Biography

Kennedy Burgess is a professional flutist and educator based on Long Island. She currently works in the Central Islip School District, where she teaches fifth and sixth grade band, as well as pre-k thru sixth grade general music. After studying flute for over 15 years, and teaching in many aspects since she was in high school, Kennedy has become both an established flutist and educator.

Kennedy is an active member of the Long Island and NYC music scene. She currently plays with the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra, taking part in their large concerts and smaller chamber music performances. She also plays with the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony Orchestra, based in New York City. She has been involved in several other groups, including the 92nd St. Y chamber music program, and the Noel Ruiz Theater pit orchestra. Considering herself a lifelong learner, Kennedy regularly performs in recitals, competitions and masterclasses, notably including her performance at the International Flute Symposium for Hungarian flutist, Márk Fülep. She has performed at venues in the United States, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Iceland.

Kennedy is experienced in teaching students of all levels and ages. In Central Islip, Kennedy was instrumental in creating a fifth and sixth grade band program for the students in her school, reinstating it after over thirty years. The elementary band program at her school has been growing since this reinstatement three years ago. She spends her summers working as a Discovery Counselor at USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts, where she guides pre-school children through their camp day. Beyond beginning instrumental music, Kennedy is also the Woodwind Specialist for the South Huntington School District Marching band. Her students range from eighth to twelfth grade.

Kennedy holds a sizable private flute studio on Long Island. While her students range from fourth grade to twelfth grade, she has experience teaching beginner adults and collegiate level students in both individual and group settings. Her collegiate students have been admitted to The Crane School of Music. Her students regularly participate in NYSSMA, are nominated for SCMEA, and are consistently the top musicians in their schools. She takes great pride in her teaching and loves to see her students of all ages thrive and succeed.

Beyond her performance and education experience, Kennedy arranges for flute quartet, flute choir, and other ensembles. Her arrangements of Claude Debussy's "The Girl With the Flaxen Hair," and "The Minstrels," were performed by the Crane Flute Ensemble in 2018. Her arrangement of the Ghostbuster's Theme was recently performed by the woodwind section of the Walt Whitman Marching Band.

Kennedy received her B.M. in Music Education and Performance from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, and her M.A. in Music & Music Education from Teachers College at Columbia University.

Kennedy currently studies with Serenade Duo member Michelle LaPorte. Other notable teachers include: Kenneth Andrews (former SUNY Distinguished Professor at SUNY Potsdam, and former principal of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra), Barry Crawford, Margaret Lancaster, and Bonnie McAlvin.