Sheila DuMont
About
Sheila Joy DuMont is a native Pennsylvanian, currently living in Virginia while studying at Shenandoah Conservatory with renowned international flutist, Jonathan Snowden, former principal flute of the London Philharmonic. She is currently working to attain her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in flute performance, and holds a Master of Music in flute performance and Master of Arts in musicology, both from Penn State University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mansfield University. In her hometown, she served as founder and director of the Williamsport Flute Choir from 2013 to 2016. An active performer, she currently serves as principal flutist of the Northern Appalachian Wind Symphony (PA), performs with the award winning Penn Central Wind Band (PA), and is a founding member of the Great Lakes Wind Symphony (NY). Her students have won district, regional, and state competitions.
Sheila can be heard on various recordings with the Grammy nominated Mansfield University Wind Ensemble and the Mansfield University Symphony Orchestra as principal flute in both ensembles, Recordings include the latest release of the works of David Holsinger, volume 12. She also served as co-principal of the Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra, Penn State Chamber Orchestra, and Penn State Symphonic Wind Ensemble. She appeared with the Penn State Symphony Wind Ensemble as featured piccolo soloist in Percy Grainger’s Lincolnshire Posy at Carnegie Hall in February of 2020. Most recently, she was featured as flute soloist in Shenandoah Conservatory's April 2021 performance of Samuel Barber's Capricorn Concerto.
She has performed on masterclasses for reknowned flutists Gary Shocker, Patricia Spencer, Kathryn Borst Jones, Bart Feller, Marianne Gedigian, Cobus du Toit, Paul Edmund-Davies, Gergely Ittzés, and more. During the summer of 2019 she attended the International Flute School in Edinburgh, Scotland for the opportunity to study with Paul Edmund-Davies, Ian Clarke, Gitte Marcusson, and Wissam Boustany. Past principal teachers include Dr. Naomi Seidman, Dr. Christine Moulton, Dr. Angela McBrearty, and Dana Tan. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.
When not playing music, Sheila enjoys spending time with her chihuahua mix, Marzipan and her husband Frank, vintage thrifting, and traveling, when there isn't a global pandemic going on.
I truly believe that my students should approach performance with an deeper understanding of music. Thus, I like to integrate historical background and context, composer biographical information, techniques appropriate to period, theory, and more. I also teach critical thinking approaches, which enable my students to think on their own and develop a more meaningful connection with the music.
I have worked with students of all ages (adult students included!), beginners through advanced, and everything in between. I am excited to work with you to help you develop your skills and grow as a musician. I am happy to help with preparations for solo and ensemble, college auditions, and much more! Lessons will be developed with each student, tailored to suit their individual needs.
B.M. flute performance, Mansfield University
M.M. flute performance, Penn State University
M.A. musicology (emphasis on baroque studies), Penn State University
D.M.A flute performance, Shenandoah Conservatory (expected Spring 2023)
These will be decided on an individual basis as needed