Latest News

11.13.11 - Beyond the Masterclass 2012 Dates & Artists Announced!

Jim's annual week of masterclasses and workshops at the Colburn School will be back for its fifth year in 2012, featuring guest artists Greg Pattilo (Beatbox Flutist and member of Project Trio), Jed Wentz (International Traverso/Baroque flutist), Gregory Milliren (Associate Principal Flute - Minnesota Orchestra), as well as several other guests from the Southern California music industry. Taking place July 22 - 28, 2012, applications and additional information will soon be available at beyondthemasterclass.com.

10.25.11 - Fall 2011 Update

Jim has had a busy fall of performances and masterclasses around the globe, from Charlotte NC to Switzerland. Catch him locally in Los Angeles on October 30th, performing as soloist on Puckett's Shadow of Serius with the USC Thornton Wind Ensemble.

Also, a huge congrats to Jim's current student at Colburn, Rose Lombardo, who recently won the audition for Principal Flute of the San Diego Symphony!

7.17.11 - East Coast BTMC 2011 - It's not too late!

Although the deadline has passed, Jim is happy to announce that he can still accomodate 1 - 2 more players for his masterclass in Charlotte just before the NFA Convention. Send an email to jwmasterclass@gmail.com to let Jim know you are interested, and then apply online at www.beyondthemasterclass.com/eastcoast

7.12.11 - East Coast BTMC 2011 - Final Call for Applicants!

If you were thinking about applying to Jim's East Coast Beyond the Masterclass in Charlotte, NC and weren't sure you should apply because the class might be full, this is your lucky day! There is still space for four more applicants, so apply today! In addition, performers and auditors may now apply online! Get the boost in your playing that you are looking for at this special three-day event. When Jim gets back from Switzerland he'll be looking forward to hearing you all play! Apply now at www.beyondthemasterclass.com/eastcoast

6.15.11 - East Coast BTMC 2011 Deadline Extended to July 15

There are still performing spots available for Jim's class in North Carolina before the NFA Convention! In addition, applicants may now apply online! Get the boost in your playing that you are looking for at this special three-day event. Apply now at www.beyondthemasterclass.com/eastcoast

2.19.11 - Beyond the Masterclass - East Coast Edition 2011

Jim's blockbuster masterclass travels to Charlotte, NC in August! Get the boost in your playing that you are looking for at this special three-day event right before the NFA Convention, August 7 - 9 2011. Application Forms and Information are now available at www.beyondthemasterclass.com/eastcoast

1.4.11 - Beyond the Masterclass 2011

Application Forms and Information are now available for Jim's annual week-long offering of masterclasses and workshops geared toward college age and advanced students. This year's guest artists inlcude acclaimed flutists Molly Barth, Jed Wentz, Demarre McGill, and others. Download applications and view more information at www.beyondthemasterclass.com

1.1.11 - Khachaturian Flute Concerto

Happy New Year! Jim Walker will be appearing as concert soloist with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra on February 5, performing Khachaturian's Flute Concerto. Tickets and concert information are available at www.lbso.org

10.1.10 - Jim Walker Student News Updates

Congrats to USC Students Nick Johnson and Michael Matsuno! Nick won the Co-Principal position with the American Youth Symphony and Michael won the Piccolo position with the YMF Debut Orchestra. Great job, guys!

More congratulations are in order for Colburn Student Rose Lombardo, who won the 2nd flute position with the American Youth Symphony!

8.22.10 - Jim Walker heads to South America!

For Jim Walker fans who live in Brazil and Argentina, take a look at the Schedule page to see when you can catch Jim performing or teaching, September 2 - 13, 2010. Jim will be in the cities of Campinas, Buenos Aires, and Mendoza.

8.20.10 - More Jim Walker Student News

Congratulations to Francesco Camuglia who won the one-year 2nd flute position with the Boise Philharmonic! Frankie currently is entering his junior year at The Colburn School.

Congrats also to Kelly Sulick (MM - USC '06) who came in 2nd place at the 2010 Young Artist Competition in Anaheim!

5.10.10 - Jim Walker at NFA 2010

See the schedule page to find out when Jim will be around at the 2010 National Flute Association Convention in Anaheim!

Jim will also be available for private lessons during the convention. Contact him via email (jwflute1@mac.com) to schedule a time with him.

3.27.10 - Application Deadlines Approach for BTMC 2010!

The second application deadline of April 1st is quickly approaching for Beyond the Masterclass 2010. The final application deadline is April 15, 2010. We are gearing up for a fantastic masterclass in June! Visit beyondthemasterclass.com for all the info!

1.22.10 - Beyond the Masterclass 2010 Applications now Available!

Detailed information and Applications are now available for Jim's annual week of masterclasses and workshops. Beyond the Masterclass 2010 will take place June 17 - 23. Please visit beyondthemasterclass.com for information regarding guest artists and activites. You may also download flyers and application forms.

11.17.09 - Recent Student News

Congratulations to Leah Arsenalt (Colburn - PSC), who has won 2nd Flute with the Louisville Orchestra! Leah has been studying with Jim for the past year and a half at the Colburn School, and already had a wide range of accomplishments before coming to Los Angeles.

Congratulations are also is order for Martha Long, who just won Principal Flute with the Fort Collins Symphony. Martha is a Senior at the Colburn School and also recently won First Place at the Pittsburgh Flute Club Young Artist Competition.

6.28.09 - BTMC 2009

Jim Walker's 2nd annual Beyond the Masterclass Flute Week 2009 concluded this week and was a huge success. Jim extends his heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all the participants for their hard work, great flute playing, and most of all for making the week so enjoyable for everyone. Also a big thank you to Elizabeth Rowe, Sarah Jackson, Heather Clark, Greg Milliren, Richard Beene, Steve Kujala, David Shorey, Cynthia Kelley, Yamaha Flutes, Burkart Flutes, Johanna Borenstein, Alex Wallin, Diana Morgan, and the Colburn School for their varied and valuable contributions. Jim is already looking forward to the 3rd annual BTMC in June 2010!

6.3.09 - Recent Student News

A big round of congratulations are in order for Greg Milliren, who just won Associate Principal Flute with the Minnesota Orchestra! Greg was Jim's student at USC, and has been his assistant and webmaster for the last two years, in addition to his freelance career in LA.

Also, Tim Hagen recently was appointed Principal Flute with the Missouri Symphony, a popular summer orchestra in Columbia, Missouri! Tim studied with Jim at USC and Colburn and is also an active freelance player in LA. Congrats to Tim!

4.27.09 - Congratulations!

A big round of congratulations are in order for Martha Long and Johanna Borenstein! Martha just won First Prize at the Pittsburgh Flute Club Young Artist Competition, and Johanna won First Place at the San Diego Flute Club Young Artist Competition. Martha is a student of Jim's at the Colburn School, and Johanna graduated from Colburn last year. Congrats to both!

4.1.09 - Beyond the Masterclass 2009

Application Deadline for Performers has passed.

2008 BTMC Performers

Jim Walker is once again holding his week-long annual masterclass at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, scheduled for June 21 - 28, 2009. Last year's class was a huge success, and Jim is looking forward to another great week in 2009. This year he welcomes guests Elizabeth Rowe, Sarah Jackson, and Heather Clark, all of whom will be joining him at various points during the week.

Details regarding the daily schedule and other important information are available at the masterclass website.

www.jimwalkerflute.com/beyond

Jim is looking forward to seeing you at the Colburn School in June!

Recent Events: Adam Kuenzel Masterclass at the Colburn School and USC

Minnesota Orchestra Principal Flutist hosted by Jim Walker and the Colburn School / Conservatory

On April 6th, Minnesota Orchestra Principal Flutist Adam Kuenzel gave a public 2-hour masterclass at the Colburn School Conservatory. The performers were Jim Walker's flute studio at the Colburn School. He gave a similar class the University of Southern California campus on April 7th, with members of the USC flute studio performing. A superb classical performer, Adam addressed topics concerning musical line, breath support, opening up the sound, and vibrato, all while demonstrating with his usual finesse and clarion sound.

Read Adam's bio online at: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/music/artist_detail.cfm?id_artist=43973469

Recent Events: Chris Norman Masterclass at the Colburn School

Irish Flutist Extraordinaire hosted by Jim Walker and the Colburn School / Conservatory

Irish and traditional wooden flute player extraordinaire Chris Norman gave a 2-hour public masterclass on March 9 in Thayer Hall at the Colburn School / Conservatory of Music. He elaborated on his ideas about phrasing and musicality as well as teaching everyone the details of irish ornamentation and dance music. His message was a welcome reminder that effective communication with the audience is the most important aspect of our playing. And, everyone in attendance got to hear some of his spectacular playing too.

For those of you not familiar with Chris, you can read about him at his website: http://www.chrisnorman.com/bios_chris.html

Recent Events: Sarah Jackson Masterclass at The Colburn School

Sarah Jackson, Gina Luciani, Emily Tuan, Martha Long,
Frankie Camuglia, Leah Arsenault, Jim Walker

This fall the flute studio at the Colburn School Conservatory was treated to a piccolo masterclass, courtesy of Sarah Jackson of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, who has garnered much praise for the extremely high level of her playing and teaching.

All the students took turns playing for her and she coached them on how to find new depth and and focus in their piccolo sounds. She also answered their questions about the many specifics of how playing the piccolo is different from playing flute.

This Summer, Sarah will give a similar masterclass during Jim's Beyond the Masterclass Flute Week.