I am the NFA

The NFA's dynamic community of flutists spans the globe. NFA members include leading soloists; orchestral players; jazz, beatbox, and world music flutists; college and university teachers; adult amateurs; students of all ages—and even astronauts. Our members make us who we are. Meet some of our valued members and see why we inspire flutists and enrich lives.

Yuko Hoshi

“It was in 2009 that I first participated in the NFA Convention in New York. That was the very year I heard the Jazz Flute Big Band for the first time, and since then, I had always dreamed of playing in and conducting the Jazz Flute Big Band. In 2015, I founded the Japan Jazz Flute Big Band for which I play, conduct, and arrange music. My dream has come true! The NFA has always introduced innovative ideas and given us momentum towards our dreams. The NFA, I believe, is an amazing hub of a worldwide flute community where members living outside the U.S., like myself, are given equal opportunities. I have met so many wonderful people from all over the world through the NFA. Come on and join us! Let’s play together!” –Yuko Hoshi, performer

Nicholas Buonanni

“The NFA allows its members and community to explore their individual, forward-thinking, and unique voices through the flute. I am proud to be a member!” –Nicholas Buonanni, educator, performer, arranger, and librarian

Antonina Styczeń

“Being part of the NFA gives me support and the opportunity to share my passion for music with a like-minded flute family. I love this community—thanks to the NFA I was lucky to meet so many amazing friends and artists!” –Antonina Styczeń, astral artist, performer, and teacher

Brice Smith

“Thank you, NFA, for embracing diversity, inclusivity, and providing a safe space for so many wonderful flutists that I now call my family.” –Brice Smith, performer, educator, and activist

Jennie Oh Brown

“The NFA can be an organization for all that values the multitude of perspectives of our global flute community and inspires us to reach outside our own familiar silos to learn from new artistic voices. I hope you find this prospect as exciting as I do and plan to join in on the journey!” –Jennie Oh Brown, entrepreneurial concert flutist and mentor

Maria Fernanda Guglielmina

“I attended my very first NFA convention in 2013 in New Orleans right before I started college. One of the main takeaways from my time there was the inspiring experience of meeting so many people that loved the flute just like I did! Throughout my years as a member, I have made life-long friendships and have learned so much not just about the flute, but people’s life journeys within music. It has been through the NFA that I connected with college professors, old and new flute friends, and world-renowned performers. I am grateful to be a member of this wonderful organization and continue to work with them behind the scenes now as the Exhibitor Concert and Showcase Coordinator.” –Maria Fernanda Guglielmina, performer, educator, and presenter

Taylor Irelan/Kylie Fortissimo

“The NFA has provided valuable resources and opportunities through networking, collaboration, and advocacy for DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice). I especially enjoy being on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and getting to know our members around the world!” –Taylor Irelan/Kylie Fortissimo (he/him/his, she/her/hers), performer and teacher, piccolo with the Venice Symphony, artistic director of The Tampa Flute Studio, and creator of Flute is a Drag

Gabriel Cruz Ruiz

“The NFA has had a tremendous impact on my journey as a flautist. It is a diverse and inclusive association which provides instruction and exposure to everyone who plays the flute! I am very grateful for the opportunities offered by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee which have been a key figure in my development as a young musician. I would like to thank Iva Ugrčić and Jeiran Hasan for being my mentors during time I have been part of the NFA. Their advice has been invaluable to me and I am very grateful to have them as my mentors.” –Gabriel Cruz Ruiz, performer, student, and teacher

Jonathan Cohen

“I became a lifetime member of the NFA in recognition that we are all, in some deep way, lifetime members.” –Jonathan Cohen, amateur composer