Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Tia Dionne Roper.
Hi Dr. Roper, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’d love to, and thank you so much for this opportunity! I am a flutist and music educator. Playing the flute came naturally for me. It was almost instinctive from the first time I picked up the instrument as a ten-year-old 5th grader. I excelled in music lessons, school band, and youth orchestras. I was accepted to and attended The Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division and NYC’s LaGuardia High School of Music and Art & the Performing Arts. It’s great to find your calling when you are young as it gives you a lifetime to revel in your passion!
Born and raised in New York, NY, I’m a classically trained flutist. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from the Manhattan School of Music, Master’s in Music Degree from Boston University, and a Doctorate from Rutgers University. I love playing in symphony orchestras, presenting solo recitals, and recording. My self-produced album, “The Magic Flute”, was submitted by the head of Albany Records for Grammy nomination consideration. It successfully advanced to the first-round ballot in the category of Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance in collaboration with pianist Mitchell Vines. I’ve been exceedingly fortunate to have given concert performances around the globe including Switzerland, the Barbados, Japan, Venezuela, Russia, England, and throughout the United States. My dream is to present recitals in Africa and Australia. It’s a huge goal of mine!
I recently began to broaden my musical sphere by delving into jazz and improvisation. I’ve always LOVED jazz, but began exploring the performance of this great genre during the pandemic. I most recently performed with the Dexter Tolson Band and as a member of the Atlanta Jazz Players. As an artist, it’s imperative that you keep learning and studying your craft from different angles and perspectives.
In addition to all of this, I’m a huge advocate for arts education. As such, I’m a mentor, a towering proponent for volunteerism, and I am the Band Director at Mill Springs Academy – a private school in Alpharetta that is dedicated to students with learning/developmental differences and neurodivergent diagnoses. My students amaze me! Music is a universal language and for those who struggle to communicate through words, music is their fluent form of speech. I love seeing my pupils express themselves through music and they in turn love it as well. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to create an environment filled with joy and confidence through music!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing that is competitive and involves auditions and intense practice is ever easy, let alone a smooth road. I learned early on that you must create your own opportunities or avenues to find your bliss. The percentage of someone knocking on your door with your big break on a silver platter is very low. As an independent artist and one that worked as a freelance musician in New York City, I learned that I have to be creative in achieving goals. A great example of this is producing my own debut album in 2013. I saved money from performances and teaching. That enabled me to book sessions at a high-end recording studio and hire a recording engineer and pianist to accompany me on my CD, ‘The Magic Flute.’ I shopped the finished product around to record labels and happily signed with Albany Records to release my music. Of course, if money were no object, if I had a high-tech recording studio in my home, a million ifs – things would be smoother, but then life would be boring!
What sets you apart from others in your field?
A career in the arts involves not just talent but tenacity, resourcefulness, inventiveness, and vision. Possessing these qualities in addition to being extremely determined and following through completely on everything I put my mind to, in my eyes, sets me apart from others.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice is to meet as many people as you can, in and out of your field. Network; let everyone you meet know what your craft is; stay in touch with who you meet and widen your circle of acquaintances. Create your own opportunities to stand out. Also, be your own advocate. If you see an opportunity, go for it! You’ve got to be in it to win it…and if you don’t win – keep playing the game with joy and gratification!
Pricing:
- ‘The Magic Flute’ is available for purchase on www.tiaroper.com/merchandise at $15.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tiaroper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtiaroperflute/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TiaRoper
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPz1d4CL72sWojHVXLIbMw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-125190767
Image Credits
Nilsa LaSalle Photography Bob Curtis Photography TR Photography
