Experience • Integrity • Craftsmanship
Our Team, is Your Team!
Left to right: Robert Johnson, Heather Axe, Sergiy Anisimov, Taryn Shick
It is always nice to hear from a flutist regarding their appreciation of our efforts or noting something we have done that has enhanced their love of playing. It is because of this simple desire to promote flute and to serve the needs of flutists and piccoloists that I established this company twenty years ago, now considered one of the best places in the country to purchase or repair flutes and piccolos. I am pleased to draw upon my three decades of experience in the flute sales and repair industry to provide the highest quality service and objective consultations to flutists, piccoloists and their families.
As a high school flutist, I was awarded a music scholarship to go abroad and study flute performance at Academie Intenationale d'ete de Nice in Nice, France. The highlight of my performance career was performing a solo with an orchestra. I earned a degree in fine art with a focus in painting, sculpting and metalsmithing. I also began to develop and pursue my interest in the technical aspects of flute making and repair. The highlight of my technical training was an invitation to study with the Muramatsu Flute engineers at the Muramatsu Flute factory and facilities in Tokorozawa and Tokyo, Japan. I served as chief technician for Muramatsu USA for ten years before opening Flute Specialists, Inc.
I remain passionate about providing detailed consultations for purchases and repairing instruments. I stay active as a musician now playing in church. I believe it is my extensive training, experience and familiarity with all manufacturers, models and styles of flutes and piccolos that allows me to address the needs of the even the most discerning flutist, whether a soloist, orchestral, concert band, jazz, folk or rock musician.
We sell, repair, service and adjust flutes with traditional felt pads as well as Straubinger pads and other modern pads. I am pleased to provide free, objective consultations for instrument purchases or repairs. This level of service and sensitivity to flutists, piccoloists and their families results in Flute Specialists, Inc. being one of the most highly-regarded flute and piccolo sales and repair companies in the nation.
We are committed to staying with you and your flute or piccolo from the time you purchase it through any repairs or adjustments it may need in its lifetime. Maintaining knowledge of the history of you and your instrument allows a unique perspective that enables us to address any needs that occur. It is our desire to develop enduring relationships with all the flutists and piccoloists we are blessed to have the opportunity to serve. We are here for you when you need us.
All flutists, whether professional musicians, educators, amateurs or intermediate or beginning level players, deserve the services of a highly skilled and experienced repair facility for all repairs from minor adjustments to complete overhauls. This level of expertise is also essential for proper pre-purchase service or warranty adjustments on new and used flute and piccolo purchases. A properly maintained and repaired flute is a more enjoyable instrument to play as well as a protected investment. We look forward to helping you find the right instrument for your performance needs or helping you get the most out of the instrument you now own.
Sergiy has been a technician at Flute Specialists for ten years. Emigrating from the Ukraine, Sergiy has a performance degree in accordion and a master's degree in business management.
Immediately upon his arrival to the US, Sergiy began his technical training as an apprentice with us. Sergiy is now a flutist and a citizen of the United States and remains an active member of the national flutist and piccoloist community as a repair technician.
He is an expert in flute, piccolo, alto, bass and contra bass flute repairs and new instrument servicing.
Heather has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in Accounting. She played the saxophone in high school and sang in a church choir. Heather enjoys representing Flute Specialists, Inc. at flute shows and meeting the many flutists and piccoloists that visit our exhibits and our office.
Taryn has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Trade Certificate in Film Studies. Her numerous film credits include writing, directing, producing, props and casting. Her love of music is fueled by several family members who are vocalists and guitarists, including her father, Tyrone Edwards, who has played with such Motown greats as Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder and had his own band in the 60's, Tony & Tyrone.
