Sulina Baek

Born in South Korea, Sulina Baek started playing the piano at age 6 and picked up her mother’s flute at age 12. As a passionate orchestral musician, she has appeared in Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, Norwalk City Hall, Fischer Center at Bard, and Krannert Center for Performing Arts Center, etc. Dr. Baek has performed with Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, The Orchestra Now, New Britain Symphony Orchestra, Nutmeg Symphony, Montclair Symphony Orchestra, Chelsea Symphony Orchestra, Astoria Choir Orchestra, and Loft Opera. She was nominated as a flute fellow in the Sarasota Music Festival, Orchestra of Americas Academy and Napa Valley Festival Orchestra. As an active chamber musician, she appeared as a principal flute for Naxos Records titled “Equinox” 21st Century Orchestral and Chamber Works with Foot in the Door Ensemble.

Her gifted artistry has been recognized by American Protégé International Woodwind and Brass Competition, New Jersey Young Artist Competition, Alexander and Buono International Flute Competition, Nancy Crew Eller Artist Competition, New York Flute Club Competition, Atlanta Flute Club Young Artist Competition, South Carolina Collegiate Competition, Wisconsin Young Artist Competition, and Young Artist Competition for Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. 

In addition to her performing Dr. Baek is a passionate teacher and adjudicator. She holds a private studio in CT where she teaches and mentors students of all levels. She has been an adjudicator for the Schubert Music Club of Fairfield County in Connecticut.

Dr. Baek earned her Master of Music degree at Mannes School of Music under the tutelage of Judith Mendenhall, her Bachelor of Music at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign studying under Jonathan Keeble. She completed her Doctoral of Musical Arts degree at the University of Hartford – The Hartt School. The title of her doctoral dissertation is “Thirty Caprices, op. 107 for Solo Flute by Sigfrid Karg-Elert as Models for Flute Solo Repertoire and Orchestral Excerpts.

Dr. Baek teaches at Augustana College as a part-time assistant professor of flute, and at Wheaton College-Conservatory (IL) as a guest lecturer in flute.

My teaching style is personalized, supportive, and focused on helping each student become a confident and expressive musician. I believe that strong fundamentals are the foundation of great flute playing, so I emphasize healthy technique, beautiful tone production, efficient breathing, and musical understanding.

I adapt my approach to each student's goals, learning style, and experience level. For beginners, I focus on building a strong foundation while making lessons fun and encouraging. For intermediate and advanced students, I help refine technique, develop musical interpretation, and prepare for auditions, performances, and competitions.

My goal is not only to teach students how to play the flute, but also to help them develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music

Whether you are a complete beginner, a returning adult learner, or an advanced student preparing for auditions and performances, I will help you build a strong foundation, develop beautiful tone, improve technique, and enjoy making music.

My lessons focus on:
• Proper flute technique and posture
• Tone production and breath support
• Music reading and fundamentals (Music Theory)
• Solo and ensemble repertoire
• Performance skills and confidence
• Audition and competition preparation

I believe every student learns differently, so I tailor each lesson to your goals, interests, and musical background. My goal is to create a supportive and inspiring environment where you can grow as a musician and enjoy your journey with the flute.

Let’s make music together!