The contributions of women composers to the flute repertoire are as rich as they are diverse. From evocative landscapes to personal reflections, their works expand the expressive possibilities of the flute while celebrating varied cultural and personal stories. This blog highlights six outstanding works by women composers, showcasing their depth and artistry, followed by six more engaging pieces that are perfect for younger players.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a teacher or a budding flutist, there’s inspiration here for everyone.
Dreams and Landscapes: Six Captivating Flute Pieces
Sally Greenaway – "Dreams Dance at Dusk"
Step into a world of bittersweet nostalgia with Dreams Dance at Dusk by Sally Greenaway. This evocative piece invites flutists to explore the breadth of their expression, blending melancholy with resilience. Inspired by cinematic themes like Somewhere Over the Rainbow and John Williams’ soundtracks, it captures moments of hope and strength amidst adversity.
Scored in a flowing 6/4 time signature, this piece demands a nuanced balance between flute and piano, with rubato adding to its expressive charm. Technical inclusions are tremolo, double tonguing and an interesting range of rhythmic figures. Ideal for a recital or examination, Dreams Dance at Dusk is a poignant reminder of the beauty in overcoming life’s challenges.
Rachel Laurin – "Summer Morning in the Woods"
Rachel Laurin’s Summer Morning in the Woods from her Three Canadian Scenes is a vivid musical painting of nature. The piece captures the serenity of a sunlit forest, complete with birdsong, rustling leaves, and the gentle flow of a stream.
Laurin’s expert use of melody and texture immerses the listener in this idyllic setting, making it a delightful challenge for intermediate flutists. The interplay between flute and piano evokes the delicate balance of light and sound found in nature. For teachers, this piece provides an excellent opportunity to explore breathing, phrasing and tone color with students.
Cécile Chaminade – "Elégie"
Best known for her Flute Concertino, Chaminade’s Elégie is a lesser-known gem. Originally a piano work, this beautiful adaptation is for solo flute. As the title suggests, this piece is steeped in melancholy, with gentle legato lines and expressive phrasing.
The accents in Elégie are subtle, guiding the flutist to “lean” into the notes rather than emphasize them heavily. The ad libitum section from measures 17 to 20 should be treated as a quasi-cadenza, leading to the return of the opening melody in measure 21. It’s a masterclass in simplicity and elegance, perfect for exploring nuanced dynamics and articulation. Listen here.
Jolin Jiang – "Take Me to the Windmill"
Jolin Jiang’s Take Me to the Windmill is a deeply personal and imaginative piece, inspired by John Edward Smallshaw’s poem "To Lovers." The music mirrors the revolving motion of a windmill, blending lyrical melodies with evocative piano textures.
A standout feature is the use of extended techniques, creating wind-like sounds by blowing “sh” into the flute (listen here). This effect, combined with the interplay between flute and piano, creates a mesmerizing narrative of longing, freedom and embrace. This piece offers a unique way to delve into contemporary techniques and storytelling.
Wendy Edwards Beardall-Norton – "Corrientes de la noche"
Meaning “Currents of the Night,” this piece by Wendy Edwards Beardall-Norton conjures a romantic Spanish evening by the sea. Written in a Habanera style, it pulsates gently, reflecting the ebb and flow of waves under a summer breeze.
The piece’s lyrical lines and rhythmic patterns provide ample room for expressive interpretation. Teachers can use Corrientes de la noche to introduce students to Latin influences in classical music and to refine their sense of rhythm and phrasing. Towards the end of the piece, the mini cadenza finishes on an F# trill, leading to a dramatic final top B.
Ella Macens – "Poppy"
Inspired by her pet rabbit, Poppy by Ella Macens is a heartfelt tribute to companionship. The piece alternates between playful energy and tender nostalgia, capturing both the exuberance of youth and the serenity of age.
Macens’ Latvian heritage and love for both popular and classical music shine through in her evocative writing. The work’s melodic charm and rhythmic variety make it an engaging choice for intermediate performers seeking a piece with both technical and emotional depth. Listen here.
For Younger Players: Six Accessible Gems
Merryl Neille – "Wamberal Walk"
Composed during a restorative getaway, Merryl Neille’s Wamberal Walk reflects the carefree simplicity of a beachside stroll. Its flowing legato melody and steady Alberti bass-style accompaniment with right hand piano “sparkles” at the ends of phrases, make it an ideal piece for beginner flutists to explore phrasing and articulation. Listen here.
Katrina Penman – "Life of a Silk Worm"
Katrina Penman’s Life of a Silk Worm offers a vivid musical journey through the stages of a silkworm’s transformation—from its beginning as a wriggly caterpillar to its emergence as a butterfly. The piece uses evocative motifs to inspire creativity and storytelling in younger players while introducing them to simple extended techniques (vocal effects) and trills. Listen here.
Elena Kats-Chernin – "Crispin the Curious"
Elena Kats-Chernin’s Crispin the Curious is a whimsical piece inspired by the composer’s love for storytelling and vibrant characters. The music was inspired by a friend’s cat and this is the first of three pieces about Crispin the cat. The playful melodies and syncopated rhythms with a Charleston flavour, encourage young flutists to bring out their expressive side, while the contrast of staccato and legato notes develops their articulation skills. Listen here.
Emma Greenhill – "Funky Flamingo Fiesta"
Funky Flamingo Fiesta by Emma Greenhill is an energetic, dance-inspired piece that introduces students to syncopation and rhythmic vitality. The lively rhythms of Bossa nova rhythms convey a flock of silly Flamingos frolicking under the Mexican sun. Its catchy tune, fun title and vibrant energy are sure to delight audiences and performers alike, making it a popular choice for beginner recitals. Listen here.
Danielle Fournier – "Gaelic Dance"
Danielle Fournier’s Gaelic Dance captures the spirit of traditional Gaelic music with its buoyant dotted rhythms and flowing melodies. It’s an engaging introduction to folk-inspired music and is excellent for developing finger dexterity and musicality in younger players. Listen here.
Rebecca Hilliard – "House Mouse Waltz"
Rebecca Hilliard’s House Mouse Waltz is a charming miniature with a light, playful character. Its lilting waltz rhythm, memorable melody and light staccato passages make it an excellent choice for beginner flutists exploring articulation and dynamic contrast (“as loud as a house”, “as soft as a mouse”) in a fun, accessible way. Listen here.
Celebrating the Voices of Women Composers
From evocative landscapes to playful narratives, the flute repertoire by women composers offers an extraordinary range of styles and emotions. Whether you’re exploring Sally Greenaway’s cinematic landscape or Ella Macens’ heartfelt tribute, these pieces invite flutists to connect with music in deeply personal and meaningful ways. And for younger players, the accessible works provide a gateway to the joy of flute playing while celebrating the creativity of contemporary women composers.
By including these works in your teaching or performance repertoire, you’re not only enriching your musical journey but also highlighting the remarkable contributions of women in music. Let their music inspire your next performance or lesson!
Karen North is a music teacher, mentor and book author. She is passionate about bringing music into the lives of children and adults and has enjoyed working in music education for over 40 years.
Karen is the author of the popular method books "The Young Flute Player" and has commissioned many new works for intermediate flute repertoire in "Lyrical Flute Legends" , "Lyrical Flute Encores" and "Inspiring Flute Solos." as well as a new collection for beginner flutists, "Lyrical Flute Miniatures".
Karen has written two books of music games (with printable templates) "Fun & Games for Music Lessons", "More Fun & Games for Music Lessons 2" and has recently worked with specialist consultants on repertoire books for Violin, Clarinet and Saxophone.
Karen also organizes an international FLUTE CHAMPIONSHIP each year, to give students of all ages and abilities an opportunity to submit a video performance to an outstanding panel of judges. Her workshops for teachers are enthusiastically received and she also offers one-to-one coaching sessions.
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