Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, I am a flutist, leader, and advocate for living composers — particularly women — whose work has taken me across all inhabited continents.

A glimpse

Performance

I enjoy serving the music community by performing in non traditional setting such as health care spaces and libraries, as well as at conferences regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Research

I love performing, collaborating, and creating educational concert themes. My work centers around the works of living composers, with a focus on music by female composers.

Leadership

Holding a certificate in Leadership from the GHELI HIGHER Ground program and serving as the 2025–26 VCU Provost's Office Faculty Fellow, I'm currently a Faculty Director in The Provost's Faculty Affairs Office. I enjoy serving the broader music and higher education communities through performance, advocacy, and in leadership roles with non profit organizations such as the National Flute Association and College Music Society.

Teaching

I am dedicated to supporting the next generation of thriving flutists and helping others achieve their goals by prioritizing individuality, equity, inclusion, and autonomy.

About

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST
‣ Performed all inhabited continents, 13 countries, and 28 states
‣ Soloist with Fairbanks Symphony, Astoria Sinfonia, Uni Cauca Wind Ensemble & Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra, Colombia
‣ Commissioned and/or premiered over 50 works
‣ Guest residency at the TU Dublin Conservatory

LEADERSHIP
‣ 2025-26 VCU Provost's Office Faculty Fellow
‣ Faculty Director, Faculty Affairs, VCU Provost's Office
‣ Vice President of the National Flute Association (NFA), Nov. 1, 2026 (2 yr term)
‣ Former Coordinator of Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion at VCU Music
‣ National Flute Association: Former board member, Secretary & Committees Liaison, Competition Coordinator
‣ Women's Leadership Certificate, GEHLI Higher Ground Program

SERVICE
‣ Conference Program chair and/or committee member for international, national, and regional conferences for College Music Society, NFA, & Flute Society of Washington
‣ 2020 winner of the Distinguished Service Award VCU School of the Arts
‣ Program chair for national and regional conferences including College Music Society
‣ Director of Richmond Flute Fest for 11 years

TEACHING
‣ Flute Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University since 2008
‣ Courses taught include: Soundscapes, Chamber Music, Pedagogy, and Woodwind Methods
‣ Former instructor at University of Virginia, F&M, & Nazareth College
‣ Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from University of Alaska

Bio

DR. TABATHA EASLEY serves as Professor of Flute at Virginia Commonwealth University and a Director in Faculty Affairs in the Provost’s Office. Her career as a performer and educator has taken her to every inhabited continent. Beyond her work at VCU, she maintains an active performance schedule dedicated to the music of living and women composers, a mission that comprises over 50 commissions and world premieres. Her discography includes a release of 21st Century American Flute Sonatas.Dedicated to service within the flute community, Dr. Easley has held numerous leadership roles. She recently conducted the National Flute Association’s (NFA) Collegiate Flute Choir and has served the organization as Secretary, Committees Liaison, and Collegiate Flute Choir competition coordinator. A past board member and competition coordinator for the Flute Society of Washington, she also served as program chair for the Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention and most recently conducted the 2026 High School Flute Choir.Her work with the College Music Society (CMS) includes serving as the performance program chair for the 2021 National Conference and on the program committee for the International Conference in Colombia. Her conference presentations and collaborations have taken her to stages across Belgium, Finland, Sweden, Australia, Argentina, and Canada.Dr. Easley holds a doctoral degree from the Eastman School of Music—the first Alaskan to do so—and is an alumna of California State University at Long Beach and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Listen

Aark Duo

Recorded with Justin Alexander in Tallahassee, FL, this CD comprises music for flute and percussion. Works by Valerie Coleman, Libby Larsen, Michael Burritt, Marco Alunno, and John Griffin. The CD cover and visual art that inspired the multi-movement Coleman piece is by Sonya Clark.

21st Century American Flute Sonatas

Recorded with Catherine Garner in Greeneville, NC, this CD features works by Stephen Lias, Daniel Dorff, Gary Shocker, Nicholas Mastripolito, and Jeff Manookian.

the need's got to be so deep

“Jimmy Giuffre's "The Side Pipers" is an intense wind-driven movement in the playlist featuring flute played by Tabatha Easley, Marla Smith on alto flute, Daniel Gonet on bass flute, [Darryl] Harper on clarinet, and punctuated by the brushwork of Tony Martucci.” - Bill Gaskins, New York Review

“You are simply phenomenal and your performance of Amazonia is incredible.”
-Valerie Coleman

Watch my YouTube Channel

Research

My research is dedicated to promoting the works of living composers, with a focus on music by women composers and the Americas.

Projects

Orchestral Excerpt Compilation
A compilation of orchestral excerpts for flute by women composersFaculty Recitals
Presenting recitals annually at VCU, sample recital works include pieces by Lili Boulanger, Miguel Del Águila, Marco Granados, Missy Mazzoli, Nicole Chamberlain, Undine Smith Moore, Jennifer Higdon, and Eve BelgarianConcerto Performances
Khachaturian Concerto
Cuando Hablan los Vientos for two flutes & wind ensemble, Arturo Rodriguez
Paradise Valley Serenade  for Woodwind Quintet & Orchestra, Jeff Scott
Illapa: a Tone Poem, Gabriela Lena Frank
Nielsen Concerto
Doppler Andante & Rondo for two flutes and wind ensemble
Mozart Concerto

Teaching

I aim to foster exploration, inclusion, and discovery in the studio and classroom.Now more than ever musicians need to be innovative and versatile. It is my objective to provide guidance in developing these skills so the students can become successful contributors in the field. This holistic approach envelops the mechanics of flute playing as well as cultivating self awareness, so each student takes charge of their own development. The purpose of this process-oriented mentoring is to equip students with the skills to become their own teacher, build autonomy, and successfully forge their own path.

4 key factors integral to my process:

✅ Establish goals with a plan for execution
👤 Cultivate the individual
🛠️ Build tools for success in their chosen area
🌈 Facilitate opportunity for distinction

Wholeheartedly committed to the art of teaching, I aspire to continue cultivating success in the studio and classroom.