I wanted to be an orchestral flutist for most of my life. At 10 years old I made up my mind that nothing would make me happier than to play principal flute in an orchestra. I spent the next 15 years in relentless pursuit of that goal.

At some point, I realized I had put some of my other musical passions aside, like singing and playing piano, and I really missed them. I decided to start investing in my musical skills outside of the flutist arena. I stopped labeling myself as an “orchestral flutist” and started approaching the idea that I’m a musician. I can teach, write music, and perform. Labels can inhibit creativity and I became a happier, more well-rounded person, musician, teacher, and coworker. Diversifying my skillsets has broadened my perspective, community, and passions.

I was intentional about how I used my time and reflective of my decisions instead of blindly pursuing what was in my comfort zone. I realized that playing, teaching, and writing music made me happy. I’ve played in orchestras, rock bands, folk music ensembles, and contemporary woodwind quintets and thrive off of the ever-changing ways I need to adapt in those ensembles.

I made room for the things that were important to me and tried not to get bent out of shape when one area of my life had to take precedence over the other. This site is a landing pad to show the multifaceted life I lead as a musician, educator, and administrator.

-Lily Floeter