Appointed principal flute of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in 2012 at the age of 22, “Sonora Slocum has wonderful resonance and a delightfully relaxed vibrato. It’s easy to love such vocal playing, and any orchestra is blessed to have her big sound.” (American Record Guide).

Slocum has performed with orchestras around the country, notably guest principal flute with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, as well as appearances with The Cleveland Orchestra and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Sonora has released two solo albums: Return (Affetto Records) featuring John Wilson on piano, and the Mozart Flute Quartets (Acis Productions). An EP of the J.S. Bach B Minor suite on her label, Aronos Productions, and signed physical CDs can be purchased on her website at www.sonoraslocum.com.

Slocum has published two collections with Hal Leonard: Flute Music by French composers and Moyse Exercises for Flute.

Sonora Slocum maintains a thriving and successful private teaching studio, online and in-person. Slocum has conducted masterclasses at institutions including the Curtis Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music, National Flute Association Orchestral Audition Masterclass, Northwestern University, and DePaul University. Slocum has served as faculty member of the Curtis Institute of Music Young Artist Program, and the NYO-USA and NYO2 Carnegie Hall Youth Orchestras.

Born into a musical family, Slocum grew up in New York City where she attended The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Divisions. Slocum holds a Bachelor's Degree from the Curtis Institute of Music and Master's Degree in Orchestral Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. She attended the Pacific Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival and Music Academy of the West. Slocum studied with principal flutists Jeffrey Khaner, Robert Langevin, and Bart Feller, among many others.

Sonora Slocum is a Yamaha artist. Her instrument was formerly owned by Jeffrey Khaner, made in April 1992.

(Updated October 2025)