Biography

Erika Leake McKnight holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from Florida State University and a Master of Music in Flute Performance with a minor in Baroque Performance from Indiana University.  In addition, she studied with Trevor Wye in Kent, England as one of six students selected internationally, as well as with Brad Garner at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Mrs. Leake McKnight has been the recipient of a number of awards and honors including first place at the Myrna W. Brown Artist Competition and the Florida Flute Association Young Artist competitions.  As a winner of the Myrna W. Brown, a national competition for flute, she was featured as a guest artist of the Texas Flute Festival and as a soloist with the Dallas Chamber Orchestra.

Mrs. Leake McKnight has taught at University of Florida and Drake University and as a guest clinician at Texas Tech University, University of North Texas, University of Iowa, University of Mississippi, Louisiana State University and Florida State University.  She was the director of the Dowling Catholic High School flute ensemble and is currently on the faculty of Faith Baptist College as Adjunct Instructor of Flute.

Mrs. Leake McKnight is a private teacher of students of all ages and abilities out of her home studio in Des Moines, Iowa (near Drake University).  She has taught private lessons for 30 years in Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Iowa.