Isabelle Pazar

Teaches: Flute

Teaching Philosophy: Each student is unique in their abilities, goals, and musical development. Therefore, I tailor my curriculum to each individual student as everyone’s needs and learning process will vary. I make sure all of my students are equipped with the tools they need to be independent learners, critical thinkers, and imaginative players. I view technique as the foundation and gateway for musical expressivity. Solid fundamental techniques are not just the foundation for moving forward with repertoire building, but they are also building blocks to a student’s self-discovery as a musician. From my own experience, I understand how great an impact a teacher can have on a student’s life, and how important these fundamental techniques are in a student’s musical trajectory. My experience as an American studying and performing in France has fortified my knowledge of the pedagogical methods of the French tradition of flute technique, performance, and artistry, which I incorporate in what I teach my students. Positivity and encouragement are paramount to my teaching philosophy at all stages of musical development. Finding a student’s passion is the key to their success.

Music Influences: Since I spent the last two years living in Paris, France, I have recently become strongly influenced by French musicians and composers, and particularly by French impressionist music. However other composers/musicians that influence me include: Johannes Brahms, Claude Debussy, John Williams, The Beatles, Esperanza Spalding, Nina Simone, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

When I’m not making music: I enjoy watching baking shows and trying new cooking recipes, traveling and experiencing different cultures, and spending time with family, friends, and our two adorable dogs.

Favorite place in Maine: Exploring Casco Bay and its islands by boat.

Hailing from the State of Maine, Isabelle Pazar is a flutist, educator, and scholar, currently based in the Northeast.

Strongly committed to music education, Pazar received a distinguished Fulbright Scholarship in 2022 to study the pedagogical methods and stylistic approach to the French flute tradition in Paris, enrolling as a student at École Normal de Musique de Paris to study primarily with Parisien based flutist Patricia Nagle and observing the classes of Michel Moragues and Philipppe Bernold at the Paris Conservatoire National Supérieur. Chosen as one of only two artists to be honored with a Harriet Hale Woolley Scholarship for 2023-2024 to continue her studies in Paris, Pazar spent a year researching the artistic approach to the french flute tradition, primarily studying with world renowned flutist, Jean Ferrandis. While in Paris, Pazar worked for two years as one of a few Artists-in-Residence at Fondation des États-Unis. She performed extensively across France, giving solo concerts and recitals at multiple venues in Paris including the famous Petit-Palais Musée des Beaux-Arts, the historical Salle-Cortot, the Residence of the U.S. Ambassador (Embassy of the U.S.), the American Cathedral, Fondation des États-Unis, College Franco-Britannique, the American Church of Paris, and the historical Salle Charles Munch.

Pazar obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College, her Master of Music degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she was the Teaching Assistant for the flute studio of Dr. Cobus du Toit, as well as a Teaching Assistant for the musicology division of the Music Department and a Flute Fellow for the Graduate Wind Quintet.

Pazar is an alumna of the famed Boston Flute Academy under the Direction of Founder and highly acclaimed music educator and flutist Judy Grant. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in December 2024 from Stony Brook University, where she studied with world famous flutist Carol Wincenc.

In addition to giving private instruction to students in the United States and France, Pazar has given masterclasses and lectures at various academic and musical institutions, including Boston College, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and Boston Flute Academy.