Welcome!
My name is Nicole Laborie and I teach private flute lessons both online and in State College, PA. I have a Bachelor's Degree from Slippery Rock University in Early Childhood and Special Education, and I am currently the Flute Teaching Assistant at Penn State University, studying my Masters in Flute Performance.
I went to school to be an Elementary and Special Education teacher because I thought I had to be more than just a flute player. I'd felt like it was my identity, and I wanted to be more.
As I completed this degree, I realized I was never just a flute player. I learned that we are never just one thing, and I knew that I wanted to keep learning and growing as a player. Penn State has helped me discover that I can combine my love for teaching and playing the flute. I've made it my goal to make flute lessons accessible for anyone from any background to love and create music.
Now back to being more than just a musician... in my free time you can probably find me on a run, doing some sort of craft, reading, spending time with friends and family, or traveling to a National Park.
Josh
(a.k.a. the #1 fans of the studio!)
Pittsburgh Half Marathon!
🏃🏻♀️
Arches National Park!
Annie
(I'm kind of obsessed with crocheting)
📍
And I love to draw!!
My Why
When I started playing the flute, I was 9 years old and couldn't make a sound for months. I remember crying in frustration, but there was this drive in me that wouldn't give up. This persistence taught me so much at a young age, and taking years of flute lessons is what helped me to get to where I am today.
I have studied with multiple teachers since I started, and each has given me a unique approach and perspective to studying the flute. Not only have they taught me to be a musician, but there have been many life lessons learned along the way.
My flute teachers have been my greatest mentors, and studying music has taught me so much more than how to play notes on a page. Music has shaped my life, it's broken me down and built me back up, it's taken me to new places and given me life long friendships. I want to continue on this path and help create these experiences for others!
