We are pleased to share that Dr. Jovana Damnjanović, flute faculty at the William Pu Music Academy (WPMA), has received national recognition from the National Flute Association (NFA) for her publication Mayka—a groundbreaking collection of ten concert etudes inspired by Serbian folk music traditions. Published by Theodore Presser Company in February 2024, Mayka blends cultural heritage with innovative flute pedagogy.
About Mayka: Flute Etudes with Cultural Roots and Modern Techniques
Developed as the culmination of Dr. Damnjanović’s doctoral research, Mayka (meaning “mother” in Serbian) integrates authentic Serbian folk-music elements with a diverse range of extended flute techniques. Each etude includes a detailed performance guide to help flutists refine both technical execution and expressive interpretation.
In 2025, the NFA Newly Published Music Award recognized Mayka for its outstanding pedagogical value—marking it as a significant contribution to contemporary flute repertoire and music education.
Critical Acclaim
A review in The Flutist Quarterly praised Mayka as:
“A set of ten etudes written in the style of Serbian folk music… designed to help flutists develop their interpretive skills, including playing expressively with extended techniques… an exceptional addition to the flute repertoire.”
The review also highlighted the publication’s durable design, precise notation for extended techniques, and insightful performance notes.
Since its release, Mayka has been performed extensively in the United States and internationally, reflecting its resonance with flutists and educators around the world.
At the 2025 National Flute Association Convention in Atlanta (August 7–10), several of Dr. Damnjanovic’s works were recently featured:
- August 7 – World premiere of i echo, a flute choir work commissioned by Angela Jones-Reus and The University of Georgia Flute Ensemble. On the same day, the flute quartet Flûture will present the NFA premiere of Deda.
- August 8 – Selected Mayka etudes will be performed by Pamela Bereuter and Rebecca Mason, winners of the NFA Convention Performers Competition, alongside performances by Angela Jones-Reus, Nicole Esposito, and Ebonee Thomas.
WPMA’s Commitment to Artistic Excellence
At the William Pu Music Academy, we believe in cultivating musicianship that blends technical mastery, artistic expression, and connects others. Dr. Damnjanović’s Mayka bridges cultural understanding and embodies these principles, serving as both a valuable teaching resource and a vibrant addition to the international flute repertoire.
We extend our warm congratulations to Dr. Damnjanović on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the continued influence of her work in the global flute community.
