University of Michigan
Welcome Future Blue Flutes
Here, there are 18 individuals with 18 different musical journeys. So, take your time, look around at all the options, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our positivity and diversity. It's important to us as Michigan Wolverines. GO BLUE FLUTES!
Please reach out to Admissions at admissions-smtd@umich.edu or Professor Porter at akporter@umich.edu if you cannot find an answer to your question about the Flute Studio at The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.
UMICH SMTD Flute Studio FAQ
Do you have a quota to fill your studio at UMICH?
Each year there are 16–18 members in the Flute studio from all over the world, with future degrees of Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music with teaching Certificate, Bachelor of Musical Arts in addition to Masters Degrees in Performance and Chamber Music, and Doctorate of Musical Arts degrees. I choose 4–5 students each year out of the 65–85 flutists that apply, and that is not based on a quota I need to fill. It simply varies every year.
Is there a Flute Studio Class I can attend?
Yes! Mondays 4:40–6:30 in Stearns Bldg. Up the hill. This is a great 2 hours of dialogue, hearing others play and getting to play in masterclasses with me and our featured flute guests. Email me to be a guest: akporter@umich.edu
Does everyone study with you and what repertoire will I play?
As far as playing goes, everyone studies with me and has the same training in excerpts, solo repertoire, under-represented composers and chamber music. The academic standards are high at University of Michigan SMTD. I hope that all flutists that graduate with our conservatory training will be able to compete with their peers in the outside world at the highest level.
What are the Pre-Screening Requirements?
Pre-screening is required for all applicants to the MM/SM Performance programs Winds & Brass. Upload four compositions from the standard solo flute repertoire (video recordings) to the SMTD Artistic Profile, as well as four orchestral excerpts representing your highest level of proficiency. One of the compositions must be memorized. Please include a movement of a concerto as one of your selections. You may upload only two movements from a composition with multiple movements. Choose from the contrasting styles of the Baroque, Classical, French, or Contemporary literature. All pre-screening materials should be uploaded through the Artistic Profile by the December 1 deadline.
What are the Live Audition/Interview Requirements?
Students who advance to this stage of the application process will be invited to meet with Flute faculty for a discussion of your training, future and career goals, a review of your previously-submitted recordings, and live playing. Skills are assumed in performance techniques appropriate to the graduate level. Be prepared to sight-read.
What are the Writing Requirements?
Statement of Purpose: Upload a 2–3 page academic statement of purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. Personal Statement: Upload a personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan.
Where can I hear Blue Flute Alumni?
Alumni Appointments and Pursuits
Abby Peel (MM 2026)
Second Flute/Piccolo, West Michigan Symphony Orchestra
Abi Middaugh (BM 2026)
Principal Second Flute, Flint Symphony Orchestra
Ryan Koesterer (MM 2020)
Staff Sergeant General, US Army Fife and Drum Corps
Michael Avitabile (BM 2012)
Founder & Executive Director, HUB New Music; 2022 UMICH SMTD Emerging Artist Award
Dr. Rachel Woolf (BM 2010)
Asst. Prof. of Flute, University of Texas, San Antonio
Rachel Blumenthal (BM 2011)
Principal Second Flute, New York City Ballet; Second Flute, Santa Fe Opera Company
Dr. Maria Castillo (BM 2004, DMA 2020)
Asst. Professor of Flute, University of TN, Knoxville
Dr. Brian Dunbar (MM 2012)
Assistant Professor of Flute, SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music
Kelly Zimba (BM 2013)
Principal Flute, Toronto Symphony Orchestra; Glenn Gould School; University of Toronto
Dr. Seth Allyn Morris (DMA 2012)
Principal Flute, Metropolitan Opera
Elise Henry (BM 2009)
Principal Second Flute, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Marie (Mimi) Tachouet (BM 2006)
Principal Flute, Lyric Opera of Chicago; Roosevelt University
Ali Dettmer (MM 2021)
Third Flute/Piccolo, Lima Symphony Orchestra (OH)
Dr. Jaqueline Arrington (BM 2008)
Assistant Professor of Flute, University of Oregon, Portland
Dr. Daniel Velasco (Specialist 2013)
Assistant Professor of Flute, University of Kansas
Dr. Sarah Frisof (DMA 2009)
Associate Professor of Flute, University of Maryland, College Park
Ben Smolen (Specialist 2011)
Principal Flute, with tenure, Pacific Symphony, Orange County, CA
Nicole Esposito (MM 2003)
Professor of Flute, University of Iowa, Iowa City
Katie Leung (BM 2010)
Collaborative Piano faculty, University of Las Vegas, NV
Kelly Sulick (BM 2004)
Assistant Professor of Flute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville