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Interview with Alexa Still

© Karen Stafford

In the competitive world of flute performance, one woman was conquering at a very early age. Alexa Still was recording professionally when she was just 18, a time when most people are still contemplating their college majors! Here are Alexa's thoughts on early starts, working with men, and fluting in general:

1. As a performer, have you felt any advantages or disadvantages to being a woman in what used to be considered a man's world (many moons ago?)

Firstly, I should point out that I haven't worked much in Europe, and I understand things there are different. However, I think probably most women of my generation have benefitted from the pioneering careers of women of our mothers' ages.

I remember feeling a little uncomfortable at about age 16, when I was playing my first professional orchestral gigs in a wind section that was otherwise entirely male - probably anything would have made me blush then!

During my career, the only time I have felt that being female caused me grief was with certain conductors of the old-fashioned overtly sexist variety. They are increasingly rare, and, on balance I would say my experience with that has been a bonus - it has just helped me develop more steely nerves. This type of conductor sincerely believes that women can't "hack it" and wants you to break down, but when they realise you aren't about to do that, they become real fans, and can actually be quite fun to play for.

In terms of the advantages of being a woman, I think for me this is limited to concert dress.... I like dressing up, and I am very happy that I don't have to wear the same old tux or tails night after night!

2. You have moving plans in the near future. What are they?
I am about to become associate professor of flute at the University of Colorado at Boulder, so my husband, three dogs and I, are off to Boulder in time to find ourselves before classes start.

3. What was the one thing you feel you learned most from Samuel Baron?

Mr. Baron showed me that the most important thing is that no matter what happens, a performance must carry people away with you. The music must be so engrossing that the audience feels they have been part of a really exciting event.

Thomas Nyfenger?

Mr Nyfenger showed me that one can really make a gloriously