Biography 

Flutist Alisa Smith is a dynamic performer and dedicated educator based in New England. She is the Artist-Teacher of Flute at the University of Rhode Island, and serves as Flute Faculty at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School.  

An award-winning soloist, Alisa won First Prize in the 43rd annual James Pappoutsakis Memorial Flute Competition, as well as the Fenwick Smith Memorial Prize for Best Performance of the Contemporary Work. She performed her solo debut recital at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall. 

Alisa is honored to represent Wm. S. Haynes Co. as a Haynes Young Artist, performing on a Haynes Custom 5% Gold flute. 

An active orchestral musician, Alisa has performed with several ensembles, including the Boston Festival Orchestra, New York International Symphony Orchestra, Apollo Ensemble of Boston, Emmanuel Music, and the Chorus of Westerly Pops Orchestra. She has held principal roles under the batons of esteemed conductors including JoAnn Falletta, Carlos Kalmar, Cristian Măcelaru, Larry Rachleff, Carlos Izcaray, Jung-Ho Pak, and Karina Canellakis. 

Alisa spent her off-seasons as a flute fellow with Atlantic Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival, and Interlochen Arts Camp, where she received the Interlochen Fine Arts Award. She returned to Interlochen Arts Academy in spring 2026 as a guest artist,  presenting  chamber music concerts with the woodwind faculty. 

Alisa earned her MM from Boston University, studying with Elizabeth Klein of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She completed her BFA at Carnegie Mellon University under the guidance of Alberto Almarza. Alisa is deeply grateful to her early mentors in Rhode Island, Susan Thomas and Deborah James, for their foundational influence on her musical journey.