Flute & Oboe Lessons

Erin Happenny

Flute Instructor

Erin Happenny (she/her) is a flutist and teacher based in Olympia. Erin's musical education includes study with some of the most prominent flutists of our time. In 2015, she earned a Master of Music from the University of Illinois where she studied with internationally-acclaimed flutist Dr. Jonathan Keeble.

Erin completed a Bachelor of Music studying with Pacific Northwest Ballet's longtime principal flutist, Karla Flygare, at the University of Puget Sound. Outside of institutional study, Erin has participated in numerous festivals. Her most recent appearances were in the Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival and Festival de Flautistas in el Centro del Mundo in Quito Ecuador, as a selected performer for eminent British flutist William Bennett & Pierre Yves-Artaud of the Paris Conservatoire. Other teachers include Zart Dombourian-Eby (Seattle Symphony), Walfrid Kujala (Chicago Symphony), Jim Walker (Colburn Institute), and Doug Ostgard (woodwind soloist featured in the band Heart).

Some of Erin's notable performances and prizes include the 2nd prize in the Kujala International Piccolo Competition (2014), and competitive performances in the National Flute Association's Young Artist and Piccolo Artist competitions. Erin's recent performances include those with the Olympia Symphony, Olympia Dance Festival, University of Puget Sound Jacobsen Recital Series, Music From Home at Lakewold Gardens, and Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra as principal flute.

As an experienced educator, Erin takes on students of all ages and abilities. Before joining Music 1st, she had teaching appointments at the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, Tacoma Community College, and Evergreen Music Festival, as well as a thriving private studio.

Whether their dreams are to become a professional performer or to enjoy music in other ways, her students excel in their pursuit of their goals. They participate regularly in the State and Regional Solo & Ensemble contests, other competitive ensembles like Tacoma Youth Symphony & All-State/All-Northwest honor bands, and competitions hosted by the Seattle Flute Society & Music Teachers National Association. Erin is a sought-after adjudicator in the Puget Sound region, having recently judged for nearly every Solo & Ensemble region in Western Washington, and the Seattle Flute Society Junior Horsfall competition preliminary round. Many students have advanced to pursue Music Education and Performance degrees at top state and US schools. Erin brings compassion and heart to her instructional methods and is dedicated to working with passionate flutists of any age or level to explore the art of playing the flute!

Outside of music, Erin's interests include power lifting (particularly deadlifting), hiking, horticulture, photography, and of course spending lots of quality time with her family including spouse Björn, new daughter Camina, dog Ruby & cat Calcifer. Erin is now open for half-hour or hour-long lessons, in person or virtual.

Josie Borchert, MT-BC

Oboe & Flute Instructor

Josie is a musician and board certified music therapist originally from North Carolina that plays the oboe, flute, and English horn. With a Bachelor's degree in music therapy from Appalachian State University, Josie brings a unique perspective to music lessons. If you are looking to learn to learn an instrument or grow deeper on your current instrument, or maybe even learn an instrument as a form of therapy during your week, to find a release, to find peace and joy (all things we 100% support), you’ll love Josie!

It is their belief that healing can be found in self-expression, connection, and motivation through love of music. Josie looks forward to sharing and experiencing music with students and clients and watching how music shapes each individual

From Josie: “My belief is that a mentor-student relationship must have a firm foundation in love. Not only should we be supportive and nonjudgmental while we teach, but we should also have a deep love for our subject matter. Self-expression through music is a great love of mine, and one’s knowledge and skill within music allows for a broader range of expression.”