Music Ed or Performance?
Sound familiar?
Those were the the only two career options I was given as an 18 year old who only saw music in her future as a career.
I want to share my story about how I tried both, and ended pursuing neither.
Post grad:
I started to self reflect on the following:
1) What I really wanted to do for the rest of my life?
2) Did I want to pursue the "freelance lifestyle" that my performance degree prepared me for?
3) What is the impact I wanted to make in this industry?
along came the answers:
1) I want to have a job in the arts in some capacity.
2) No, I did not want to spend all of my time worrying about the inconsistent income of private teaching, and soul sucking experience of taking orchestral auditions to maybe win a job that will pay me $30,000 a year.
3) I want to change something in our the arts industry. I want to make sure our artform continues and it is available for future generations.
And the Solution:
Arts Administration
This career pivot has opened many doors and opportunities to have a vibrant, fulfilling, stable, and impactful career.
I want to help you find a career in our growing field that will bring you the same joy that working in this field brings me everyday.
I am determined to help you every step of the way.
Hey y'all, it's Mily
​Mily Montanez (she/her/ella) is an arts leader, administrator, speaker, and advocate for equity and belonging in the arts. She holds an M.A. in Arts Leadership and Management and an M.M. in Flute Performance from Wichita State University, as well as a B.M. in Flute Performance from East Texas A&M University.
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Mily currently serves as Membership Manager for the National Flute Association, where she leads membership engagement and retention strategies, supports organizational growth initiatives, and works to foster an inclusive and welcoming experience for a global community of more than 4,300 members. Since joining the organization in 2022, she has contributed to significant membership growth and has played a key role in convention operations, member engagement initiatives, and strategic planning efforts.
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Prior to joining the NFA staff, Mily served as Annual Fund Coordinator for the Omaha Symphony Orchestra, where she contributed to securing millions in annual contributed revenue. She has also held leadership and volunteer roles across numerous arts organizations, including serving on boards, committees, and development initiatives focused on advancing access, representation, and sustainability in the arts sector.
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Mily currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for Kaleidoscope Vocal Ensemble, a professional vocal ensemble dedicated to artistic excellence, racial and ethnic diversity, and the intersection of arts and social justice. Through performances, residencies, educational outreach, and the presentation of early and new music, the organization works to expand access and representation within the choral arts.
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A longtime volunteer leader within the NFA, Mily previously served on the organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, where she co-founded the Young Artist Mentorship Program, one of the organization’s flagship initiatives supporting emerging flutists from underrepresented backgrounds through mentorship and professional development opportunities.
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In addition to her administrative work, Mily is passionate about educating students and emerging professionals about careers in arts administration, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy in the arts. She frequently speaks with young artists and arts leaders about building sustainable, inclusive, and impactful careers within the nonprofit arts sector.
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Mily currently resides in northern New Jersey, just outside New York City. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys visiting national parks, hiking, and attending Broadway performances.
a little more personal
I am a sister of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.
Roses and Pearls!
I am both a citizen of the United States and Peru!
If you ever want to go to a concert, I am there. I have had the privilege to see both queens: Beyoncé and Taylor Swift live!
I worked for Drum Corps International in 2019
Musical Theater is my prefered choice of entertainment. My favorite musicals being Hamilton and Into the Woods.
