Flutist Brooke Walden is a passionate performer and dedicated educator whose artistry has been recognized for its beauty and emotional depth, praised by the Classical Voice of North Carolina for her “lovely tone… rich steady vibrato and wide range of dynamics.”
Brooke recently earned her master’s degree from The Juilliard School, studying with Jeffrey Khaner. She performed extensively with the Juilliard Orchestra under esteemed conductors including JoAnn Falletta, Nicholas Carter, Gustavo Dudamel, Louis Langrée, Ken Lam, and David Robertson. A celebrated moment for Brooke was her participation in Juilliard’s collaboration with the Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, culminating in a 2026 BBC Proms concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall led by Esa-Pekka Salonen and featuring acclaimed violinist Vilde Frang.
At Juilliard, Brooke performed throughout NYC as a Gluck Community Service Fellow with her flute–oboe duo, Duet of Air, bringing interactive musical experiences to hospitals, homeless shelters, and elder‑care facilities. The pair appeared with Lincoln Center Moments in March 2026, offering a program centered on comfort and companionship for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Deeply engaged in artistry that invites meaningful connection, Brooke is equally devoted to accessible music education. Throughout her master’s, she served as the Flute Fellow for Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program, a tuition‑free Saturday program for young musicians from backgrounds underrepresented in classical music. She mentored and performed alongside students, receiving the 2026 Outstanding MAP Fellow Award. She further supported youth learners through the Juilliard Morse Teaching Artist Fellowship, leading weekly beginning flute classes in NYC schools, and through the Harmony Program Teaching Artist Fellowship, assisting with K–2 general music, woodwind sectionals, and flute instruction.
Brooke earned her bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, studying with Bonita Boyd and Anne Harrow. She graduated with Highest Distinction, was placed on the Dean’s List every semester, and was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, a national honor society recognizing excellence in musicianship and scholarship. Her Eastman years included extensive ensemble, chamber, and recording work, notably serving as Principal Flute on selections from the Eastman Wind Ensemble’s album Tyzik Joyride: The Music of Jeff Tyzik with renowned jazz saxophonist Alexa Tarantino.
Brooke is delighted to be back at Eastman, where she is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Flute Performance and Literature. She serves as a Department Assistant for Professor Boyd, and as a Teaching Assistant for Professor Harrow, Dr. Snell, and Professor Pillow. She is also involved with the Eastman Community Music School as a Student Teacher of Flute, and as a New Horizons Flute Mentor and Flute Ensemble Director.