Bio
Principal flutist of the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, Dr. Whitney Kelley is praised for her innovative performances and pedagogical methods which have inspired audiences across the United States and Europe. Acclaimed for her considerable technique by the Winston-Salem Journal, she has appeared as soloist in numerous orchestral and recital settings, including guest appearances with world-renowned flutist Sir James Galway, Hollywood film composer Dave Grusin, jazz flutist Nestor Torres, and performances in the Ravinia Summer Music Festival, Texas Music Festival, Cheyenne Symphony, Denver Pops, Jefferson Symphony, and Longmont Symphony Orchestras.
In addition to her solo and chamber pursuits, Whitney is an innovative pedagogue, presenting her research, teaching philosophies, and musical perspectives to music educators and performers through lectures, masterclasses, online videos, and publications in the National Flute Association Pedagogy Anthology Vol. 2, American Suzuki Journal, Colorado Flutist, and Flute Examiner. While maintaining a thriving Suzuki studio in Denver, Colorado, Whitney additionally actively serves as a clinician, adjudicator, and coaching staff for music programs across the country.
She received her D.M.A. in Flute Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado with Christina Jennings. Other teachers include Rebecca Paluzzi, Dr. Shelly Binder, Dr. Tadeu Coelho, and training with Suzuki flute founder, Toshio Takahashi.