Emi Ferguson at the 9/11 10th anniversary memorial, 9/11/11. Photo courtesy of Emi Ferguson.

Emi Ferguson is only 24, but she’s been playing the flute for more than three-quarters of her life.

After starting her training at the tender age of six, Ferguson moved on to the prestigious Juilliard School, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree and is currently working towards her second Master’s as a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow. Over the span of her career to date, she’s played in more than a dozen countries, including China, Japan, and Switzerland. Though she grew up in Boston, Ferguson now resides in New York, where she plays in a variety of local groups. There, she also co-founded an ensemble, the PUFF! Quintet.

In September 2011, Ferguson was invited to play “Amazing Grace” at the 9/11 10th anniversary memorial, which aired around the world. She was one of just four musicians selected for this honor, alongside Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Yo-Yo Ma.

Below, hear about her path in music, and how she reached the national stage at such a young age.

Emi Ferguson, flute player by ewthor