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, 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.
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.
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.
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 State Tennessee 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 (98 words)
Laura Lentz is a flutist, educator, composer, and author based in Salt Lake City, Utah, driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a fascination with the endless possibilities of music. Her work spans contemporary performance, new music creation, interdisciplinary projects, and creative approaches to teaching and learning.
Laura is the author of Modal Flute Warmup, which was awarded in the National Flute Association’s 2026 Newly Published Music Competition, and has presented workshops and performances throughout the United States and Europe. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Flute Performance at the University of Utah.