Meet Kathryn

Kathryn’s philosophy to music and teaching focuses on the joy of learning and sharing music. She customizes flute and zither lessons to each individual, working to challenge each student to their potential, yet in a way which makes learning enjoyable, fun, and inspiring.

Musical Family

The love of music was a gift Kathryn learned from her parents. Her mother, Ruth Prinz, was a respected organist, pianist, and teacher, who also served as Kathryn’s mentor and role model. Her father, Harvey Prinz, played the hammered dulcimer, and performed extensively throughout the Midwest. Harvey built over 500 hammered dulcimers, for which he was known to have made some of the finest instruments of the time. Kathryn, along with her family, received the “Kansas Musical Family of the Year” award in 1980.

Flute Teaching

Kathryn maintains an active music studio in Oyster Bay, New York. She also teaches flute workshops and master classes at local schools, and has served as flute instructor for Friends Academy, Locust Valley, NY. Many of her flute students receive top honors in their school, NYSSMA, All-County, and All-State bands and orchestra’s.

Zither Education and Experience

The concert zither was first introduced to Kathryn by her family. Her father co-founded and played his hammered dulcimer with the Davenport Zither Ensemble (Iowa). Her sister, Anne, also became interested and started playing the zither. When Kathryn would visit her family, she would look forward to going to the zither ensemble rehearsals, thinking “if I lived here, I would also play zither!” Her interest continued, and she began her zither studies. She is primarily self-taught, but is grateful for the excellent zither instruction she has received from the following teachers:

  • Jane Curtis (VA), private lessons and Sterling Zither Seminars
  • Anne Prinz, her sister (IL)
  • Tomy Temerson (Germany),North American Zither Gatherings masterclasses
  • and, all the inspiring zither players she has had the pleasure of meeting!

While a relatively new zither player herself, Kathryn was still encouraged to teach the instrument, by others who also wanted to learn how to play the zither. Her extensive knowledge as a music educator and professional flutist has allowed her to offer a good musical foundation for new zitherists to begin playing.

Other Interests

Kathryn is also a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and Nationally Certified Reflexologist (NBCR).  This scope of knowledge has been an invaluable addition for students, as she can assist with the important body mechanics necessary to play these musical instruments.

Contact Kathryn for more information on flute or zither lessons, ensembles, rates and availability.

 

Flute Performance

Kathryn performs actively in numerous solo and chamber music settings throughout the Northeast, including:

  • Island Lyric Opera, principal flutist (6 years)
  • Synchronicity, flute and harp duo (co-founder)
  • Avalon Trio, (co-founder)
  • Additional performances with:
    • Atlantic Wind Symphony
    • Long Island Opera
    • Island Chamber Orchestra
    • Sagamore Hill Band
    • National Flute Association conventions, flute choir performances

Education

  • Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS
    • BA, Music Education and Performance, Cum Laude
    • Director of the college’s famous “Blue Dozen” pep band (2 years)
    • “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities”
  • Fordham University, New York, NY
    • MBA

Principal flute teachers

  • Nadine Asin (Aspen Music School/New York Metropolitan Opera)
  • Sandra Church (New York Philharmonic)
  • Nancy Clark (Kansas City Philharmonic)
  • James Hamilton (Kansas City Philharmonic)
  • William Wade Perry (Wichita Symphony)
  • Albert Tipton (Aspen Music School/Shepherd School of Music)

Masterclass flute teachers

  •  Julius Baker (New York Philharmonic/Juilliard)
  • Jeanne Baxtresser (Carnegie Mellon University/New York Philharmonic)
  • Marcel Moyse (World-renown French flutist/teacher)
  • Jean-Pierre Rampal (World-renown French flutist)

Flute Honors

  • Aspen Music Festival (CO)
    • Scholarship recipient
    • Aspen Festival Orchestra performer
  • Bethany College Music Scholarship
  • Kansas All-State Band, 1st Chair Flute, all-state high school competition
  • Kansas City Music Club Scholarship winner
  • National Flute Association Professional Flute Choir competition winner

Memberships

  • Long Island Flute Club, including service on Board of Directors
  • New York Flute Club
  • National Flute Association
  • Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity for Women

For information on zither lessons, rates and availability, zither rentals, or the Long Island Zither Ensemble, contact Kathryn.