equal parts flute nerd, curious creator, and “what happens if we try this?” kind of person
Why hello there! I’m Laura.
I’m a musician, creator, composer, teacher, and lifelong learner (with a serious flute obsession 😉). I perform music that stretches my ears and imagination, create new works, write books and resources for musicians, collaborate with artists, and love teaching.
I have spent most of my life being curious — chasing sounds, asking questions, and wondering, “What happens if we try this?”
And I just love the moment when something clicks. When a student discovers something they didn’t know they could do. When a composer creates something that expresses a feeling or idea you didn’t know music could hold. When artists come together to create something completely new, surprising, and maybe even a little magical.
That’s the stuff that keeps me going.
The flute has been my companion on some pretty wonderful adventures — from the Catskills to Rochester, Rome (Italy!), and now Salt Lake City, from classrooms to concert halls and into collaborations with artists who continually inspire me.
I started my career as a classical flutist, and curiosity kept opening new doors: entrepreneurship, nonprofit work, grant writing, creating educational resources, and working with composers and artists from around the world.
As founding flutist and Artistic Director of fivebyfive, I spent a decade helping build an ensemble dedicated to contemporary chamber music, collaboration, and creative exploration. Working closely with composers and fellow artists, we brought more than 50 new works into the world through performances, commissions, and educational projects.
And now? I’m beginning another adventure: a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in flute performance at the University of Utah.
In bullet form!
New move as of August 2026 I’m living in Salt Lake City, Utah, but have lived in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, and Rome, Italy. I’m originally from a town of 200 people in the Catskills.
Obsessed with performing, teaching, & learning, hummingbirds, botanical gardens, dark chocolate (really any chocolate), tea shops, good coffee also, hiking, being in the sun, and my beautiful Hohner accordion, where I am joyfully (and perpetually) a beginner. I can play a few waltzes, including my favorite — the one from the film Pane e Tulipani.
Found music growing up as a 3rd generation musician. I studied flute performance and music education at the UW-Madison and Crane School of Music, with additional studies and masterclasses in Italy and throughout the United States. Over the years, I’ve taught in public and private schools, universities, and my own studio.
Giving back, with some of my favorite work that happens behind the scenes. I’ve served on nonprofit and professional boards, adjudicated competitions, mentored young musicians, sponsored a junior flute competition, and helped a flute camp at Hochstein get started. I currently serve on the National Flute Association’s New Music Advisory Committee and Career & Artistic Development Committee.
Presented on various topics about the flute, pedagogy, grant-writing, nonprofit leadership, creation of educational resources, and collaborations with artists in a variety of settings. I am especially proud of my book Modal Flute Warmup which received recognition in The National Flute Association’s Newly Published Music Competition for 2026. I’ve enjoyed sharing ideas from the book at places including the University of Michigan, Middle Tennessee State University, UW-Madison, San Diego State University, Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention, Chicago Flute Festival, and the National Flute Association Convention.
Performed with a wide range of groups such as Madison Symphony, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, The Crossroads Trio, Sotavento, Orchestra of Northern New York, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, fivebyfive, and other chamber and contemporary music settings. I’m equally passionate about new music and have premiered commissioned works with composers including JacobTV, Marc Mellits, Missy Mazzoli, Jessica Meyer, Roberto Sierra, and Sean William Calhoun. I’ve recorded a few albums and other recordings, and you can find them on Spotify, Apple Music or my favorite artist platform, Bandcamp. Recently I’ve been enjoying composing, performing, and recording my own works.
New chapter this summer: I’m beginning a Doctor of Musical Arts in Flute Performance at the University of Utah. I’m very appreciative and can’t wait!
A more standard bio (108 words)
Laura Lentz is a flutist, educator, composer, and author based in Salt Lake City, Utah, whose work is shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and a fascination with the endless possibilities of music. She performs contemporary music, creates new works, develops interdisciplinary projects, and explores creative approaches to teaching and learning.
Laura is the author of Modal Flute Warmup, which was recognized in the National Flute Association’s 2026 Newly Published Music Competition, and has presented workshops and performances throughout the United States and Europe. As founding flutist and Artistic Director of fivebyfive, she helped create innovative contemporary music experiences through collaboration, commissioning, and performance. Laura currently serves on the National Flute Association’s New Music Advisory Committee and Career & Artistic Development Committee, and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Flute Performance at the University of Utah.