Hi, I’m
Atiya Bigby-Yodlowsky
Musician & Community Music Organizer
Fuquay Varina,NC
Summary
Flutist and non-traditional student with over 30 years of experience of flute study, with a background of volunteer performance, ensemble work, and music education. Skilled in directing mixed-ability flute ensembles, fostering inclusive musical communities, and organizing performances. Passionate about curating diverse flute repertoire, with a particular focus on composers of color and Brazilian music. Deeply committed to sharing the joy of music with students of all ages and skill levels, and to learning from diverse musical environments. Experienced in performing in healthcare and care facilities, using music to uplift and engage vulnerable communities. Active member of regional and international flute organizations, dedicated to personal growth and community building.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem, NC
Full-Time Student
01.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Full-time music student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in General Music with 3.95 gpa as of Spring 2026
- Member of the WSSU Flute Choir since Fall 2025
- Participated in World Music Ensemble in Spring 2025 and Fall 2025, learning steel pan drum and other percussion instruments
- Performed in the Music Department's weekly Music Seminar
- Completed Music Theory I-III; Music History I & II; Woodwinds and Percussion Methods; Non-Western Music; Conducting, Beginning Jazz, and Intro to Music Education
- Special interest in world music, particularly Brazilian choro
Summer Flutes Ensemble
Founder and Director
06.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Organized and led a seasonal community flute ensemble composed of players of all ages and abilities.
- Conducted rehearsals, selected repertoire, and arranged music to suit the skill levels of the group.
Universal Virtual Jazz Flute Big Band
Performer & Soloist
01.2023 - 01.2024
Job overview
- Participant and soloist in the Universal Virtual Jazz Flute Big Band directed by Yuko Hoshi.
- Contributed to large virtual jazz ensemble recordings, collaborating with flutists worldwide.
- Featured in both group and solo jazz performances, showcasing improvisation skills and ensemble collaboration in a virtual format.
- Link: https://youtu.be/N8rpJ9p-1L0?si=L_GI_NGl_GCVpNW8
Flutists of Color of the TriangleTriangle, NC
Founder
01.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Established a group for non-professional flutists of color to connect and share musical experiences.
- Created opportunities for musicians typically underserved in traditional music spaces to participate in music activities and ensemble work.
Winds of Hope Flute Ensemble
Flutist
01.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Performed regularly at a church, nursing homes, care facilities, and hospital environments, bringing music to those in need of comfort and joy.
- Specialized in uplifting performances designed for healthcare settings, promoting well-being through music.
- Collaborated with fellow ensemble members to curate appropriate repertoire for care environments, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for diverse audiences.
- Currently taking a semester break
Carolina Flute Choir
Flutist
01.2022 - 01.2023
Job overview
- Participated in rehearsals and performances for three seasons with the Carolina Flute Choir.
- Played a variety of flute ensemble literature, contributing to ensemble sound and performance success.
Music Educator
01.2008 - 01.2010
Job overview
- Taught beginner recorder and Yamaha fife to elementary-aged homeschooled students.
- Developed engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans that built foundational music skills in young learners incorporating the Recorder Karate curriculum.
- Introduced students to the joy of music through hands-on learning and collaborative playing.
Education
Winston-Salem State University
Bachelor of Arts from Music
05.2026
University Overview
- Intensive applied flute study with Dr. Kinard Douthit
- Completing Music Theory IV, taking various classes in Music Education, and fulfilling all music degree requirements
- Performing in the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Flute Choir, and other ensembles
- Performing twice per semester in weekly Music Seminars
- GPA: 3.95
Thomas Edison State University
Bachelor of Arts from Liberal Studies
University Overview
- Completed courses in psychology, sociology, computer studies with a broad focus on cultural engagement and diverse environments.
- Final capstone focus on the revival and reversal of the Great Migration of African Americans in United States history
William Paterson University
Previous Music Study
University Overview
- Studied under Dr. Karen Demsey, focusing on flute performance and musicology before leaving due to family responsibilities.
- Completed numerous music-focused credits, building a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance.
- Participated and performed with the William Paterson University Flute Choir.
Skills
- Non-professional level flute performance
- Ensemble leadership and direction
- Beginner music education
- Music arrangement and repertoire selection
- Community music outreach
- Conducting mixed-ability groups
- Inclusive music programming
- Personal collector of flute ensemble music
- Collaboration with musicians from diverse backgrounds
- Networking with professional and non-professional musicians
Flute Studies And Professional Development
Flute Studies And Professional Development
- Dr. Kinard Douthit
- Catherine LeGrand, Coaching and assistance with specific skills, Julie Bluestone, Jazz Flute, Ali Ryerson, Jazz Flute
- Deeply engaged with the Brazilian choro repertoire, exploring standards by composers such as Pixinguinha and Jacob do Bandolim.
Musical Accomplishments
Musical Accomplishments
- Directed multiple ensemble rehearsals through Summer Flutes, ensuring inclusive participation and enjoyable experiences for all.
- Developed Flutists of Color of the Triangle to create a sense of belonging for musicians typically underrepresented in traditional music spaces.
- Maintains a personal library of intermediate-level flute ensemble music, with a special focus on works by composers of color, promoting diverse repertoire for community flute groups.
- Explored a range of Brazilian musical compositions, connecting with the vast cultural and musical heritage of Brazil.
- Performed extensively in healthcare and care facility settings through the Winds of Hope Flute Ensemble, using music to support the well-being of vulnerable populations.
Current Organizational Memberships
Current Organizational Memberships
- Member, North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA)
- Member, National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
- Member, Society for Ethnomusicology student membership
- Member, National Flute Association
- Member, ABRAF: Associação Brasileira de Flautistas (Brazil)
References
References
- Maestra D'Walla Simmons-Burke, burkedw@wssu.edu
- Dr. Karen S. Thomas, thomasks@wssu.edu
- Dr. Jeanine Couto, perezjl@wssu.edu
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Portuguese
Elementary
French
Elementary
Timeline
Full-Time Student
Winston-Salem State University
01.2025 - Current
Founder and Director
Summer Flutes Ensemble
06.2023 - Current
Performer & Soloist
Universal Virtual Jazz Flute Big Band
01.2023 - 01.2024
Founder
Flutists of Color of the Triangle
01.2022 - Current
Flutist
Carolina Flute Choir
01.2022 - 01.2023
Flutist
Winds of Hope Flute Ensemble
01.2019 - Current
Music Educator
01.2008 - 01.2010
Winston-Salem State University
Bachelor of Arts from Music
Thomas Edison State University
Bachelor of Arts from Liberal Studies
William Paterson University
Previous Music Study