Meet Bernard Flythe | Freelance Musician and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bernard Flythe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bernard, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
At the request of my tax accountant in 2008, I decided to incorporate my freelance activities into a business, The Flythe Group, Inc., to help generate more revenue and save money through deductions. I realized that this new business model also would help me reach other music students and help lead to additional performance opportunities in the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have freelanced as a professional musician and educator throughout the country since 1990. I have been fortunate to perform with four major symphony orchestras as a substitute musician and have taught music courses at some of the major universities in the Southeast, including the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Emory University, and Columbus State University. My journey for the past 30 years has allowed me to work with amazing musicians and professionals in different genres, including classical, hip-hop, and gospel music. I am very proud that I played on the track of Rick Ross’s album, “God Forgives, I Don’t, which received gold album status in 2012. I also enjoyed my experience at the age 22 serving as the acting principal tubist of the North Carolina Symphony during the 1992-1993 season. Performing with a professional ensemble at an early age gave me the confidence needed to be successful in a difficult career path as an artist. It has not been the easiest path to becoming a successful professional freelance musician and educator. I have relied on perseverance, faith, hard work, and confidence to get me through the difficult times, especially taking professional auditions. With regards to educating students ranging from middle school to pre-professional, I had to learn different styles of instruction with each unique student. I have been grateful for the training and insight I received from my tuba professors to prepare me for the role of an educator who leads and inspires young people. Lessons I have learned along the way included to never give up on your dream and to remember that there is always room at the top for the best. When I finally retire from performing and teaching, I hope the world will remember my tenacity, focus, desire, and passion to present my product at the highest level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were to visit Atlanta, I would plan fun and educational activities. Visiting the High Museum is a must as well as hearing the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at night. The exhibits featured in the museum are arguably some of the best in the country; the orchestra is a world-class organization that showcases beautiful artistry and adventurous programming. Other favorite hotspots would include visiting Piedmont Park, the Botanical Gardens, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center. One could spend all day walking the park and visiting other parts of Midtown Atlanta. Some of my favorite places to eat include The Flying Biscuit, Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, and South City Kitchen. You can find great restaurants throughout the city, especially in Buckhead, which is one of the more affluent areas. If I want to get a late night drink and find some entertainment in the area, some of my spots include Cafe 290, some of the Midtown Atlanta gay bars and clubs, and Eddie’s Attic.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to Donald McAllister, who is my tax accountant and mentor. He has done wonders for my small business, but more importantly, he has helped shape me into a figure who has been able to inspire others in the same fashion. I also want to thank my parents and my past instructors for supporting me along the journey.

Website: https://www.theflythegroup.com/

Image Credits
Stephanie Liu/Monica Villavicencio Tim Redman