Lucy Song: A Perfectly Named Flutist

Festival Hill Spotlight: Lucy Song

Flutist Lucy Song grew up believing she would pursue a degree in STEM and that music would just be an added hobby to make her life more well-rounded. But, having played an instrument from the age of 7 and in ensembles from the 5th grade, her mind slowly started to change, until one day, it completely switched.

Of course, Song’s parents didn’t initially agree with her choice to switch, requiring her to double major in flute performance and economics during her undergraduate career at McGill University.

But, she pushed ahead and went on to earn a Master’s degree in music from Northwestern University and is now a doctoral student at the University of North Texas.

“I’ve really had to fight to be allowed to do this career because my family was super against it,” said Song. “I know a lot of people in music grew up with musical parents, or at least parents who were supportive of them going into music. I feel like that has really taught me to value it because I almost didn’t get to do it.”

Over the years of her musical career, Song has performed with ensembles such as the Milwaukee Symphony, the Dubuque Symphony and the Florentine Opera. She has also had the opportunity to participate in festivals such as the National Arts Center Young Artists Program, Orford Academy, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and now Festival Hill.

While in her first year of undergrad, Song ended up meeting her future husband, who she has now been with for 10 years. Now, they’re both pursuing doctor of music arts degrees at the University of North Texas. Her husband also plays in the Orlando Symphony Orchestra, so he has to travel between states quite frequently.

“It’s great because we understand each other, what we’re going through, and we get to collaborate musically,” said Song. “I really get to feel like I’m part of a team, but it’s also kind of hard because, for music, you don’t know where you’re going to end up and the other person doesn’t know where they’re going to end up. But you make it work.”

Because there are so many different opportunities and directions a musician can choose, Song isn’t quite sure where she will end up, but she hopes to be involved in both music performance and teaching. Currently, Song works in UNT’s College of Music as a teaching fellow for the flute studio, with 45 students under her instruction. The classes she teaches include applied flute, chamber ensembles, and flute choir.

Upon graduation, Song explained that she will most likely head to Orlando with her husband now that he plays there, but she also intends to keep her options open in regards to locations of ensembles and jobs she applies for.

“The main thing I want my students to get out of my teaching is to be able to be their own teacher. And that’s a really common thing for [instructors] to say, because it’s true,” said Song. “You want to train their ears so that they can be independent and identify issues, then know enough strategies to solve those issues.”

With Song’s passion for music and everything she’s overcome to pursue it, she knows all the hard work she is pouring into her students and her own career will soon pay off. Song’s patience, talent and effort is sure to take her far in the music industry