Reyes and Emily Claman  from Brevard Music Center's flute studio 2021.

I've been WAITING for this episode for so long. I'm ready to tell you all I know about food, nutrition, suggestions for shopping, reacting to heartburn, sugar, oils and more. Meet Dr. Julee Kim Walker, foodie and friend. She's the Assoc. Professor of Flute at Texas A & M in Commerce, TX. I'm featuring our performance with Diane Frazer of "Maya" for two flutes and piano by Ian Clarke at the 2016 Texas Summer Flute Symposium.

Interested in the similarities in the sax and flute? Do you know who Donald Sinta is to our music world? Is it "Classical sax" or just "Saxophone"?After a lifetime of "Is it flutist, or flautist",  I asked a friend.  My colleague Dr. Tim McAllister is the Grammy Award winning performer and teaching phenom. Listen to his straight talk and enjoy our walk down memory lane with the advice of his mentor and mine, Donald J. Sinta, Earl V Moore Professor Emeritus at the the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Professor Sinta was my faculty mentor and guide and impacted a lifetime of students.

Graduation 2021 held some challenges. Our producers asked our graduating students some parting questions and they had some wonderful and insightful answers and advice. Let's hear from Jordan Smith, Specialist in Flute Performance. Masters grad Ali Dettmer and Seniors Esther Kim and Dani Kim.
Here are the questions and then you’ll hear everyone’s answer.

At this stage in my life I’ve developed a new mission statement. "I help people learn how to empower themselves through music, business & media." And I think a lot of us are doing that now! Featured in the podcast today is Principal Flute of San Antonio Symphony Mark Teplitsky, a friend of just about everybody. He is joined by his lovely wife Liz and they’ll be offering their ideas about flutists in business and we’ll enjoy some of their playing today on the podcast. Included are works by Brahms, Rimsky-Korsakov, Beethoven and Shostakovich. Sponsored by Flutistry.

“You’re crazy.” Yeah I am that crazy to see the future of my life and where I wanted to go with etudes. And that was in front of a camera, feeling happy to extol the wisdom of these amazing musical authors and bring it to the curriculum in an easy and accessible way. I'll address in this episode those questions from flute students about the more advanced etudes and featuring my recording of the 30 Caprices by Karg-Elert.

This week we're sharing personal journeys to learning the piccolo, discussing learning auxiliary instruments without fear or consequence and embracing that inner voice of a challenge beyond the C flute. Sharing their experiences with us is Erica Peel, Piccoloist in the Philadelphia Orchestra and Cynthia Meyers from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Sponsor: Flute Specialists www.flutespecialists.com

One day, I was sitting in a diner eating breakfast, by myself, at the 2003 NFA convention in Las Vegas and the rest is history. Christopher Caliendo has composed four out of 13 Sonatas for me and I am honored to call him a friend. Listen to stories behind this composer's works and how his career in music took a turn after returning from composing for the Vatican. It's the story of the "Great American Flute Sonata." https://www.christophercaliendo.com/

I'm calling it Source. I'm featuring my CD "In Translation" the tracks from Bach's C minor Cello Suite, and I'm reading words from Kahlil Gibran "The Prophet" , "A Course in Miracles" and CS Lewis. Plus, you'll hear about my journey from growing up in Unitarianism to being baptized as an adult in the Episcopal Church since 1997 . As Gibran puts it, you're my friend on the roadside. May the voice within my voice speak to the ear of your ear. 

It's the coolest thing I can't do. Beatboxing. Everyone knows Greg Pattillo from Project Trio. And I am cooler from this interview. Let's take notes.

We're calling this episode "Who’s Managing Whom?" I will be speaking about the aspect of having “made it”, and if having a manager, media specialist, or PR person is actually necessary in order to “make it.” We’re featuring Nicole Riccardo from NR Media to help us figure it all out. I’ll speak personally to you today about my journey to a manager as Amy Porter, flutist.

What purposes do etudes serve and in what cases? Join us as we list some favorite scenarios and give some sound advice through etudes. Featuring the 32 Etudes by Ferling/Rose/Porter.

What are judges looking for? How do I prepare the students? How do competitions differ from orchestral auditions in preparation? What are the different fears? Preparing for the orchestral audition AND a soloist competition is about years of practice, not months of practice. Welcome Coreisa Janelle Lee to the Podcast with her story of winning in a very different kind of flute competition.

Dilshad Posnock is my flute colleague and friend guide for me as I return to the waters of playing in a major symphony and find the peace in the mountains to rest. The Brevard Music Center was part of my past, now present and future and I have stories. It's the meaning of our friendship - that, and sharing a teacher. Our beloved Jeannie. 

Laura Dwyer is my guest to discuss the situation musicians share in the pandemic and the agony and sincere loss of not being together and not bringing music to the public. BOOKS: Covey - Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.; Santos- Science of Well Being; Dweck- Mindset.

We had memories, stories and questions to ask JoAnne Falletta. We all have a connection to her somehow so my producers Alan and Justine join me in this wonderful sit-down with the beloved Maestra of the Buffallo Philharmonic. She's a GRAMMY winner and my former Juilliard classmate as well as my colleague at Brevard Music Center.

It's time again to say Go Blue Flutes and celebrate all that has been happening to impact our life as a flute studio at the University of Michigan Join us for current updates, successes, guests to our virtual studio class and alumni news.

It's going to all become very clear. Dave Schall, owner of Dave Schall Acoustic for 23 years, is a graduate of Eastman School and University of Michigan as a Bassoon Performance Major. He sits us down to explain those details we need related to our audio and video life.  I ask all the seemingly "dumb" questions for you about what, where and how. We both believe all instrumentalists should represent ourselves as clearly as possible. We get to hear the distortion behind all those "preamps" and understand microphones. Get out a note pad. www.daveschallsound.com

This week I give my lesson on Daphnis et Chloe from the perspective of all flute parts and focusing on the 14th Arabesque Etude by Eugene Bozza

Embarrassment. That awkward emotional state can find us in concerts when we're least expecting it. This podcast, I'm featuring some of my mistakes in recordings and I'll share stories of those moment.s, I'll help to uncover some truths about your strength and lead you to understand that the music is the focus. 

I just have to say this show has been such a joy to create. I am so grateful to the audience every week and it’s so great to see that every series that we create within the podcast has its own following. We have a few hundred people in 13 countries who listened to 684 minutes of content 3,456 times! I want thank my guests for being generously receptive to being on the podcast and to share their stories with you - and YOU have let the input from this show effect your artistry and practice.

I know that feeling of "Burnout" and  "The Last Straw." At that point I look for some natural spaces and a retreat into Mother Nature. Have you tried silence? Do you have a hobby to gain some perspective in your life? Do you use humor to help in your life? I'll bring some questions to ask yourself to the Pod along with some humor. Everyone needs a giggle from time to time. Enjoy a poem from Patti Adams, some quotes from grade school essays on classical music and a problem from the Musician's Math Test. Featuring the First Sonata by Martinu with Christopher Harding, piano.

Meet 2 women I would have never met in my circles. Women I met because I was meant to be lifted up. I was meant to do something radical and take on inspiration from outside my industry to get fresh ideas. There was no plan. I just embraced change. - all words spoken by Jessica Herrin, Founder and CEO of Stella & Dot Family of Brands. I'll cover her 5 Traits for an Extraordinary Leader from her book "Find Your Extraordinary." Featuring the music of Nadine Dyskant-Miller "They Move With No One Watching (Dances) for Flute and Piano. Katie Leung, pianist. Mobile, AL.

Develop a business mindset with your website/store/blog and have it take  root.  Whether the site is for yourself as a soloist, a repository for your work, or you’re trying to sell something in this  business of music, I can lead you to ask the right questions of yourself. Featuring the Sonatine from the album The Wind Music of Henri Dutilleux this is David Gilliland, Lecturer of Collaborative Piano at the University of Rhode Island.

Every Etude Pod, we want to feature a pairing (a solo piece,chamber piece, or orchestral excerpt) that offers difficult passages and talk about which etudes can enhance your playing and keep up your appetite for the style. Dr. Maria Castillo (UT Knoxville) will highlight some etude pairing facts, and has chosen Brownies and Ice Cream to pair up those virtuosic works we love, like Boehm's Grand Polonaise, Cecil Chaminade's Concertino and Hue's Fantaisie. 

Meet Mimi Tachouet, Elise Henry, and Kelly Zimba, all UMICH Bachelor of Music alumni who won jobs as flutists in the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. They give their recollections of the nerves, excuses and the letting go that led to the freedom for them to play as beautifully as they could in their specific three minutes of life... the audition behind the screen.

Hear stories from violinist Prof. Aaron Dworkin, flutist Kaori Fujii and I'll read a story about our favorite Sonata for Flute and Piano by Francis Poulenc from Jean-Pierre Rampal's autobiography "Music My Love." and seeds that were planted for its growth.

Meet my trainer, Larry Veasman. Plus learn about the acronym, SAVERS to help you create a powerful and fulfilling life from the book "The Six Morning Habits of High Performers" by Hal Elrod - with my take on it.

Meet Creative Consultant Delanie West, a friend who I can turn to for a good conversation and point of view. Connecting people, naming Black Lives Matter, bringing a black and white female conversation to the Pod. Let's all help heal internalized racism,  celebrate Blackness and stay creative in our shift of culture. We're using the book "How To Be An AntiRacist" by Ibram X. Kendi as a guide.

We showcase the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Undergrad Blue Flutes studio experience through the eyes of graduated senior Ayana Terauchi, rising senior Kelli Daugherty and incoming freshmen Alexis, Leo and Adria. Come on in!

Break it down! Come into the classroom of social media for artists with Amy and Alan J. Tomasetti as they discuss the social media journey of Amy Porter to PorterFlute and tips for everyone who wants a platform to express.

It's highly apparent that etudes work for instrumentalists. How can we hear the difference? Commitment is key.

Amy Porter provides a framework for you to find your way to meeting your performance goals and seeing your dreams become reality. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do it.

Guests Wissam Boustany (Lebanon/ UK)  and Cheryl Emerson (USA) reflect on some memories as they relate to PorterFlute. My pod is made up of all the his-tory and her-story and their-story memories so truly, there are awe-inspiring and hair-raising stories in this Pod today. Have fun, and imagine we're sitting around the dinner table.  Clink Forks and Bon Apetit!

Amy talks about her journey to her best self at age 55. Hear some tips and stories to motivate your creativity and mindset. The body will go along with you for the journey so don't be afraid to listen to the truth and physicality of being a musician. Move. Now. Even if it's baby steps, just keep moving.

You emailed Amy, and she helps answers those questions you've been dying to know including: 

- How did you become a Haynes Artist (did they ask you, did you go through an audition, what was the process)? 

-What is your normal routine before a performance to calm her nerves? 

-Do you still get nervous? 

and more!!

Do you have a question for Amy? Listen to this episode and find out how to get your question on the next Ask Amy episode!

My friend Joel asked to be on my first "FriendCast" Podcast so I said OF COURSE!! Composer Joel Puckett wrote a piece for me called "Shadow of Sirius" for flute, flute choir and Wind Ensemble and it's a top hit in the concerto repertoire for flute players. Listen in as he describes his process and how he hears the flute.

Nine types of personalities in the Enneagram test and there's even a personality test for students!  It take all types to practice etudes. Listen to more than logic behind why they stand the test of time.

A Renaissance is upon us.

The unknown is everything.

What fears in music performance can we remove?

Porterflute Pod is launching