Laura Schipper (2011)

Flute

What are your most important educational and musical moments?
I grew up listening to music in our house, and looking back on this I realize it was very influential to my life-long love of music.  More recently, I studied with world-renowned flutist Trevor Wye in England during the 2012-2013 academic year. This was one of the most influential musical moments in my life.

I played frequently at the Presbyterian church in Ann Arbor during my nursing graduate studies. The ability to play music while I was studying for my nursing career was the best stress reliever during those busy years. 

Tell us about your family.
My entire family is musical. My mom taught me piano starting at the age of 4, and I took piano lessons from her through high school. My sister is also a flute player, and we often play flute duets together. 

Why did you choose music?
Music is a secondary career for me. My full-time career is as a nurse (nursing faculty and nurse practitioner). I choose my primary career because I love helping people and have always been interested in health. However, I love playing music and nursing and music is a perfect balance. Music is a way for me to relax and to use the gifts God has given to me. I can’t imagine my life without music or nursing.

Why did you choose your instrument?
My mom played the flute when she was young, and she introduced me to the flute. I fell in love with it right away and can’t imagine playing any other instrument. I took piano lessons for many years but found reading 2 lines of music at the same time very challenging.

What else are you currently doing?
My professional endeavors include being a full-time tenure track nursing faculty at Calvin University where I teach both classroom nursing and clinicals in the hospital. I also work part-time as a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with Spectrum Health Medical Group in Grand Rapids, MI. 

My musical endeavors include playing with the Calvin Community Symphony, and as part of church services. I have taught flute lessons for many years.  

Any non-musical interests or hobbies?
I have 2 golden retrievers who love long walks and swimming.  I love to quilt.  I am developing a love of gardening which I get from my mom.  I would love to retire into a job at a greenhouse.