Bassoon · Flute · Piano · Voice
A versatile performer and dedicated teacher with thirty years of professional experience. Alumna of Oberlin Conservatory and the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship. Bringing the joy and discipline of music to students of all ages throughout the greater DC metropolitan area.
Roberta J. Holtz is an active Washington, DC area musician born in Olney, Maryland. She performs on bassoon, flute, and voice, and holds a Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music (1995), where she studied under Professor George Sakakeeny.
Roberta began flute at age 10 and bassoon at 14. While still in high school she joined the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship, studying with Principal Bassoon Dr. Linda Harwell and participating in the Summer Music Institute. As a junior, she won the WGMS Solo Competition, performing at the Barns of Wolf Trap and on the radio.
She performs regularly with orchestras throughout the DC metro area, including the Arlington Symphony, Fairfax Symphony, and Landon School Symphonette. She performs as a duo with guitarist and flutist Oscar Velasco in classical, jazz, and world music styles — including a notable performance with Native American flutist Carlos Nakai at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.
Mrs. Holtz believes deeply in music's power to unite people across cultures, generations, and backgrounds — a conviction that has guided her teaching for three decades.
Bachelor of Music, Bassoon Performance · Class of 1995
Full scholarship recipient at SMU prior to Oberlin
Member of the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship Program; WGMS Solo Competition winner
Private studio, public schools (PGCPS), youth orchestras, and university choral ensembles
Performed with ensembles in El Salvador, Israel, Canada, and across the United States
Roberta offers private, one-on-one instruction tailored to each student's goals, learning style, and musical background. She teaches students of all ages — from young beginners discovering their first instrument to adult learners returning to music. Lessons are available in-person in the Greenbelt, MD area.
Primary specialty. Technique, tone production, repertoire, and audition preparation. All levels — beginners through advanced pre-college.
Classical technique and tone development. Western concert flute from beginner through intermediate. Irish flute instruction also available.
Beginner and early-intermediate piano. Focus on music reading, technique fundamentals, and building a love of the keyboard.
Classical and contemporary vocal technique, breath support, diction, repertoire, and performance. Classical, art song, musical theatre, and choral preparation.
Over the course of her career, Roberta has performed with more than forty orchestras, choirs, opera companies, and chamber ensembles — from student stages at Interlochen to international venues in Jerusalem, Waterloo, and El Salvador. A selection of her performance credits appears below.
Whether you're interested in private lessons, a performance engagement, or simply have a question, Roberta welcomes your message. She teaches and performs throughout the greater Washington, DC and Maryland area.