STAMFORD MUSIC & ARTS ACADEMY

Michelle Zarco is a flutist and pianist based in the NYC area, known for her dynamic and compassionate approach to music. She began her musical journey with piano and flute at age 7, studying under Rowena Arrieta. Michelle went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s in flute performance from the Hartt School of Music and Northwestern University, followed by an Artist Diploma from Montclair State University. Alongside her formal classical training, she independently studied Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban and Brazilian musical traditions, bringing a rich blend of influences to her musical identity.

Michelle regularly performs with orchestral ensembles such as the Philharmonia of New York, The Orchestra Now and Concert Festival Orchestra. She’s also the founder, Artistic Director and flutist of Orchestra Elena, which debuted in Summer 2024. Her chamber music and solo recital performances have taken her across the tri-state area and to diverse audiences in schools, correctional facilities, senior and veteran housing, and women’s shelters through her work with Music for All Seasons. She frequently opens her home for intimate chamber music concerts, creating spaces for community connection.

A dedicated educator, Michelle teaches flute and piano privately and serves as a teaching artist with Musicambia, an organization which develops music education for incarcerated individuals. She works at Musicambia’s annual summer songwriting program and participates in bi-weekly programming at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Michelle has also shared her expertise with students at the Hartt School and Montclair State University, where she has led flute studio classes, coached chamber ensembles and woodwind sectionals.

Beyond her performance and teaching roles, Michelle has extensive experience in the classical music industry, working as an artist manager and booking representative at Colbert Artists Management. Her role has involved collaborating with world-class artists on commissions, projects, and bookings. Through her diverse experience as a teacher, performer, and manager, Michelle brings empathy, flexibility, and a deep understanding to her work, meeting musicians of all backgrounds where they are and fostering growth in a way that honors each individual’s unique approach to music.