About Katie Riley

    Katie Riley’s passion for music was evident from an early age. Her love of music originated from singing and playing the piano. In 6th grade band class, Katie discovered the flute. Since then, Katie has performed in many orchestras, competitions, and masterclasses. 

   Katie Riley completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). At CCM, she performed the notable flute solos from Debussy’s Afternoon of a Faun to a sold-out crowd in a memorable performance with the CCM Philharmonia led by Cincinnati Symphony conductor Louis Langrée. Professionally, Katie has played principal flute and piccolo in the Hendricks Symphony Orchestra and the Queen City Chamber Orchestra and previously held substitute positions with the Orlando Philharmonic and Richmond (Indiana) Symphony.   

     In 2018, Katie performed in the National Flute Association collegiate flute choir directed by Jim Walker. She spent the summers of 2019 and 2021 participating as a fellow in the Round Top Festival Institute on a full-tuition scholarship. 

   Katie recently won first prize in the Mary Hilem Taylor Scholarship Competition, supported by the Palm Beach Symphony. Before this, Katie won first place in the Rochester Flute Association Young Artist Competition. She has been a finalist in the Maurer Young Musician Contest.  

   Katie has participated in various masterclass seminars such as The Consummate Flutist at Carnegie Mellon University, Jim Walker’s Beyond the Masterclass, and Linda Chesis Online Flute Retreat. She has performed for Carol Wincenc, Ransom Wilson, Lorna McGhee, Marina Piccinini, Mimi Stillman, and other distinguished flutists. 
     Katie Riley earned her bachelor’s degree in December 2020, graduating with the highest honors summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She completed graduate coursework at Lynn Conservatory during 2021 to 2022. Her primary teachers include Demarre McGill, Karen Moratz, Dr. Heather Verbeck (piccolo), Diana Morgan, and Jeffrey Khaner.