Personal Statement/Bio:

Flutist Jessica Pierce began her studies in Northern California with Isabelle Chapuis and Mimi Carlson. Jessica attended Santa Clara University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in both music and French. During her time there, Jessica was a soloist with the Santa Clara Orchestra as well as the Saratoga Symphony. She was accepted into the prestigious Academie Internationale d’Ete de Nice where she studied with Philippe Bernold, Christian Lardé and Claude Bolling.

Her studies then brought her to Paris where she attended the famed Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris with Pierre-Yves Artaud. Jessica graduated the conservatory with honors both in flute performance and chamber music. While in Paris she began a guitar and flute duo, AlmaNova, with guitarist, Almer Imamovic.

The duo has had many concerts together around the world, particularly in Sarajevo at the Dom Armije and in Paris at the Theatre de Naples. The duo has also performed at the Tijuana International Guitar Festival in 2004 in Mexico, the Cardiff International Center of Culture in Wales, the International Giuliani Festival in Pasadena and the National Flute Convention.

AlmaNova’s recordings have been described as “…pure musical pleasure” (Flute Focus Magazine, 2009) and have received much critical acclaim. Their first CD recording 'Debut' features original works by Mr. Imamovic inspired by the sounds and folk melodies of his native Bosnia. It was recently honored by the largest worldwide independent music organization, Just Plain Folks, receiving Best Instrumental Album, 2009 as well as Best Instrumental Song, for ‘Sarajevo Nights’. Their second CD, ‘Classic Giuliani’ was awarded 2009Critic's Choice, 2008 by American Record Guide calling it “… some of the best [Giuliani] I've heard”. Their newest release, ‘After Hours’, explores the music of Macedonia through thoughtful arrangements and more original compositions by Mr. Imamovic and Ms. Pierce.

As a student of Jim Walker at the University of Southern California, Jessica completed a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance and a Doctorate of Musical Arts. While at USC, Jessica performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Scott Tennant, Itzhak Perlman, Eleonore Schoenfeld, Peter Marsh, Gary Glaze, and Kevin Fitzgerald and has performed under the baton of Carl St. Clair, Sergei Commissiona, Jorge Mester, John Barnett, Yehuda Gilad, and Donald Crockett.

Jessica has also worked along side great artists within the Pop/Rock world such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Richard Marx, Dennis DeYoung, Wayne Brady, and Heather Headley.

Education/Training:

DMA from USC
MM from USC
Diplome Superieur from Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris
BA from SCU

Teaching Philosophy:

*Dr. Pierce holds a M.M. and D.M.A. from USC under Jim Walker as well as a Diplome Superieur from the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris, France

*over 10 years teaching experience

*Students have been admitted to some of the finest music institutions such as: Berkeley School of Music and USC Thornton School of Music

*Students have won major competitions, invited to flute festivals and performed in exciting venues like The Hollywood Bowl

*all ages and levels welcome

*one-on-one and group instruction available

*individualized approach rooted in classical technique with excursions into improvisation, world music and Balkan fusion

*encourage and develop your critical thinking, self-discipline and musicianship!

Music Programs:

BMI
NFA

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations of any kind must be made 24 hours in advance


Payment is required at the time of the lesson


Students may be required to audition before taking them on as a regular student.


Students must arrive on-time for their lesson.


Students arriving late will not be allowed extra time and will only have the remaining scheduled time for their lesson


Students are expected to come prepared with all materials and with a positive attitude!