Rebecca Viora Artist Interview

What do you like best about teaching?

What I love most about teaching is the human connection, and the chance to guide, empower, and support young students, or anyone who is passionate about music.

It’s about two human beings doing their best to figure things out together, exploring different approaches and trusting the process. I love finding a truly tailor-made way of working with each student, so they can really understand how they function and gain tools that can support them not only in playing, but also in their school studies, and hopefully in life. I try my best to help them overcome their fears and open up through music. I also try my best to give practical tools to feel free from the stress of attacking a note, to learn to de- dramatise mistakes, and to believe in themselves. Their smile, even for the smallest achievement, is a gift.

My students range from 8 to 60 years old, many of them in high school or university: I do believe music can become a profession, but it can also be a fundamental support at any stage of life. And this is what I love about it.

What do you like best about performing?

I really enjoy connecting with people and communicating through music.

If someone tells me after a concert that they were touched or simply enjoyed the moment, I feel like we’re doing the best job in the world, regardless of my own doubts, insecurities, or how I felt on stage.

So maybe... the part I enjoy the most is actually the end 😄 I’m joking... every moment has its magic.

Another part of it I really love, is sharing the experience with colleagues and friends, having fun together and creating something that makes the moment feel alive and meaningful.

What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months?

A lot of travelling! I will be touring around Italy with educational projects and performing in different chamber music formations such as flute and string trio, flute and guitar, and flute and harp. I absolutely love chamber music.

Travelling with my hubby-super-star too of course :) I learn everything I can from his performances and experiences.

I also work as a voice-over artist and event planner, so as we get closer to summer things become even busier with events and projects.

July will be the peak of my travels, as I will take part in the Vietnam Flute Festival together with dear friends and colleagues such as Erin Bouriakov, Viviana Guzman, and many other wonderful teachers and flute players.

What inspires you the most in life?

My family inspires me deeply, for their courage to dream big, laugh, stay grateful, and the way they move through life with grace, compassion, joy, creativity, and honesty.

I am inspired by anything that feels true and meaningful. Nature, for its ability to renew and keep going no matter what. Poetry, for the way it gives words and images to things we often cannot explain. And the beauty of architecture, sculpture, and art, where you can feel a sense of balance, intention, and care.

I am also deeply inspired and touched by people who work every day and quietly make the world a better place.

Last but not least, my life partner, Sebastian, who is honestly the most inspiring person I’ve ever met. He’s fearless, deeply thoughtful, and full of light and forgiveness, and he constantly reminds me that everything is possible with the right mindset, something I am still learning.

What has been your greatest challenge?

Learning to accept and to trust, even when you feel betrayed by a system, an institution, or by people who are supposed to care about what is valuable and right for our future.

Accepting that things are not always fair, and that people are not always as we hope or believe. It’s something I’m still working on, and perhaps a lifelong lesson.

Who were your music mentors? What did you learn from them?

My first teacher was Carlo Bosticco, who followed me from a very young age and I love him dearly.

Patrick Gallois was the first flutist who made me realise that true artists are poets, are playful, are human. And mistakes and imperfections are beautiful, and useful.

Andrea Manco, principal flute of Teatro alla Scala, was one of my most important mentors after my diploma. His musical nature and quiet persistence kept me practicing when I felt lost, and resonate deeply with what I love and seek in music

Davide Formisano, who was my professor for three years, taught me the true meaning of focus and consistency. A deeply dedicated teacher, he never gives up until you fully grasp what he’s asking for, and is always willing to help

Giampaolo Pretto, former principal flute of my city’s orchestra and a great teacher, generously helped me recover from a past overuse syndrome through his exercises and his approach to sound production and body awareness. His method brought clarity to processes I had always done naturally, and thanks to him I can now understand myself and guide others more consciously.

Last but not least, Sebastian Jacot is my everyday inspiration. I know it may sound clichéd, but I genuinely owe him so much. Even if he wasn’t officially my teacher, he’s the person

who made me realise that true music-making on the flute is possible in the same way it is on any other instrument.

I’ve learned so much just by listening to him, both in his lessons to his students and in his performances as a soloist and as principal flute: phrasing, articulation, decision-making, body language, thought process, resilience, and complete dedication to the score. I honestly don’t think I’d believe in music the way I do today if I hadn’t met him. He allows you to trust your body while playing, pushes you to think and overcome limits, and generously gives you the tools to truly express music at its fullest. His music feels elegant, refreshing, and full of life, colours, and surprises. He brings a sense of clarity and conviction that makes everything feel natural and, at the same time, meaningful. His approach helped me develop a deeper connection with classical music, and especially with the expressive potential of the instrument.

Can you give us 5 quirky or fun hobbies or passions?

Hobbies? Well... not much free time to have many, tbh 😄 I tend not to separate work from the rest of my life, everything I do is part of what I love.

Music, voice-over, organising events, residencies, masterclasses, weddings, trips... they’re all deeply connected to who I am, so in a way, I guess I work with my hobbies!

That said, I do love spending time with friends and family, cooking, organising parties, singing together, going to museums, and staying connected with friends scattered around the world through long calls... and playing music outside the classical repertoire whenever I can, always with friends of course (and sometimes playing duets with my husband, when I manage to get hold of him 😄 ).
I also love writing, fantasizing about new projects, and disappearing into my own little “unicorn world” whenever possible.

What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?

I’m no one to give advice, but if I had to say something to a young flutist, or to myself...

Always be kind to yourself, and to others too. Stay flexible, and try to understand feedback without taking it too personally.

Be mindful of social media, it can sometimes give a distorted image of reality. Everyone has their own path, so focus on yours.

Do other things too! Every skill or passion you have can help shape who you are and become useful in your future.

And sometimes... play for your grandmother 😄 or for someone who doesn’t know the flute. They often hear things we don’t.

Oh, and practice with a mirror. A few minutes of focused practice are worth more than hours on autopilot :)