Hello and welcome to my page, I’m so glad to have you here! My name is Laura, I'm a passionate flutist from Pärnu, Estonia. Music has been at the heart of my life for over 17 years and my journey with the flute has been nothing short of inspiring, it continues to be an incredible adventure! I’m currently studying at the Royal College of Music, where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in 2023 and am working towards my postgraduate degree, which I’ll finish in July 2025. I’m grateful for the support from several trusts and foundations throughout my studies, which have allowed me to grow both as a musician and an individual.
Performing is where I feel most alive. I believe in the power of music to create genuine connections, and I always strive to touch my audience in a meaningful way with every note I play. The joy I find in sharing these moments with listeners is what drives me to continuously push the boundaries of my craft. To me, music is not just what you hear; it’s a way of making the impossible feel possible, and it has the power to transport us to places where magic feels real.
Outside of music, I’m an avid reader, especially drawn to fantasy books. There’s something about the way these stories spark the imagination that resonates deeply with me. I find that reading and music often intersect, creating a sense of wonder that inspires both my playing and my life. When I’m not performing or reading, I love spending time in nature, enjoying the company of my friends and family, and embracing the beauty of life in all its forms.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my page. I hope my music resonates with you, and I look forward to sharing more of it soon.
Laura Pähkel started playing the flute when she was just 7 years old in her home town Pärnu, Estonia. In 2016 she decided to pursue studies at Tallinn Music High School with Mihkel Peäske and in 2019 she was accepted to the Royal College of Music (RCM) to learn with Gitte Marcusson, Simon Channing and Stewart McIlwham as a Douglas and Adele Gardner Award holder. From September 2023 she is studying at the RCM with Gitte Marcusson, Emer McDonough, Sue Thomas and Rachel Brown on a Master of Performance course, as an RCM Scholar.
During her 17 years of flute-playing, Laura has had many amazing opportunities, including playing principal Flute in the ‘Nutcracker Reimagined’ European tour with the Baltic Sea Philharmonic, conducted by Kristjan Järvi. In Spring 2023 she was chosen to take part in the English National Opera Evolve Scheme, where she had lessons with Claire Wickes and had the opportunity to play alongside members of the orchestra. She has played in many orchestras both through the RCM (RCM Symphony Orchestra, RCM Philharmonic etc) and externally (the Clio Project, Sinfonia Perdita, Järvi Academy Youth Orchestra, Kratt Festival Orchestra etc). Laura enjoys playing chamber music, playing regularly in different chamber ensembles at RCM and in Estonia.
Laura has taken part in masterclasses with many great flautists, including Katherine Baker, Juliette Bausor, Julien Beaudiment, and Renate Greiss-Armin. She thoroughly enjoys performing as a soloist, having played in front of Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Pärnu City Orchestra and Tallinn Music High School Symphony Orchestra. She has also taken part in several competitions, including the Krakow International Flute Competition, Bromsgrove International Music Competition and Jaunais Flautists (2nd and 3rd place).
One of Laura’s passions is sharing her culture in London. She loves including Estonian pieces in her repertoire, regularly performs with London Estonian mixed choir, and plays for events with the Estonian Society in London.
With a deep commitment to her artistry and a passion for both performance and cultural exchange, Laura continues to captivate audiences with her expressive playing and exciting career trajectory.
Fantasy Flute is my passion project, born from a dream to bring the enchanting sound of the flute to fantasy-themed events and create a world where the ethereal meets the extraordinary. Through this journey, I share my love for music, storytelling, and creativity by posting videos that blend the art of flute playing with the beauty of nature, whimsical costumes, and the fantasy worlds I hold dear. All while embracing the natural acoustics of the outdoors whenever possible.
I am thrilled to be collaborating with West End Video on this project, whose expertise behind the camera and in the editing room ensures that each video not only sounds beautiful, but looks magical too. From capturing the perfect shot to weaving everything together with seamless editing, West End Video is helping bring my vision to life, adding a professional touch that elevates every piece of content.
Whether you're here for the soothing melodies, the captivating visuals, or the sheer magic of it all, I invite you to join me as we explore the enchanting realms where music and imagination collide.
I absolutely love teaching the flute and find so much joy in helping others discover the beauty of music. Whether you're a parent looking for a kind and encouraging teacher for your child, an adult picking up the flute for the first time, or a student who needs extra support alongside school lessons, I’m here to help.
I welcome students of all ages and abilities. Every learner is unique, so I tailor each lesson to fit their pace, goals, and interests with plenty of patience, empathy, and positivity. I’m also experienced with children who may have trouble focusing, and I make it my mission to get to know each student individually. I gently guide them in a way that works best for their personality and learning style, helping them stay on track while still making music fun and rewarding.
For students who are already learning the flute, I offer guidance with practice routines, help with tricky pieces, and support with exam preparation or performance confidence. Together, we’ll explore new techniques, build strong foundations, and enjoy the process of making music.
I offer both in-person and online lessons, and my current rate for in-person lessons is £45 per hour. I’m based in East London and am happy to travel up to an hour for lessons, with no additional travel fees.
If you're looking for supportive, high-quality flute tuition in a friendly and inspiring environment, I’d love to hear from you!