Katie Valadez is a flutist and music educator who is grateful to be starting her second year as an Orchkids Teaching Artist! Originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Katie has enjoyed a multifaceted career focused on providing equitable access to quality music education. Prior to moving to Baltimore, she spent 13 years as a resident of Phoenix, Arizona where she was the flute instructor at a similar organization called Rosie’s House. In addition, she taught elementary general music and beginning band for Mesa Public Schools. As a performer, she has been hired to perform in orchestras for touring artists like Weird Al and Il Volo. She has also performed as a substitute musician with the Phoenix Symphony. Katie holds her master’s degree in flute performance from McGill University and her bachelor’s from Arizona State University (Principal teachers include Dr. Elizabeth Buck and Timothy Hutchins). She holds a level 2 Kodaly certification and is certified in John Feierabend’s First Steps in Music curriculum. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, drawing, attending live performances, and spending time with her husband and their dog, Buddy.

Photo Credit: Cristina Cutts @cuttsphoto (Instagram)