Flute

 
Welcome to the flute studio at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music! 

The flute studio (or “Fludio,” as we like to call ourselves!) typically welcomes a class of 13-17 flutists each year from Colorado, across the country and abroad to earn BM, BME, BA, MM, AD and DMA degrees. Students in the flute studio value an environment of intellectual curiosity and are encouraged to explore double majors, minors and certificates in addition to a comprehensive and rigorous flute curriculum. 

The flute studio values connection and community. Every flute major has a weekly lesson with Professor of Flute Christina Jennings. Students also attend weekly studio class, TA supplemental lessons and extra topic classes (topics have included excerpts, technique, artistry, piccolo and more). We are fortunate to host guest artists and ensembles annually; past artists have included James Galway, Demarre McGill, Valerie Coleman, Paula Robison, Carol Wincenc, Eighth Blackbird and The Cleveland Orchestra. CU Boulder’s music library houses the complete solo collection of legendary flutist Martha Rearick.

All students participate in ensembles. The flute studio also benefits tremendously from the collaborative piano program. Under the direction of Margaret McDonald and Alexandra Nyugen, collaborative majors learn major flute repertoire, coached by our faculty and performed on recitals. 

CU Boulder is dedicated to developing the universal musician. Students are expected to balance academic and instrumental excellence, and have the opportunity to participate in a range of diverse programs—including our Entrepreneurship Center for Music—and in a multitude of ensembles, including CU Boulder SoundWorks, the Early Music Ensemble and non-Western music ensembles. In addition, the college’s Musicians’ Wellness Program includes courses in Developing the Whole Musician and the Alexander Technique. For a complete look at these diverse programs, we invite you to explore the College of Music website.

Christina Jennings

CJ

Flutist Christina Jennings relishes an artistic life comprised of sharing music with audiences and students. Her search for beauty and meaning leads her to explore diverse music and approaches with a wide range of artistic partners and young musicians. The Houston Press declared, “Jennings has got what it takes: a distinctive voice, charisma and a pyrotechnic style that works magic on the ears.” Highlights from upcoming and recent seasons include the premiere of “Glimmerglass,” a new concerto for flute and wind ensemble by Kevin Day; collaborations with the pianist Simone Dinnerstein performing music of J.S. Bach; and creative teaching with Tonebase, an online music teaching platform. MORE

Panoramic Flutist seminar

Join us in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, for a five-day immersion into the flute. The comprehensive summer seminar includes recitals, master classes, panel discussions, jazz improvisation class, journaling class, and yoga and movement. We share meals, hikes and community. 

Upcoming woodwinds events

Prospective students

Plan your visit

Visiting campus

Prospective students are invited to visit the CU Boulder campus anytime during the academic year. Studio class is held on Mondays at 2:30 p.m. and is open to any flutist considering auditioning.

Flute playing at altitude

Boulder’s elevation (approximately a mile high!) makes flute playing somewhat of a challenge. The good news is that almost everyone auditioning from out of town will have the same experience. In particular, breathing and sound production in the lower register can be affected. Try to arrive a day or two in advance and be sure to drink lots of water. Lip balm, eye drops and sleep will also help!

Save some time to explore the nearby mountains and go downtown to our Pearl Street Mall—there are many good restaurants and shops.

Colorado flutists

Thank you for exploring the University of Colorado Boulder, the flagship campus in our state. As a Colorado flutist, I hope you’ll take full advantage of the rich opportunities we have here!

I offer all Colorado flutists a lesson free of charge. Please reach out early (middle school is fine) to schedule a lesson! Additionally, you’re welcome to attend our weekly studio class a few times a year (Mondays at 2:30 p.m.).

All faculty and student performances (recitals, chamber music and large ensemble) are free and many are livestreamed.

Please do not wait until the fall or spring of your senior year to contact me. We have amazing resources here, and I love to know and guide my Colorado flutists in finding the right fit. It is never too early to be in touch and get to know me, my studio and the CU Boulder College of Music.

I strongly encourage all Colorado flutists to:

  • Study privately with a teacher (please contact me for a list of amazing teachers!).
  • Participate in school bands, orchestras, youth orchestras, flute choirs and chamber music programs.
  • Join the Colorado Flute Association and participate in Flute Days, competitions and performance opportunities.
  • Join the National Flute Association and attend the annual convention.
  • Audition for Honor Bands, All-State and local competitions.
  • Attend as many concerts of all kinds as you can, especially the Colorado Symphony Orchestra!
  • Listen to beautiful flute playing live, online and on recordings!
  • Attend master classes by the Panoramic Flutist, Bel Canto Flute Academy, Mile High Flutes and The Creative Flutist Studio.

Remember to be in touch early! I look forward to hearing you play soon.

Warmly, Professor Jennings

Flute studio statement on anti-racism 

We, the CU Boulder flute studio, acknowledge that the University of Colorado Boulder sits upon traditional territories of the Arapaho, Cheyenne and Ute Nations.

The CU Boulder flute studio condemns acts of racial injustice. We condemn its manifestation in the egregious acts of police brutality which disproportionately affect Black Americans. We acknowledge the broken, racist history of American policing and mourn the human lives that have been snuffed out by centuries of oppression at the hands of white supremacy. We commit to continued self-education—on our own and as a community. We will hold one another accountable as we continue to grow into compassionate, justice-oriented people.

We commit to action through the following steps:

  • We will make intentional purchases when adding to the CU Boulder flute studio music library. We will actively cultivate relationships with and support for living Black composers through our attitudes, repertoire selections and financial resources.
  • We will engage in purposeful reflection on the makeup of our studio and the identities we fail to represent. We will examine why our studio, and the CU Boulder College of Music, has remained a majority-white institution.
  • We will learn how to create a learning environment which recognizes, supports and affirms all identities/intersections of identities. We acknowledge that a collegiate music education is often only accessible to those who have existing privilege. We commit to learning how we can be agents of change in the fight for accessibility.

Contact