FRANCESCA ARNONE
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About the studio

The University of South Florida Flute Studio members form a strong community of musicians committed to an inclusive and diverse learning environment. We welcome people of all colors, disabilities, gender identities and orientations, national origins, races, religions, and sexual orientations. We prioritize learning and growing together. 

Here at USF, we collaborate in chamber groups and large flute ensemble, and play in a wide variety of ensembles at the School of Music and College of the Arts. As a studio, we meet weekly for private lessons, performance classes, studio classes, chamber music, and special classes to strengthen our playing and musicianship. We study, perform, arrange, and create diverse forms of musics to effectively express our ideas.

Why study at USF? The Tampa Bay region offers richly diverse opportunities for study, work, and cultural immersion as well as a thriving university community. Some of the state's finest ensembles are right here in the Tampa Bay region, including The Florida Orchestra, which offers discounted student tickets. USF music majors also have the opportunity to teach at the USF Community Music Project. 

Interested in joining the flute studio?

If you're interested in joining a vibrant and creative community centered around personal growth through flute study, you sound like the kind of flutist we'd like to hear audition for us! All music majors who declare flute as their principle instrument take weekly lessons with me, Dr. Francesca Arnone.

Are you a high school senior? Check these out . . .
  • Reserve Monday, October 13, to attend our Bull-for-a-Day experience event.
  • Can't make that? Arrange an independent "music major for a day" directly with me - come visit, sit in on classes, have an informal lesson, meet students
  • Apply early (read the next paragraph carefully!)

IMPORTANT! You will need to apply to the university, and then the School of Music. If you are interested in undergraduate study, apply early to the University. The priority application deadline is November 8. While that seems early, the next deadline to apply is December 16. If you are unable to meet these deadlines, it is *extremely* difficult to be admitted to the university. This is an unfortunate surprise to many students, so please don't let this prevent you from joining us in the Flute Studio!
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While our studio primarily has undergraduate students, there are opportunities for graduate (MM), and doctoral (PhD) students in the studio. Contact me for more info about assistantship and doctoral fellowship options. There is a graduate assistantship (MM - Flute) available beginning Fall 2027; contact me directly for more information, but the basic information is posted below under Graduate Studies.

If you're interested in maximizing scholarship possibilities, check this out and also the fantastic opportunities available through our Judy Genshart Honors College.

Please note: you will need to apply to USF first and also apply to the School of Music. To receive best consideration, I strongly urge you to apply to the university before November 8 for your best chances at admission for 2025 first-year admission. 

Flutists at USF pursue these majors:
  • Music Performance (undergraduate and graduate), with multiple concentrations 
    • ​​This includes Contemporary Commercial Music
  • Music Education (undergraduate and graduate, including PhD degrees)
    • PhD degrees may have a cognate in Flute Performance
  • Music Studies - an opportunity to pursue another degree or concentration area in addition to music. This degree affords you tremendous flexibility to design your unique path, and is the pathway to becoming a double-major if you choose to do so after trying this out. The Music Studies option is a very popular pathway to pursue another interest while keeping music in your life.
  • Music Composition (undergraduate and graduate)​​

All prospective students: I always like to meet with each student, preferably in advance of an audition. Contact me as you prepare your application so we can arrange a time to meet online if face to face visits aren't possible. I find this opportunity helpful to get to know each other prior to your audition so you play your best!

Audition information for the 2025-2026 academic year
The USF School of Music will conduct live auditions and also by your submitted video recordings. If you have any questions about any steps in this process, please contact me (really!).

Live auditions at USF:
  • December 6, 2025
  • January 24, 2026
  • March 7, 2026
  • Another time we arrange outside these dates
Also possible:
  • at the Florida Flute Convention. If you plan to attend, I hope you will reach out for an informal lesson or chance to meet, even if you prefer to audition at another time.
  • I also am available to meet you in a satellite location (Venice, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, Sarasota, etc.). Contact me to schedule!

Process to apply to the School of Music:
All applicants will need to apply online through GetAcceptd. You may audition in person or by video for undergraduate and graduate admission. Please see the audition requirements for more info. 
​
Music Education students: USF has additional video requirements for all students interested in studying Music Education. If you attend a live audition, you will have an interview. Music Education majors at USF are afforded every opportunity for studying and playing their instrument as other majors, including Performance majors, while studying a progressive curriculum. 

Transfer Students: represent yourself well and with repertoire choices that reflect the level for which you are applying to start as a student at USF. For example, if you're expecting to transfer in as a junior, you would need to demonstrate the ability to play a recital. 
​
Graduate students: please submit substantial materials best representing your level of playing and musicianship; one selection must be performed with another instrument. Keep in mind the audition requirements are starting points for these levels. Your video statement should also include your career goals and an example of a satisfying music-related project you have experienced. There is a Graduate Assistantship available beginning Fall 2024 for Flute and Community Music Project responsibilities. ​Contact me for more information but the basic information is as follows:

 Flute graduate assistantship, MM, USF School of Music: beginning Fall 2026
  • Duties include the following: assist the flute studio as needed (additional coaching, recruiting events, flute ensemble assistance, marketing/social media posts); serve as president of the USF Flute Club (with organizational responsibilities). Additional teaching and coaching opportunities depending on the candidate's strengths.
  • Total amount of the assistantship work is 10 hours per week. For 2023-2024, the stipend amount for 10 hours is $7,287.50 for the AY. The stipend covers 9 hours of coursework (a regular graduate load) per semester, excluding fees not associated with tuition.
  • The USF Flute studio is comprised primarily of undergraduate performance [applied, composition, commercial] in music, education, music studies). PhD studies with support may also be possible, pending successful applications, with the potential for research and teaching fellowships.
  • The Tampa Bay area is a diverse, culturally thriving region: home to The Florida Orchestra, Opera Tampa, St. Pete Opera, Tampa City Ballet, Flutistry Florida, and more. Several of our former and current students intern and/or work at Flutistry and we connect regularly with Adam and the Team! We offer an annual flute festival at USF and enjoy being in a centrally located city. 

For an application overview, please refer to this page, plus:
Graduate Admissions
Audition Requirements
Apply to the USF School of Music
If you can't make it to our beautiful campus, here are Tips for Making Your Video Audition Recordings for some guidance to help you present your best! 

Visit the studio

To arrange a Music Major for a Day visit where you shadow a student, take an informal lesson, sit in on classes and ensembles, and immerse yourself in the campus exeperience, contact me. 
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Copyright by Francesca Arnone ©2025
  • Home
  • About
    • PR Bios
    • PR Photos
  • Playing
    • Amici
    • Look & Listen
    • Recent performances
    • Host a performance
  • Teaching
    • Study at USF
    • Lessons
    • Workshops & Masterclasses
    • Chamber Music
    • Practicing for Competitions and Auditions
    • Resources
  • Blog
  • Creating
    • #100days
    • REACT CD >
      • REACT
    • Dedications
    • Games of Light
  • Contact