Today we’d like to introduce you to Cierra Hall.
Hi Cierra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began playing the flute in my 5th-grade band class in Baltimore County, Maryland. I was immediately drawn to the instrument and quickly learned in group classes at school, but I always went ahead in the method books to learn songs and new notes on my own. My mother and I decided it would be best for me to try out for flute at the magnet middle school, where I was accepted and became a band magnet (sort of like a major). I went on to study flute in high school at Baltimore School for the Arts. I am lucky to have been introduced to the world of classical music and the arts there. I then studied at the Manhattan School of Music, the University of Miami, and now Northwestern University, where I am pursuing my Doctor of Music degree while freelancing and teaching in the Chicagoland area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been an easy road. I faced a performance-related injury. I had tendonitis in both arms, which began around age 18 (about 9 years ago). I went through ups and downs in my playing and achievements, not getting what I wanted, feeling inadequate, and experiencing performance anxiety, which can be tough to figure out. Nothing has been harder than losing my mother after her difficult cancer battle.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Right now, I am most proud of my trio, which consists of flute, viola, and harp. We just had our first recital, where we performed an exciting program. I recently finished two seasons in the Chicago Right now, I am most proud of my trio, which consists of flute, viola, and harp. We just held our first recital, performing an exciting program. I recently completed two seasons in the Chicago Symphony’s training orchestra. I have also substituted with professional orchestras, most recently the Milwaukee Symphony. I have also started mentoring for the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, where I mentor flute students from minority backgrounds who are preparing to audition for music schools. Symphony’s training orchestra. I have substituted with professional orchestras, most recently the Milwaukee Symphony. I have also started working as a mentor for the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, where I mentor flute students from minority backgrounds who are preparing to audition for music schools.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has played some part, but hard work, I believe, has played the biggest role.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cierrahall.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctheflutist
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@syrinxcici
