The Georgia State School of Music is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jessica Petrasek as the newest full-time faculty member in the flute studio. Having served as Artist Affiliate in Flute for the past three years, Jessica’s transition into a full-time role reflects her deep commitment to the School of Music and her passion for mentoring and inspiring students.
Jessica brings a wealth of experience and a multidisciplinary approach to her teaching. Originally from Atlanta, she has an extensive performance career, including roles as Assistant Principal Flute of the Colorado Music Festival and Piccolo of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with esteemed ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Jessica’s pedagogical ethos is grounded in the holistic approach she received from her teacher, Tal Perkes, former Principal Flute of the San Antonio Symphony. Her teachings focus not only on flute technique but also on fostering intellectual and artistic curiosity in her students. With an emphasis on music theory, history, performance anxiety management and career-building skills, Jessica’s students are equipped to thrive both musically and professionally.
A graduate of Princeton University with a degree in Classics and Music Performance, Jessica went on to receive her Master’s degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, studying with the legendary Leone Buyse. Her past accolades include being named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and winning Third Prize in the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition.
In addition to her performance career, Jessica enjoys collaborating with her husband, Joe Petrasek, Principal Percussionist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, as part of the Petrasek Duo, where they give recitals and masterclasses across the country. Outside of music, Jessica is passionate about horses and enjoys spending time at the barn with her horse, Rav.
Interim Director of the School of Music, Dr. Stuart Gerber, expressed his excitement about Jessica’s new role, stating, “It is my great pleasure to welcome Jessica Petrasek to her new role of Lecturer of Flute to begin this fall. We’ve been lucky enough to work with Professor Petrasek for the past three years in her role as part-time instructor. She is a versatile performer known for her expressive playing and dedication to teaching. We are very excited for her to join the faculty in this new role.”
Dr. Lara Dahl, Area Coordinator and Oboe Professor, also reflected on Jessica's contributions, noting, “The woodwind area is thrilled to have Professor Jessica Petrasek join us as a full-time Lecturer. For the past three years, she has been an integral part of the woodwind area, taking the lead in several of our area projects, initiating the Panthers at the Symphony program, and being a wonderful mentor to our students. We couldn’t ask for a better colleague!”
Jessica herself shares her excitement about her new role, saying, “The honor of being a full-time Panther is an absolute dream and a privilege. Georgia State has been an enormous part of my life for the past 3 years as Artist Affiliate in Flute; my students and colleagues have become integral to the joy that music-making and mentorship bring me. I cannot wait to see where the flute studio and the School of Music can go from here. My excitement and energy about GSU is beyond anything I’ve felt in my professional life. Let’s go!”
The School of Music is excited for Jessica's continued growth within the community and looks forward to the contributions she will bring to the university, her students and the wider Atlanta music scene.