Instrument Sales
We help players compare flutes, piccolos, headjoints, and pre-owned instruments with the same care we would want for ourselves.
About Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company
Since 1996, Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company has helped flutists find instruments, care for them properly, and build a musical life around them.
We serve beginners, amateurs, advancing students, teachers, and professionals with new and pre-owned flutes, brand-authorized repairs, an expansive sheet music catalog, and practical guidance from people who understand the instrument firsthand.
What you'll find here
From first upgrades to professional comparisons, from emergency repairs to new repertoire, the goal is the same: give players expert help that is informed, personal, and musically grounded.
We help players compare flutes, piccolos, headjoints, and pre-owned instruments with the same care we would want for ourselves.
Our repair shop handles everything from annual service to detailed restoration work, with manufacturer-authorized expertise across major brands.
The catalog spans method books, solo literature, chamber music, and hard-to-find flute repertoire for players at every stage.
Cleaning supplies, cases, stands, practice tools, and thoughtful recommendations make it easier to keep playing with confidence. We also carry flute gifts and playful novelties that make it fun to celebrate the instrument off the stage.
Meet the team
Owner
Master Flutist | Renowned Repair Specialist | Musical Visionary
Carolyn Nussbaum's journey into flute making and repair unfolded through immersive training spanning over two and a half years under the mentorship of respected flute artisans. Her tutelage with Chris McKenna, a renowned expert in flute repair and piccolo craftsmanship, helped launch a path to technical excellence. After completing intensive training at Verne Q. Powell Flutes in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1994, Carolyn went on to found Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company in 1996.
Carolyn's repair expertise extends across the major flute brands, and her academic background includes Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees from the University of Houston, followed by Master of Arts study in flute at the University of North Texas. Her combination of artistry, technical command, and long-term vision continues to shape the store's standards and reputation.
Flute Sales Manager
Flutist | Music Educator | Expert Advisor | Bass Flute Specialist | Art Aficionado
Mary Lyons holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Art from the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in Music with an emphasis in flute pedagogy from Texas Woman's University, where she studied with Dr. Pam Youngblood. Her background combines visual sensitivity, musical depth, and a long commitment to flute education.
She joined Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company in 2003 and has grown through several key roles, including instrument inventory management and flute sales. Mary's long-standing work with flute choirs and her special knowledge of bass flute make her an essential resource for players looking for thoughtful, well-informed guidance.
Flute Repair & Maintenance Manager
Flutist | Flute Repair Educator | Expert Craftsperson
Chelsey Fields earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from New Mexico State University and later completed an Associate degree in Band Instrument Repair Technology from Renton Technical College. After beginning with an internship at CNMC, she developed into a central force in the repair shop.
Today Chelsey manages the repair and maintenance department, teaches flute repair, and holds manufacturer authorizations including Muramatsu and Brannen. Her technical rigor and dedication to training future repair specialists make her one of the defining voices of the shop's service culture.
Flute Sales Assistant Manager
Flutist | Dedicated Educator | Aspiring Scholar | Flute Sales Specialist
Ana Plake studied flute performance at Lamar University Beaumont with Dr. Brielle Frost and built her musical foundation through years of active performance, competition, and collaborative learning. She also teaches private flute lessons and beginner piano.
After relocating from Southeast Texas to the DFW area, Ana joined CNMC's sales team and now serves as Flute Sales Assistant Manager. She brings warmth, curiosity, and strong educational instincts to every conversation with players and families.
Repair Technician
Flutist | Educator | Skilled Technician | Repair Specialist
Taylor Carter joined the repair department in 2021 after completing Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in flute performance at Oklahoma City University, both under Parthena Owens. During that time he also taught young musicians through Oklahoma's El Sistema network and freelanced in the metro area.
His interest in repair took shape through graduate study and early mentorship from Chelsey Fields. Taylor now brings a performer's ear and a technician's precision to instruments that need careful, responsive service.
Repair Technician
Flutist | Repair Technician | Avid Baker | Audiobook Enthusiast
Jacob Crozier joined the CNMC team in 2022 and quickly became a full-time member of the repair department. He completed a bachelor's degree in flute performance from the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2023, studying with Ebonee Thomas, Mary Posses, and Mary Bassett-Shemon.
His work balances practical craftsmanship with a musician's attention to nuance. Jacob's steady growth in the repair shop has made him an important part of the department's day-to-day strength.
Repair Assistant Manager / Repair Technician
Performer | Educator | Artistic Director | Repair Assistant Manager | Repair Technician
A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Chris Cox is an active performer who has appeared with ensembles including the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, Sulphur Springs Symphony, South Arkansas Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and Shreveport Symphony. He has also maintained a strong chamber and teaching presence across North Texas.
Chris holds a Performer's Diploma from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Musical Arts from Northwestern State University, and a bachelor's degree in music performance from Western Carolina University. Alongside his performance work and leadership roles in the Texas flute community, he now contributes to CNMC as a repair technician.
Social Media & Marketing
Flutist | Music Educator | Digital Marketer | Social Media Maven
Frances Orteza holds a Master of Music in flute performance from Texas Woman's University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. She has also worked with the National Flute Association and serves as Texas Flute Society Publicity Coordinator in the DFW area.
At CNMC, Frances translates musical knowledge into clear, engaging communication across social channels and marketing materials. Her role helps connect the store's expertise with the wider flute community online.
Sheet Music/Inventory Specialist
Flutist | Educator | Scholar | Sheet Music & Inventory Specialist
Daniel Gallagher earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in flute performance from The Ohio State University, where he served as Graduate Teaching Associate for the flute studio and led flute choir work. His performance and teaching experience includes recitals, lectures, masterclasses, and ensemble coaching across the United States.
With additional degrees from Illinois State University and Luther College, Daniel brings deep repertoire knowledge and careful organizational thinking to CNMC's sheet music and inventory work. He is an important bridge between catalog depth and real player needs.
Inventory Specialist
Flutist | Teacher | Composer | Inventory Specialist
Jessica Schaumberg studied flute performance and composition at Western Illinois University before earning a Master of Music in flute performance from Texas A&M University - Commerce. Her work as a performer includes participation in the recording of David Maslanka's Symphony No. 10: The River of Time for Naxos Records.
She continues to teach, perform, and stay active in the flute community while supporting CNMC's inventory operations. Jessica's musician's perspective helps keep the store's stock work aligned with how players actually shop and perform.
Inventory Manager / HR Assistant
Flutist | Educator | Music Advocate | Inventory Manager | HR Assistant
Allison Adams Rojas earned her master's degree in flute performance from Texas A&M University-Commerce after completing her bachelor's degree in music education at Stephen F. Austin State University. Her performance background includes work with ensembles such as Orchestra of the Pines, Longview Symphonic Orchestra, Texas Voices, East Texas Symphony Orchestra, and New Life Symphony Orchestra.
At CNMC, Allison brings a musician's detail orientation to inventory work while continuing to teach private flute lessons in DFW and East Texas. Her combination of artistry and organization supports the store's day-to-day reliability.