Michelle
Stockman

BIO

Michelle Stockman is a flutist and piccolo player from New England who enjoys an active career in New York City performing with groups such as American Ballet Theatre, New York City Opera, Philharmonia Orchestra of New York (PONY), and The Chelsea Symphony. She is also a founding member of the duo and chamber music initiative, Half Moon Project. As a Friends of Flutes Foundation Grantee in 2018, Michelle gave the World Premiere performance of Michael Colina’s flute concerto, Isles of Shoals, with The Chelsea Symphony. She was awarded Second Prize in the New York Flute Club Competition in 2014, consequently giving her NYC solo debut in recital shortly after. While at the Hartt School, Michelle held a coveted spot in the school’s full tuition, honors chamber music program, Performance 20/20, and in 2009, earned Third Prize in the 9th Annual van Rooy Competition as a soloist.

Passionate about flute pedagogy and music education, Michelle is a dedicated private instructor and previously served on faculty at The Fort Lee School of Music in New Jersey. She holds both a Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance from Mannes College of Music at The New School and The Hartt School at The University of Hartord, respectively. Michelle studied under the tutelage of Judith Mendenhall, Janet Arms, Melissa Mielens, and Terry D’Errico. When she is not working, teaching, practicing, or rehearsing with one of the many ensembles she performs with, Michelle enjoys spending her tme traveling or doing outdoor recreation: hiking, swimming, skiing, and camping.

Private Instruction

As human beings, we have the unique and natural ability to be sentient, or respond to the world, aesthetically. For the interest of this world and the people who inhabit it, the ability to do this – to be aware of our existence and feel compassionate as sentient human beings – is necessary and beautiful. Unlike many other areas of study, the study of the arts can help develop this gift as it teaches all three realms of knowledge of being: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. The study of music, more specifically, simultaneously aids in the development of multiple areas of the brain; music is mathematical, scientific, historical, a foreign language, physical, and an art. Further, studying any of the arts innately develops a student’s ability to solve problems, think critically, collaborate, and welcome constructive criticism. Through music and the arts, a student’s imagination, creativity, and innovation are preserved and further, nourished. These latter skill sets in particular, are essential for life in today’s society. I am passionate about teaching because I have learned, first-hand, that regardless of which profession one chooses, studying the arts can equip all people, especially children, for success in their personal lives, careers, and as active members of their communities. I truly believe that music makes us “smarter” and more importantly, better people.

My journey as a teacher began during early high school at our district’s summer start-up program for young beginners and I have since had the great pleasure of mentoring students of all ages and levels, through age 83!

Please do not hesitate to get in touch for more information or to schedule your first lesson!