Our Story
From expert repair work to carefully selected instruments, FluteWorks has grown through relationships, craftsmanship, and a commitment to helping flute players thrive.
Our story has always centered on a commitment to the flute community.
Through each chapter of FluteWorks, expert craftsmanship, trusted relationships, and thoughtful service have remained at the heart of our work.
Courtney Westcott, Founder of FluteWorks
Courtney Westcott had a deep love of the flute—as a performer, teacher, scholar, and master flute technician. Her career took her from Toronto to Ithaca and ultimately Seattle, where she performed with renowned early music ensembles including Tafelmusik, NYS Baroque, and Seattle Baroque.
Courtney and her husband, flutemaker Peter Noy, opened Westcott Noy Woodwinds in Toronto. In 2000, they relocated to Seattle to found FluteWorks in their home shop. Over 2 decades, Courtney became a solid presence in the flute community for her craftsmanship, integrity, and warmth. She became one of the most respected flute technicians in the region.
Courtney cared deeply about the people she served. She believed every musician deserved an instrument that truly fit them, often saying, "There's a lid for every pot." Whether working with a beginner or a professional, she approached each customer with patience, kindness, and genuine enthusiasm.
Erik Nugent, Continuing the Legacy
Erik Nugent first met Courtney at a Muramatsu training class. Courtney recognized him as one of the only 6 Brannen certified repair technicians in the United States. Business grew for Courtney at the same time Erik moved to Arkansas to open his own repair business. She would send work to Erik that she didn’t have time for in her busy schedule.
They maintained their relationship over the years and grew to have a high regard for one another. In 2019, as Courtney braved a battle with cancer, she decided to entrust Erik with continuing the work she had built. Erik became the owner of FluteWorks and moved the shop to his home in Lynnwood, preserving the personalized, community-focused approach during a period of major transition.
Through the pandemic years and the period that followed, FluteWorks grew steadily through word-of-mouth, long-standing customer relationships, and pure passion for serving the flute community.
With a growing team and an expanding vision, FluteWorks is entering its next chapter while remaining grounded in the values that existed from the beginning - integrity, care, and expertise.
The People Behind FluteWorks
Our team brings together flute technicians, musicians, educators, and communicators who share a vision of creating a space for flutists to be in community and dream boldly.
Erik Nugent
Erik grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and began playing music at age 10. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1996.
In 1999, he moved to Boston to begin making handmade flutes as a finisher for Verne Q. Powell and later for David Williams. He became Repair Manager for William S. Haynes and then Quality Control Manager for Nagahara Flutes for nine years.
Erik is certified or authorized by many of the flute world’s most respected makers, and his work continues to shape the repair, trial, and instrument guidance at FluteWorks.
Jean Bernadette
Jean is the Communications and Marketing Manager for FluteWorks. As a lifelong musician and former private flute instructor, she brings a player’s perspective to helping customers feel informed and supported.
Her work helps shape the voice, educational content, and customer communication that guide players through repairs, trials, rentals, and instrument decisions.
Cyrus Wallis
Cyrus holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance and began his flute technician career as a flute finisher at Verne Q. Powell Flutes, where precision craftsmanship and attention to detail set the standard. At FluteWorks, he brings that same commitment to quality and artistry to every instrument he services.
Each flute and piccolo is held to strict mechanical and acoustic standards, with special attention to responsiveness and stability. As a flutist himself, Cyrus understands the needs of discerning players and play-tests every instrument to ensure reliable, effortless performance.
James Pelletier
Bio coming soon.
Seattle’s newest treasure to the flute world is Erik Nugent at FluteWorks Seattle. He is a meticulous craftsman and technician, a wealth of knowledge, and carries only the best instruments.
Terri Gustafson, Private Flute Instructor
Having had my Brannens, Powells and Louis Lots worked on by some of the best technicians in London, Munich, Boston and Toronto, I can attest that Erik’s work is absolutely second to none.
Doug Stewart, Principal Flute, Canadian Opera Company
It could have been an overwhelming process to upgrade my daughter’s flute, but Erik’s patience, humor, and kindness went a long way in helping us navigate the landscape.
Nicole Murphy, Customer
We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Whether you need expert service, a flute trial, or guidance choosing your next instrument, we would love to help.