We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruth Ann Ritchie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruth Ann, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When you’re young and learning how to play an instrument, that instrument is your hobby. It gets difficult when your “hobby” becomes your entire livelihood. It’s a passion and something you love and can that easily consume every minute of your day…but it’s also a lot of work. I’ve had to make a it a point in my life to pick up other hobbies that let me step away from the flute and music in general. It’s taken years to strike the right balance of knowing when to put the flute back in the box and let my brain rest by doing something completely different.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2007, I started Astraios Chamber Music, which has a mission to welcome everyone to great classical music. We feature world-class performers, but in a relaxed environment that shows how much fun classical music is. This year, without live performances has been a challenge, of course, but I’m very proud of our virtual concert series and how our musicians have embraced the video medium.

They didn’t teach me how to run a business in music school, but I’ve worked hard at learning the skills I need to make our concert series thrive. And I like using both sides of my brain–both the creative and analytical.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, right now I’d be heading to the closest state parks! Spring time can be so pretty in Dallas, especially when the wildflowers start blooming.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My high school flute teacher, Linda White. I probably would have quit playing the flute after 9th grade if I hadn’t switched to her studio. She made music fun again, and she also taught me that there are so many ways to be a musician. And I love that now we’re colleagues and work together.

Website: www.astraiosmusic.org

Instagram: @astraiosmusic

Twitter: @astraiosmusic

Facebook: @astraiosmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMCIXX11GPbDYmnthybs9Og

Image Credits
Dave Stana Femi Kareem

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