University of Arkansas

Dr. Ballatori is dedicated to helping students develop the technical skills, musical artistry, and confidence needed to reach their individual goals. Her teaching emphasizes thoughtful musicianship, strong fundamentals, curiosity, and collaboration, creating an environment where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow as artists and individuals.

Arkansas Flutes

The University of Arkansas Flute Studio is a welcoming and collaborative community where students are challenged to grow as musicians, artists, and individuals. Through individualized instruction, students build a strong technical foundation, develop expressive musicianship, and gain the versatility needed to succeed as performers, educators, collaborators, and creative professionals in a rapidly changing musical world.

Whether beginning their musical journey or preparing for graduate study and professional careers, students receive personalized mentorship tailored to their individual goals and interests. Studio members perform regularly as soloists, chamber musicians, members of the flute choir, and performers in orchestral and wind ensembles, providing a wide range of experiences that foster artistic growth, confidence, and professional preparation.

Students regularly work with internationally recognized guest artists through masterclasses, residencies, and the annual Arkansas Flute Festival, learning from leading performers, educators, and industry professionals. Beyond campus, the studio places a strong emphasis on community engagement through outreach and service projects. One of its signature outreach events is the Flutiz Navidad Holiday Community Flute Choir & Food Drive, presented by the Arkansas Flute Society. Founded by Dr. Ballatori in Brownsville, Texas, in 2014, this annual tradition brings flutists of all ages together each holiday season to share music while supporting local food banks. Since its inception, Flutiz Navidad has positively impacted communities in Texas, Wisconsin, and now Arkansas.

Undergraduate Applicants:
Prospective undergraduate flute students should complete an admission audition through the University of Arkansas Department of Music. Audition repertoire, requirements, and application information are available here:
https://music.uark.edu/academics/undergraduate/admissions-auditions.php

Graduate Applicants:
Applicants to the Master of Music and Advanced Performance Certificate programs should prepare a varied audition program as outlined by the University of Arkansas Department of Music. Audition repertoire, requirements, and application information are available here:
https://music.uark.edu/academics/graduate/admissions-auditions.php

Private Lessons
Dr. Ballatori enjoys working with enthusiastic and dedicated students of all ages, maintaining a small private studio in addition to her university teaching. Lessons are tailored to each student's goals, whether preparing for honor ensembles, competitions, college auditions, solo performances, or personal musical growth. Her pre-college students have consistently earned top honors and recognition in regional and state ensembles, competitions, and festivals, and have gone on to pursue a variety of pathways both in music and other fields post graduation. Beyond musical achievement, lessons emphasize confidence, problem-solving, creativity, and the habits of thoughtful, independent musicianship.

Student Testimonials

"Dr. Ballatori is a gold mine of knowledge and incredible artistry. Her sound alone is incredibly impressive and beautiful. I learn so much from simply listening to her play. She is a fantastic teacher, mentor, and inspiration. Most importantly, she is genuine and kind. Everything she does is with her students in mind."

Jillian R.
Bachelor of Music Education, University of Arkansas (2026)
Master of Music in Flute Performance, New England Conservatory (2028)

"Dr. Ballatori offers the complete package as a teacher. She will help you develop outstanding fundamentals, expressive musicianship, and the ability to teach others with confidence. Beyond the flute, she prepares students with the administrative, networking, and professional skills needed to build successful careers.

She is passionate, innovative, dynamic, supportive, and deeply invested in every student's success. I could not have imagined a better professor for my collegiate experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend studying with her."

Emma P.
Bachelor of Music in Performance, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (2023)
Master of Music, University of North Carolina-Greensboro (2025) Freelance Musician, Teacher, and Arts Administrator, North Carolina

“If you have the chance to study with her, take it! You won’t find many teachers who care as deeply or invest as much in you as Dr. Ballatori does. She will challenge you, keep you honest, and push you to grow, but she also genuinely supports you as a person. You’ll leave not only a stronger musician, but a more confident and well-rounded one too.”

Elizabeth W.
Bachelor of Music Education, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (2022) Music Educator, Wisconsin

"Studying with Dr. Ballatori will be one of the best decisions you can make. You won't find someone better. Dr. Ballatori will challenge you to reach your true potential while making every lesson engaging and memorable. The stories and analogies she shares are ones you'll carry into your own teaching for years to come. And yes…her famous Meatball Master Classes are every bit as wonderful as you've heard!"

Rebecca W.
Bachelor of Music Education, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (2019) Music Educator, Wisconsin

"Studying with Dr. Ballatori has been one of the best decisions I have ever made as a musician, educator, performer, and person.

The quality of her instruction is second to none. She absolutely has high expectations, but those expectations are matched with compassion, guidance, encouragement, support, and wisdom.

Nearly ten years after completing my undergraduate degree, she remains a source of guidance, inspiration, and pride.

If you have the opportunity to study with Dr. Ballatori, take it."

Camilla F.
Bachelor of Music Education, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (2017)
Master of Music, East Texas A&M University (2019)
Instrument Repair Technician, Washington

"After thirteen years in banking, I recently made the decision to pursue my business full time. One lesson that has stayed with me from studying with Dr. Ballatori is her passion for teaching. Even though I didn't continue in music education, I carried that same desire to guide, encourage, and serve others into my own career.

Her influence taught me that teaching isn't limited to a classroom, it's about showing up for people, sharing what you know, and helping them move forward.

Dr. Ballatori will challenge you, guide you, and expect your best because she sees what you're capable of. Trust the process. You'll be in exceptional hands."

David G.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (2013) Business Owner, Texas