A message from Joan Sparks, Owner of the Flute Pro Shop

Welcome to the Flute Pro Shop where our mission is to fill the world with beautiful music one flute at a time!

My passion is to help each and every person who comes into the shop find the flute that allows them their unique musical voice. I bring experience as a substitute in the Philadelphia orchestra and active freelance flutist, as a member of the national award- winning flute and harp duo, SPARX, and as a successful private studio teacher

At the Flute Pro Shop, you can be assured of personal and professional service for all your flute-related needs. Our selection of fine instruments, all of which are hand selected by myself, the finest maintenence products, excellent repair service, studio accessories and our ever-growing flute music library are all under one roof or as close as your web browser. Our service is full circle: we will take care of you long after the sale.

Joan Sparks

A performing flutist for most of her professional life, Joan Sparks opened The Flute Pro Shop in 2009 to realize her passion for helping fellow musicians find their own musical voice.  She holds music degrees from the University of Delaware and Temple University, where she studied with the legendary Murray Panitz.  She has been a frequent substitute performer with the Philadelphia Orchestra, a member of the Delaware Symphony, the Bethlehem Bach Festival Orchestra and other freelance orchestras in the mid-Atlantic area.  Along with harpist Anne Sullivan, Joan founded the flute and harp duo SPARX in 1986, and the duo has enjoyed both national and international acclaim.  Through all this activity, Joan has maintained a thriving private studio, earning the Music Teacher’s National Association’s highest designation of Master Teacher. “Launching The Flute Pro Shop has enabled me to truly incorporate my musical experiences toward serving each and every client, successfully guiding them in selection, maintenance and growth.”

David Kee

David began his education at West Chester University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.  His interest in the mechanical workings of woodwind instruments led him to further training at the Instrument Repair Class in Redwing, Minnesota as a woodwind specialist.  He is Straubinger-certified, as well as a Wm. S Haynes certified technician.  His work is in demand in the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond.  “Flute repair has become a true passion of mine.  It is a process by which I can make a real difference in the musical lives of my clients.  It’s very rewarding to develop relationships with clients that last many years and to follow my clients’ music journeys.”

Pro Shop Sponsorships

Flute Pro Shop announces its Sponsorship Program for Not-for-profit Musical organizations.  We will donate a portion of the profit from the sale of an instrument to a member of the organization who purchases a flute, piccolo, or harmony flute from Flute Pro Shop.  Organizations such as flute clubs, choirs, music schools, can apply for sponsorship by emailing Joan at info@fluteproshop.com.  Enroll now to allow Flute Pro Shop to support your organization and the general music community!

Testimonials

Friday, September 16, 2011

     Your  visit was a real highlight of our semester and I hope a return visit may be possible in the future, perhaps with a longer stay

 and a presentation by you! Having Dave with you was SO helpful and appreciated by all who partook of his services! An oboist came by to see the music as it was being taken out to the car- Next time I would also let the oboists know about your visit since they often play flute music, too.

  I love the new wooden headjoint- I  finally felt like practicing a bit yesterday and really enjoyed it! Would you have advice about how to clean the mouthpiece (besides swabbing)?

     I am enjoying re-listening to your Flute and Harp CD's as I drive  in the car and I just finished listening to the Power of Two-The Lieberman is such an EXCELLENT performance and I think the Badings is stunningly performed- I am so impressed!!! I really love your tone and vibrato and expression- Congratulations!!!!!

    Thank you again for your energy and foresight for taking the Flute Pro Shop "on the road"- It was such a pleasure to finally meet you  after hearing about you from Claire (and from your Sparz Duo and Flute Pro Shop  newsletters) and to learn more about your growing business with its fine services for flutists. We will avail ourselves of it, now that we know more about it!

My best wishes to you and Dave,

Sincerely,

Frances Lapp Averitt

Monday, September 19, 2011

Hi Joan,

Thanks so much for coming to Shepherd yesterday. It was great meeting you and David and I appreciate all that you did for my students and for the department.

Enjoy your time in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

Annie

PS...I know Sydney is elated with her new flute. Thanks for that personal touch!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Dear Joan,

Just wanted to tell you that I was playing my new flute until 1am this morning. Loving it! And enjoying my improved ways of playing, thanks to you! Can't wait to play it again! : )

Y. C.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Thanks so much for your e-mail. This is actually exactly

what I need right now - my flute needs an adjustment in the

footjoint, at least two pads that need replacing, and a

slightly sticky G key. I thought I was going to have to wait

until Thanksgiving break to have it worked on, but now I can

get it done a whole month sooner - Flute Pro Shop is a life

saver! Let me know if theres any other information you need

in regards to the repair appointment.

Looking forward to meeting you,

Nick