We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Susanna Paik. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Susanna below.
Dr. Susanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on has been creating a space for Miclot Arts & Culture to flourish and finding my voice not only as a musician but as someone who can help others share theirs. Miclot started as a dream to build a community around music – a space where musicians and audiences could come together in meaningful ways, where diverse stories and perspectives could be celebrated.
As a flutist, I’ve always found music to be my way of connecting with others. But over time, I realized that connection could go beyond just performance. I wanted to create opportunities for others—especially emerging musicians and composers—to step into the spotlight and share their artistry. This is what led to projects like the Color in Harmony concert series. This series feels deeply personal to me because it reflects everything I believe music should be: a bridge between people and a celebration of voices that might not otherwise be heard. Working on this project, especially inviting AAPI composers to contribute, felt like I was helping amplify something that matters not just to me but to so many others in our community.
Another project that’s close to my heart is the Miclot International Music Competition. Watching young musicians step onto that stage with such courage and artistry reminds me of why I started playing in the first place. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey, to see them grow, and to create a space where they can shine. One of my proudest moments was seeing one of my own students win a major competition through their hard work and dedication—moments like that remind me how much of an impact we can have as educators and mentors.
These projects have been meaningful because they’ve pushed me to grow beyond being just a performer. They’ve allowed me to use my experiences as a musician to create something bigger than myself. I’ve come to see that my role isn’t just about playing the flute—it’s about building stages, sharing stories, and bringing people together through music. That’s what Miclot has given me the chance to do, and it’s something I hold very close to my heart.
Dr. Susanna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a flutist, educator, and arts administrator based in Boston and New York, and music has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing the flute at nine years old, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that this instrument would become my lifelong partner. There’s something about the flute’s voice—its ability to be delicate and powerful at once—that captivated me early on and still inspires me every day.
I pursued my studies at NYU and earned my DMA from the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati, which gave me both the technical foundation and the freedom to explore my artistic identity. My career started in New York City’s vibrant music scene, where I had the privilege of performing, teaching, and building connections with a diverse community of musicians and audiences. Now based in Boston, I’m continuing to grow my work here while maintaining strong ties to NYC, and I feel lucky to call both cities home.
As a musician and educator, my work is rooted in helping others find their voices. I teach students of all levels, guiding them not just to play their instruments but to connect deeply with their music. It’s about more than technical proficiency—it’s about artistry, expression, and personal growth. I’m incredibly proud of my students and their achievements, from mastering difficult repertoire to winning competitions and growing into confident musicians.
In addition to teaching, I’m the artistic and executive director of Miclot Arts & Culture, where I work to create spaces for music to thrive. Through Miclot, I’ve been able to design concert programs and lead projects that celebrate the diversity and richness of classical music. Our Color in Harmony series, for example, brings together composers and performers from different backgrounds, showcasing voices that are too often overlooked. The Miclot International Music Competition is another project close to my heart—it’s a platform that supports young musicians and fosters a sense of collaboration and community. Creating opportunities for artists to shine and for audiences to experience the transformative power of music is what drives my work at Miclot.
What sets me apart, I think, is the combination of roles I play. As a performer, teacher, and arts administrator, I bring a holistic perspective to everything I do. I know what it’s like to step onstage, to spend hours in the practice room, and to work behind the scenes to make a performance happen. This gives me a unique ability to understand and support the needs of the musicians I work with, as well as to connect meaningfully with audiences.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built through Miclot. Whether it’s mentoring a student, working with a composer to bring their music to life, or seeing a young musician gain confidence through our competition, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. Music, for me, is all about connection—between people, cultures, and ideas—and my goal is to create spaces where that connection can happen.
For those just getting to know me and my work, I want them to know that my mission is to make music accessible, meaningful, and inclusive. Whether I’m performing, teaching, or curating programs for Miclot, everything I do is centered on creating experiences that resonate with people and celebrate the diversity of voices in classical music. That’s what drives me, and it’s a privilege to be part of this ever-evolving journey.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Supporting artists and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem requires a shift in how society values and engages with the arts. Creativity is not just a luxury or a form of entertainment—it’s an essential part of our culture and community. It connects people, inspires innovation, and helps us understand ourselves and each other. To truly support artists and the creative ecosystem, we need both structural changes and grassroots efforts.
One of the most impactful ways society can support artists is through arts education. Access to the arts from a young age helps children develop creativity, critical thinking, and empathy—skills that benefit them in all areas of life. Schools should prioritize music, theater, visual arts, and dance as integral parts of the curriculum rather than treating them as optional or extracurricular activities. When children grow up immersed in the arts, they carry that appreciation into adulthood, which builds a society that values creativity.
Financial support is another key factor. Artists need funding, grants, and resources to focus on their craft without the constant stress of financial insecurity. Governments, private organizations, and communities can play a major role by increasing funding for grants, residencies, and commissions, especially for emerging artists and underrepresented voices. Stable funding allows artists to create meaningful work that enriches our culture.
Beyond financial support, artists need opportunities for exposure. Creating platforms where their work can be showcased—whether through galleries, performance venues, or digital spaces—helps artists reach wider audiences. Initiatives like Miclot’s Color in Harmony series or the Miclot International Music Competition are examples of how building platforms for diverse voices can inspire both creators and audiences. At the same time, society needs to normalize fair pay for artists, recognizing that creativity is labor. Artists deserve compensation that reflects the value of their work, whether they’re performing, teaching, or creating.
Local communities also play a vital role in supporting artists. Cities and towns can host cultural events, provide affordable studio spaces, and fund local arts organizations. A vibrant local arts scene strengthens the social fabric of a community and makes the arts more accessible to everyone. At the individual level, people can support artists by attending performances, buying artwork, and sharing their favorite creators’ work. Engaged audiences remind artists that their contributions are valued and appreciated.
On a broader scale, advocacy for policies that support the arts is essential. Increased government funding, tax incentives for arts donors, and programs that promote equity and sustainability in the arts can make a significant impact. Society also needs to prioritize celebrating and protecting diversity in the arts. Uplifting voices from different cultures, identities, and experiences creates a more inclusive and representative creative ecosystem.
Ultimately, supporting artists is about valuing creativity as a vital part of who we are as a society. It’s about creating a culture where artists feel supported, celebrated, and recognized for their contributions to our collective well-being and growth. When we invest in the arts, we invest in our humanity, and that’s a benefit for everyone.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to keep music alive by promoting and cultivating the arts, ensuring that every musician has a stage to perform and share their voice. Through my work as a performer, educator, and arts administrator, I strive to create opportunities that celebrate diverse voices and keep music vibrant and accessible. At Miclot Arts & Culture, this mission comes to life through innovative programming and platforms like the Miclot Chamber Music Society. For me, it’s all about sustaining an ecosystem where the arts can flourish and inspire future generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://susannapaikflute.com
- Instagram: susannapaikflute
- Youtube: @miclotarts
