My flute journey has been one of hard knocks to say the least. In High School, I was practicing 6 hours a day in preparation to enter college as a music performance major. I had a plan and I was determined to follow it. Bachelors degree in performance by 2006, Masters in performance by 2008, and then I would take a year off before pursuing a DMA in the Fall of 2009. But of course, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray."

My freshman year, I tried skiing for the first time and completely wiped out. Though I was unaware of this at the time, the accident had actually moved my Atlas vertebrae and caused nerves to be pinched down the left side of my body, specifically to my left hand. As years went on, I lost the ability to play due to the intense amount of pain I experienced. Three years of modern medical doctor visits failed to provide me with any sort of relief. Finally, I was led to a NUCCA Chiropractor who is able to move this vertebrae back into place and relieve me from the pinched nerves that have caused such pain.

So there I was, pain-free, but with absolutely no direction in my life. I had made no Plan B. There was no Plan B in my mind. I knew, just KNEW, that I was going to play the flute. So my whole world crashed around me and I was left trying to pick up the pieces and figure out how to create a life without the flute. As it turns out, I can't have a life without it. It calls to me daily and someone or something will always get me playing again.

My desire to continue an education on the flute has not diminshed and this past spring I noticed an advertisement for a masterclass in Italy with Rhonda Larson. I had heard of Rhonda before but I had not heard her play. In one day, I wrote my essay, and had it overnighted to Rhonda. Having never won anything in my life before, I did not expect to be selected to attend the masterclass. About a week after I sent in my application, I received an e-mail from Rhonda announcing my acceptance. I was amazed, flabbergasted, thankful, and surprised all at once. In her e-mail, Rhonda mentioned that she thought her class sounded like it would be perfect for me and it was.

All of the attendees were supportive and friendly. We all wanted to see each other succeed and we created lasting friendships. Rhonda truly believed in every person there and wanted us all to succeed! She was encouraging, joyful, exuberant, and positive. She helped me to realize that all the pain and sadness that i had been keeping inside me since I had to give up the flute was the only thing holding me back. She truly believes that i can still succeed at having whatever sort of life or career I want with the flute. To have someone who plays with such musical intensity tell me that was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. For years I had been struggling with flutists and other music professionals telling me that I was done. My career had ended before it began according to them. But after Rhonda's class, I am choosing to ignore those naysayers. I am physically ok now. The pain is controlled and I can do whatever I choose with my musical career. I have Rhonda to thank for giving me confidence in myself again. Her joy, her excellent instruction, and her encouragement have propelled me to travel down the path I've always dreamed of with a new-found determination and confidence. I don't think I could ever thank her enough.

So to anyone who is considering applying to her class: DO IT! Italy is gorgeous, the food is amazing, the people are spectacular, Rhonda is superb, and you will not be disappointed! You will return to your homes with new best friends and more inspiration than you ever thought possible.

Brianne Little,
Dublin, Ohio