urban flautista: (n) 1. any being that has a love for music and a desire to master the art of playing the flute.
2. a community that respects the contributions of flutists of color throughout the world across all genres of music

MISSION

We engage and inspire flutists throughout the ​African Diaspora by providing them diverse and culturally meaningful musical experiences with access to opportunities.

VISION

Expand the network among flutists of color to serve as:
  • the support center for developing flutists across generations,
  • a platform for launching careers while,
  • spotlighting the contributions of this community.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Meet the Founder

How it began...

Back in 2009,  I was in grad school studying social work. By that time I had stepped away from the world of music for a few years to explore additional skills and industries.  I remember having moments of absolute depression due to the grueling nature of my job as a case manager for youth in the justice system and trying to pursue a graduate degree. My life had been absent of anything related to my music degree for at least 3 years. Then one day, I was invited by a colleague  to facilitate a flute clinic at his high school in Baltimore, MD. Shortly after, I began making more time for what I knew best.... flute and service.

In 2010, I found myself pursuing more performance opportunities and teaching gigs. It was during this time I remembered why I stopped performing in the first place... the feeling of "otherness" walking into classical spaces and being the only or one of a few visible persons of color met with stares and even fewer pleasantries. I would often have to prove my worth before other musicians would care to know my name. I often daydreamed about what it would be like to be in professional ensemble settings where people of color were over represented. 

The "urban flautista" concept was born out of a wish. Although I had never met one in grade school, I knew flutists of color existed because I graduated from a historically black university and met many of "us"at other HBCUs. In 2011, I decided to launch my flute studio and my focus was to find and teach students of color in urban settings who were like me and never met a black flutist. To ensure my audience understood that they were welcomed I partnered with a graphic designer to conceptualize my idea into a logo.

During my reentry into the world of music, I hosted workshops at schools in urban settings throughout Maryland to network and build my studio. Unfortunately, many of the students I met just weren't interested in studying flute. I soon learned the cruel reality was that they didn't see themselves represented and furthermore couldn't fathom the opportunities associated with flute study.

Over the years, I continued to teach and encourage developing flutists in neighborhoods rarely visited by career and principal musicians. Eventually, I almost stopped believing in my own vision. After attempts to join local flute choirs and attending numerous flute conferences I grew  immensely frustrated and tired from trying to fit in and be respected. In 2012, I founded "Anita's Flutes Quartet" with my peers from undergrad and began building "The Urban Flautista" brand. Since then I have been on a mission to find and connect flutists of color throughout the U.S. and the Diaspora. Our community continues to grow and I'm proud to be apart of the movement.
Become a presenter.
PREVIOUS EVENTS

JOIN US FOR THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH!

The inaugural fest's theme is entitled "The Global Connection Sessions". In the midst of a pandemic, tremendous loss, and social injustice, the need to connect at a human level is ever more crucial. 

Through a series of monthly events from October 2020 to June 2021, our goal is to encourage meaningful engagement with members of the flute community while centering the value of flutists of color from around the African diaspora whose powerful voices are often marginalized in the world and flute community.
Meet and connect with members of the flute community who share your love for the world of flutes. The event is open to the public with registration. Slots are limited to allow for meaningful engagement between guests.

The only requirement is that you show up "For the Love of " the flutist experience.
COMING TO THE STAGE...
Meet and connect with the artists of the flute community whose focus include composing, performance, etc. This virtual meet up is free an open to the public with registration. Slots are limited to allow for meaningful engagement between guests. 
Meet and connect with other students and educators in the flute community. The event is open to the public with registration. Slots are limited to allow for meaningful engagement between guests.
In celebration of the Flute Mall Workshop launch we invite composers and other creative entrepreneurs to register for this workshop to learn the basics of how to sell your work, products, and services in The Urban Flautistas Mall and beyond.

Registration ends Friday, Nov. 13th at 11:59pm EST.
​Participants will receive the log in credentials once the workshop fee is submitted.

Topics to be covered include:
  1. Choosing your product or service
  2. Pricing your product/service
  3. Payment systems
  4. Product delivery
  5. Marketing tips
  6. Selling in TUF Mall
Participants will receive a free listing in TUF Mall.
Join us for this town hall discussion to identify and address stigmas and myths about pedagogy and achievement for Black flutists across all age groups and demographics.

Registration required for attendees.

Facilitated by: Alissa Gittens
Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021  | 11:00-11:45a.m. EST
In the past 200 years, dozens of prominent black composers from America and other parts of the African diaspora have fought to be recognized by the western classical tradition. This presentation by Dr. Gudmundson, Associate Professor of Flute at the University of Minnesota Duluth, features recorded performances of select works by African American composers and ways to access these works.