Sharon Sparrow

About Sharon

Sharon Sparrow is the Assistant Principal Flutist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She earned a Bachelor’s degree at The Juilliard School and a Master’s degree at Mannes College of Music, studying with renowned teachers Julius Baker, Thomas Nyfenger and Geoffrey Gilbert. She has given master classes all over the world and currently is the Instructor of Flute at Oakland and Wayne State Universities in Michigan.

A sought-after trainer for orchestral auditions on all instruments, Sharon’s specialty is helping musicians with their mindset and confidence through preparation. Her book, “6 Weeks to Finals”, published by Theodore Presser in 2016 won recognition from the National Flute Association as “Best New Publication” in 2016. Presser also published her set of duets, “Telemann for Two” based on Telemann’s Solo Fantasies in 2018. Sparrow hosts "The Unlimited Flutist," an online group designed to bring together a community of thoughtful, non-competitive flutists striving to reach their potential and to thrive at auditions and beyond. As part of Detroit Symphony’s “Live from Orchestra Hall” webcasts, Sharon can be seen performing almost weekly around the world.

I base my teaching on each individual student's potential for growth as a flutist, musician, lover of music and community member. Striving for excellence through an understanding of preparation while maintaining a positive mindset is key to my instruction.