Flutist Ai Goldsmith is a nationally recognized solo and chamber artist of sincere, dynamic and eloquent playing style.
Ms. Goldsmith first became interested in solo performance after performing with the Westwood-Brentwood Symphony Orchestra as a concerto competition winner. Since then, her solo performance activities continue to expand to include an appearance as a soloist with the Palo Alto Philharmonic and the San Jose State University Orchestra, Ameropa Festival, CSU East Bay’s “Musica delle donne” festival, Oakland Flute Festival, Tuscia Opera Festival, National Flute Association Convention (NFA) where Ms. Goldsmith presented a program with pianist Miles Graber, a concert tour of Saitama and Tokyo (Japan) with Miles Graber, UC Davis Shinkosky Noon Concert Series, Mid-South Flute Festival, Trinity Chamber Concert Series (Berkeley, CA), and the 36th Annual Florida Flute Festival with pianist Tim Carey.
Though originally from Japan, Ms. Goldsmith has made her home in the United States since childhood. She describes her family background as a cross road of colorful cultures and religions. These unique cross-currents of domestic and foreign influences inspire Ms. Goldsmith to embark on musical endeavors of all sorts, including explorations of Japanese cultural influences in music and participation in performance opportunities in other countries, such as the Czech Republic, Turkey, Italy, and Japan.
Just as her teachers share their skills and passion for music and flute playing, Ms. Goldsmith is committed to educating budding musicians of all levels from beginners to advanced university students. Ms. Goldsmith currently provides private flute instruction in Cupertino, California. Her students serve as principal flutists and assistant principals in youth orchestras and school ensembles. They also earn awards and distinctions as winners of competitions, as recipients of “Superior” and “Command Performances” at CMEA festivals, and are selected for state and county honor bands (principal flute and section). Ms. Goldsmith’s advanced students volunteer for the concert organization Encores On Wheels, through which they share their excitement and joy for music with the community throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Recognized for her excellence in teaching and performance, Ms. Goldsmith receives invitations to adjudicate for various auditions and competitions, including the Santa Clara County Honor Band and the Areon Flutes Summer Flute Institute, and is invited to give clinics, sectionals, and masterclasses.
Ms. Goldsmith began her flute training with Jean Nakamoto, followed by one year of study with Susan Waller. Ms. Goldsmith received diplomas for her formal training from UCLA (B.A.) and San Jose State University (M.A.), studying with Sheridon Stokes, David Shostac and Isabelle Chapuis. Additionally, Ms. Goldsmith performed in masterclasses and studied at summer music academies in the United States and abroad, led by master flutists (in alphabetical order) Vieri Bottazzini, Heather Clark, Sir James Galway, Susan Milan, Robert Stallman, Ransom Wilson, and Anne Diener-Zentner. Ms. Goldsmith’s other achievements since completing her studies include semi-finalist in the first International Haynes Flute competition and a finalist in LMC Seattle West Coast Regional Soloist Competition, amongst others.