Susan Milan

Susan Milan is a Professor of Flute at the Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance in London. She holds FRCM and PGDipGSMD qualifications. A pioneering figure in music history, she became the first female principal flautist in a major UK orchestra when appointed to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1974. Her career spans international performances as a soloist and chamber musician with renowned ensembles like the London Symphony Orchestra and BBC orchestras. She is also the founder of the British Isles Music Festival (BIMF), a prestigious chamber music course launched in 2008.

• Educations: Junior Exhibitioner at RCM, postgraduate at Guildhall School of Music, Marcel Moyse masterclasses

Her research interests focus on advancing flute performance techniques, promoting gender equity in classical music, and preserving historical performance practices. She has recorded extensively with labels such as Chandos and Hyperion.

Awards:

• National Flute Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)
• First woman on the jury of the International Kuhlau Competition (1995)

Teaching & Leadership: Advised generations of flautists through her professorship roles. Founded BIMF to nurture young musicians through masterclasses and chamber music collaborations.

Labs/Teams: Director of British Isles Music Festival; affiliated with RCM's Woodwind department and Trinity Laban's performance programs.