The NFA is proud to announce that the following flutists will participate in its Emerging Artist Mentorship Program for the 2025-26 academic year: Khia Ingram, Francis Jacquette, Kari Johnstone, Mary Longsdorf, Montserrat Briceno Mezquita, Jaishon Robinson, Nat Scida and Jennifer Szabo.

Over the course of a year, these individuals will be mentored by Ben Carlee, Alice Jones, Christian Lampkin, and Linda Marianiello in one-on-one and group meetings as they discuss career goals, networking opportunities, and other skills essential to an arts career. 

"I am excited to continue my work with a new set of mentors and mentees this year,” says Dr. Lorin Green, EAMP Coordinator. “It is evident each year from applications that this is a program that is needed within our community and we are happy to provide this resource to emerging flutists."

EAMP (formerly the Young Artist Mentorship Program) pairs college students and recent graduates who identify as belonging to a marginalized cultural group (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, flutists with disabilities, etc.) with professionally established mentors from similar cultural backgrounds. Applications are accepted each semester, and there is no cost to participate. Learn more at nfaonline.org/eamp.

Meet the YAMP Class

Khia Ingram

Khia Ingram is a senior Music Business major at Truman State University, where she serves as principal flutist of Truman’s Symphony Orchestra and performs with the university’s flute quartet. She has also been a member of Truman’s Wind Symphony and Uncommon Practice ensemble. In addition to her performance experience, Khia has worked in live sound technology, assisting with recording campus performances, and currently mentors first-year students through the university’s TruSelf program. 

“This year is my first time as an NFA member, and I learned about the Emerging Artist Mentorship Program through the newsletter. As I was reading about it, I immediately thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me. I’m excited to connect with other flutists and mentors who share similar goals and passions, and to gain guidance as I continue exploring my path in the music industry.”

Francis Jacquette

Francis "Frankie" Jacquette hails from West Chester, PA, and is a recent MM graduate in Flute Performance from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he has also served as principal of their Symphony Orchestra and one of the winners of their Wind Symphony Concerto Competition. While he's still figuring out a lot in his career, he knows that low flutes will always be a quintessential factor, with contrabass flute being his favorite to perform. He is working on composing and arranging solo repertoire for contra as well as Flute Choir and low flute-forward works (ask him about his arrangement of “Lincolnshire Posy”!). He also enjoys performing in flute choirs such as the PA Flute Choir, the National LGBTQIA+ Flute Choir, the NFA Professional Flute Choir, and the ILFF Professional Flute Choir.

“I am beyond honored and excited to be working with such excellent professional flutists to explore and discover the full scope of career possibilities. I have so many ideas, and I'm excited to, through their guidance, give back to the flute community.”

Kari Johnstone

Kari Johnstone is the substitute flutist for the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, and has performed in freelance jobs as soloist, chamber orchestra and pit orchestra performances. She partially completed her studies with Robert Schott, Pittsburg State University, and graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in 1987 studying with Carmen Bannon with a BM in flute performance. She is also a former student of Joan Sparks. She is currently studying with Trudy Kane. Kari is a relief veterinarian as she pursues her music career.

“This program is the missing piece to my career plan. I have been educating myself on all of these aspects but really need the one on one contact. I read about this in the NFA newsletter and jumped on it!”

Mary Longsdorf

Mary Longsdorf (she/they) is a versatile musician, educator, and arts manager based in Columbus, Ohio. Dedicated to creating a more accessible and inclusive music industry, Mary builds community through performance, education, and collaboration. As a flutist, she is recognized for her musicality, precision, and creativity across both classical and jazz traditions. Equally passionate about education and performing, Mary has been teaching for nearly as long as she has been playing. They maintain a private studio and will join Capital University's flute faculty this spring. Beyond her work as a performer and teacher, Mary serves as the Education & Production Coordinator at the Jazz Arts Group, where she administratively oversees several education programs. Her leadership and commitment to accessibility continue to strengthen these initiatives and expand educational opportunities. Mary holds a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and Music Industry from Capital University.

“I am so honored to be part of the Emerging Artist Mentorship Program. The support and mentorship of a program like this is invaluable as an early-career musician, and connecting with a group of artists who value diversity in the flute community is so inspiring!”

Montserrat Briceno Mezquita

Montserrat Briceno Mezquita is a Spanish flutist and educator from Valencia, Spain, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at Duquesne University with Professor Jennifer Steele. Before moving to the United States, she spent more than ten years teaching in Spain’s public conservatory system and performing across classical, and folk traditions. Montserrat also plays with The Tamburitzans, a multicultural ensemble that celebrates world music and dance. Her work reflects her love for connecting cultures, sharing stories through sound, and inspiring others to find their own voice through music.

“The NFA Mentorship Program represents a wonderful opportunity to grow as both an artist and educator, learn from and connect with generous mentors, and to keep forging a personal path in which creativity and cultural diversity are guiding principles.”

Jaishon Robinson

Jaishon Robinson is currently pursuing a degree in Instrumental Performance, where he continues to develop his passion for music and ensemble collaboration. In addition to his academic and performance work, Jaishon performs with a Celtic flute choir Celtic Crue, sharing his love for traditional and world music. Outside of music, he enjoys traveling the world, baking, and spending time with friends over board games.

“I’m incredibly excited to be part of this program because it offers the opportunity to grow both musically and professionally while connecting with other passionate artists. I first heard about the program through my flute  professor a couple of years ago, who spoke highly of its collaborative environment and commitment to musical excellence. I’m looking forward to learning from inspiring musicians, building new connections, and bringing what I learn back to my own community.”

Nat Scida

Nat Scida is a flutist, piccoloist, and alum of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance. During his time at VCU, he served as principal flute in both the VCU Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, and also performed on piccolo with the Wind Ensemble. In 2022, Nat was selected as the winner of the VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s Concerto Competition.

Nat has appeared as a featured performer in Classical Revolutions RVA’s Incarnations concert series and Trinity Lutheran Church’s recital series. Nat studied flute and piccolo at VCU with Tabatha Easley. Through competitions hosted by the University of Virginia and the Flute Society of Washington, he was selected to participate in masterclasses with Marianne Gedigian and Jennifer Grim. 

Outside of performance, Nat is passionate about music education. He teaches private flute lessons and works with band and orchestra students, leading workshops on effective practice techniques and goal setting for students.

“I have had great experiences learning and developing my career through NFA, and am looking forward to the opportunity to work with a mentor who is excited about my career goals!”

Jennifer Szabo

Jennifer Szabo is a dynamic flutist and piccolo player, acclaimed for her versatility and artistry as an orchestral musician, chamber artist, and soloist. She currently serves as Piccolo/Third Flute with the Northern Neck Orchestra and is frequently engaged by ensembles including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera Society, American Pops Orchestra, American Contemporary Classical Orchestra, and Opera Comique de Washington. Jennifer has appeared with the National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic as a fellow and during two consecutive seasons with the Adirondack Performing Arts Fellowship. As a soloist, she has been featured with the Adelphi University Symphony Orchestra and the National Concert Band.

Her artistry has been recognized in national competitions, earning distinction in the Young Artist Competitions of the New York Flute Club, the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” and the Flute Society of Washington, including 2nd Prize in the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention Young Artist Competition.

Jennifer holds degrees in Flute Performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College and George Mason University, where she is currently pursuing her Doctorate. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the New York Flute Club.

Outside of her musical endeavors, Jennifer enjoys hiking, developing her cookbook, drinking coffee, and indulging her love of literature. She resides in Alexandria, VA, with her husband, David, first tenor in the U.S. Army Chorus, “Pershing’s Own.”

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to be part of the Emerging Artist Mentorship Program. The NFA’s commitment to fostering community, mentorship, and inclusivity in our field deeply resonates with me. I first heard about the program through colleagues in the flute community, and I immediately recognized it as a unique opportunity to learn from inspiring mentors and connect with other artists who share my passion for meaningful, community-centered music-making.”