Kathleen Ellingson, flute
Kathleen began playing flute at age six in Salt Lake City, Utah. She recently began her studies as a graduate student at the University of Southern California studying with James Walker. A 2012 graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, where she received her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance, Kathleen played in many venues with many exciting artists. Highlights include her performance at the televised 10 year memorial of the September 11 attacks, where she had the opportunity to play for her mourning nation. Studying with her primary teacher Linda Chesis, she was selected for masterclasses with some of the flute giants of the world. Playing for Paula Robison, Walter Auer, and Michael Parloff, Kathleen enjoyed receiving instruction from as many players as possible. She has also played with artists such as saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera and maestra Joana Carniero. Her chamber group at MSM, the Claremont Flutes, enjoyed the reputation as one of the top groups in the school, twice winning the Fuchs Chamber Music Competition with the ensemble. In 2010, Kathleen had the opportunity to participate in the premiere recording of Lee Hoiby’s opera “Summer and Smoke.” In her time at MSM, Kathleen most enjoyed organizing recitals of different varieties; one of her favorites was a recital of chamber music with flute, which included Enesco’s Dixtuor.
Under the auspice of Nancy Toone, her first teacher, Kathleen fell in love with music of all varieties. She won many competitions throughout the region, including the Utah Flute Association concerto competition in 2007, when she was able to perform W.A. Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G major live with orchestra. In 2008, Kathleen won the Music Teachers’ National Association for the Southwestern Region in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Throughout Jr. and Senior High School, Kathleen played in many groups, including the Utah Youth Symphony, where she played principal flute in 2008, and the Salt Lake Symphony, where she played assistant principal in 2007. Kathleen participated in the Utah Youth Flute Choir from 2003-2008, and performed with them at the 2008 National Flute Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Acting as the group’s librarian and assistant conductor, she had the opportunity to lead the choir as well as perform with them. In high school, Kathleen had the opportunity to study with flutists such as Leone Buyse, Rhonda Larsen, and the Utah Symphony’s Lisa Byrnes in addition to her own teacher.
Apart from her performing career, Kathleen is also an active teacher. A Suzuki Method certified instructor, she has taught musicians ranging from ages 7 to 52. Her years of experience with children in and outside of music, Kathleen believes that instrument instruction enriches the lives of everyone who participates. Along with her six years of experience teaching flute, Kathleen also has experience teaching students theory and rhythm.
Under the auspice of Nancy Toone, her first teacher, Kathleen fell in love with music of all varieties. She won many competitions throughout the region, including the Utah Flute Association concerto competition in 2007, when she was able to perform W.A. Mozart’s Flute Concerto in G major live with orchestra. In 2008, Kathleen won the Music Teachers’ National Association for the Southwestern Region in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Throughout Jr. and Senior High School, Kathleen played in many groups, including the Utah Youth Symphony, where she played principal flute in 2008, and the Salt Lake Symphony, where she played assistant principal in 2007. Kathleen participated in the Utah Youth Flute Choir from 2003-2008, and performed with them at the 2008 National Flute Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Acting as the group’s librarian and assistant conductor, she had the opportunity to lead the choir as well as perform with them. In high school, Kathleen had the opportunity to study with flutists such as Leone Buyse, Rhonda Larsen, and the Utah Symphony’s Lisa Byrnes in addition to her own teacher.
Apart from her performing career, Kathleen is also an active teacher. A Suzuki Method certified instructor, she has taught musicians ranging from ages 7 to 52. Her years of experience with children in and outside of music, Kathleen believes that instrument instruction enriches the lives of everyone who participates. Along with her six years of experience teaching flute, Kathleen also has experience teaching students theory and rhythm.