A Flute in My Refrigerator: Celebrating a Life in Music

Written from the heart, A Flute in My Refrigerator: Celebrating a Life in Music illuminates one woman's deeply personal experience as a musician. The stories, correspondence, and interviews abound with treasures uncovered when love and passion guide a life. The narrative is rich with the joy, struggle, and fullness of her journey as a music teacher, adult learner, performer, and seeker of growth through music.

Author Helen Spielman did not seek a life in music, but found herself taking four teenagers on a flute trip to London, observing Sir James Galway record a CD at Abbey Roads Studios, and concertizing in a prison. Through her beautiful, touching, and sometimes hilarious tales, readers will discover deeper layers of humanity within themselves.

"This book is a joy to read: full of fascinating insights and anecdotes that illuminate the triumphs and tribulations of a musician's life.....a heart-warming testament to the dedication of a teacher and the healing power of music." -- Lowell Liebermann, world-renowned composer

"Rarely does someone share that which is truly meaningful in her life on such an intimate level. Helen describes the depths of her musical journey with dignity, forthrightness, enormous grace, enthusiasm and love. This book is a page turner, not because of some adventure story, but because of the pure honesty and courage of its expression. It is only the time of night that compels me to stop reading." -- Brooks de Wetter-Smith, James Gordon Hanes Distinguished Professor of Flute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

"A compellingly brilliant read: a glimpse of the passion that a master teacher brings to her art and to the idea that performing music really is for everyone." -- Alexa Still, Flute Professor, Oberlin Conservatory

"Helen Spielman has spent her life embracing professionals and amateurs, students and teachers, the whole and the broken. The humanity, keen observation, humility, and humor in these stories will bring pleasure to anyone who, like her, has a love of music, and of life." -- John Wion, former principal flute, New York City Opera

"The surprises, mysteries and miracles celebrated in this sweet collection of stories may make you cry a little and laugh a lot." -- Jill Felber, Flute Professor, University of California, Santa Barbara

"This uplifting book should be on every musician's shelf. Helen writes so engagingly, as though she is right beside you, having a conversation. I was grabbed by her compelling stories and I couldn't put down the book." -- Tadeu Coelho, Flute Professor/Artist, University of North Carolina School of the Arts

"Helen's humanity radiates from every page." -- Gerald Klickstein, author, The Musician's Way

"Helen fearlessly shares her vulnerabilities in the midst of these charming, endearing essays." -- Rhonda Larson, Grammy Award winning flutist

"Helen's life path is a towering triumph. Her astonishing journey took her from being paralyzed by her own sense of inadequacy to becoming a bright and inspiring light that has given countless others the ability to believe in themselves. She has done this simply by opening to her own warmth, compassion and empathy. Helen is a remarkable and empowering woman driven by simple love." -- Wissam Boustany, Professor of Flute, Royal Northern College of Music, UK; Founder, Towards Humanity