Jessica Petrasek

I live in Atlanta, where I am the flute teacher at Georgia State University. Teaching inspires me and makes me a better musician. I produce well-rounded, collegial students who can independently diagnose and solve problems. I instill an understanding of theory and history, coping mechanisms for performance anxiety, and practical career-building skills, along with technique. 
My pedagogical ethos comes primarily from my teacher growing up, Tal Perkes, who was Principal Flute of the San Antonio Symphony. Tal didn't just teach me how to play the flute; he nurtured my intellectual and artistic curiosity. Lessons with Tal often included discussions about literature, architecture, language, and painting. Under Tal's tutelage, I was on NPR's "From the Top,"  became a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, was a Miyazawa Flutes Emerging Artist, and won the National Foundation of the Advancement of the Arts YoungARTS Silver Award, along with many other incredible opportunities.
Tal's interdisciplinary approach helped lead me to major in Classics at Princeton, where I did things like translate the Odyssey and the Aeneid, while obtaining a Certificate in Music Performance, studying under the wonderful Jayn Rosenfeld.
At Princeton, I was awarded the honor of University Scholar (for students pursuing a career in the arts) and the Isidore and Helen Sacks Memorial Prize in Music.
After Princeton, I went to Rice University's Shepherd School of Music for my Master's, studying with the legendary Leone Buyse. At Rice, I was surrounded by music at the highest level, and I still got the opportunity to pursue my academic interests. I was awarded both the Jerry and Nanette Finger Foundation Prize and the Isidore and Helen Sacks Memorial Prize, allowing me a full ride and the chance to assist renowned musicologist Marcia Citron.
After Rice, I got my first job as Principal Flute of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Around the same time, I won Third Prize and “Best Performance of a Newly Commissioned Work” in the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition. 
I’m currently Assistant Principal Flute of the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder and Piccolo of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Georgia. I have been Principal Flute of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Piccolo of the Kansas City Symphony, Assistant Principal Flute of the Central City Opera Orchestra, and Piccolo and 2nd Flute of the Sarasota Opera Orchestra. I also perform with the Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Detroit Symphony Orchestras. 
I received additional training at the Tanglewood Music Center, Yellow Barn Music Festival, the Music Academy of the West, the Aspen Music Festival, and the National Repertory Orchestra.
I play a lot of music with my husband, Joe Petrasek, who is Principal Percussion in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. As the Petrasek Duo, we give recitals and masterclasses all over the country. We have a young daughter who shares her parents' love of music, food, and animals.
My biggest passion outside of music is horses. You can find me at the barn with my horse Rav whenever I have the time.
I change my hairstyle a lot, so don't feel bad if you don't recognize me. 
I am privileged to have had so many moving concert experiences in my life. Chief among them have been playing Fauré's "Morceau de Concours" at Tal's memorial service, and performing porch concerts for my neighbors with my husband while pregnant during the COVID-19 lockdowns.