Welcome 2026 Flute Professionals
Thank you to our expert presenters for sharing your time and talent at this year’s Utah Flute Convention. Your insight and artistry make the event inspiring and meaningful for our flute community.
Featured Artist: Jazz Flutist Ali Ryerson
Ali Ryerson is a renowned jazz flutist with a career spanning five decades, consistently ranking among the top flutists in the DownBeat Jazz Poll. Born into a legendary jazz family in New York City, she has become an international touring and recording artist, performing at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Blue Note in the U.S. and Japan, as well as major festivals worldwide.
Ryerson has released over two dozen albums on leading jazz labels, including Concord and Capri Records; her Jazz Flute Big Band debut Game Changer reached the Top 10 on U.S. Jazz Charts for six weeks. She has performed and recorded with numerous jazz greats, served in leadership roles with the National Flute Association, founded the NFA Jazz Flute Big Band, and is the author of the acclaimed Jazz Flute Practice Method. A classically trained musician and Sankyo Artist, Ryerson continues to teach, perform, and present master classes internationally.
Dr. Adrienne Tedjamulia
Dr. Adrienne Tedjamulia is a flutist, educator, and chamber musician based in Utah. She is the Artistic Director of Ensemble 126 and maintains an active international performing career alongside a private teaching studio focused on individualized, creative instruction. Her work emphasizes stylistic versatility, historical awareness, and the integration of improvisation into classical performance.
Dr. Tedjamulia’s lecture-recital work explores the connections between Baroque and jazz traditions, highlighting shared foundations of harmony, expression, and performer creativity. Through live performance and interactive analysis, she bridges historical performance practice with contemporary musical language.
Ashley Tingey
Ashley Fleming Tingey is an active flutist, arts administrator, and educator, currently serving as Production Coordinator for Utah Symphony | Utah Opera. She is a co-founder of the Luminesce Flute and Harp Trio, with whom she performed from 2021–2023, and regularly performs with the Mountain West Flute Orchestra, Salt Lake Choral Artists, and other ensembles throughout Utah. She is also a frequent substitute with the Salt Lake Symphony.
A dedicated advocate for flute education, Ashley has been a member of the Utah Flute Association for over 20 years and has served as its President since 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance, with a minor in French, from Brigham Young University in 2021, studying with April Clayton, Nancy Toone, and Katrina Young. Passionate about improvisation and confidence-building, she enjoys helping students find their musical voice.
Gregory J. Wheeler
Dr. Gregory J. Wheeler is Associate Professor of Music Education, Jazz, and Woodwinds at Utah State University and a nationally recognized educator, conductor, and performer. A Logan, Utah native, he spent 46 years in public education before retiring in 2009 and continuing his career at USU.
Dr. Wheeler holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Utah State University and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Utah. An active woodwind performer, he has played with ensembles such as the Harry James Orchestra, Utah Festival Opera, and the Aggie Music Project, and currently conducts the Larry Smith Kicks Big Band. His honors include induction into the Utah Music Educators Association Hall of Fame (2025), multiple Teacher of the Year awards, and recognition as a Nationally Registered Music Educator.
Ligia Verduga
Dr. Ligia Verduga is an Ecuadorian flutist, educator, and researcher specializing in Latin American and jazz-influenced flute repertoire. She is Flute Professor at Southern Utah University and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2025), a Master of Music from the University of Utah, and a bachelor’s degree from UTPL in Ecuador.
An active international performer, she has appeared at the 2025 National Flute Association Convention and in concerts across Europe and Latin America. Dr. Verduga has served as principal flutist with numerous orchestras in the U.S. and Ecuador, is a founding member of the Aspen Winds Quintet, and presents widely on Ecuadorian flute repertoire. She is a prizewinner in several international competitions and an active member of major flute organizations.
Nicole Elkins
Nicole Elkins is a dynamic flute performer and educator based in Midland, Michigan, with extensive experience as a private teacher and clinician. She previously maintained a large studio in Austin, Texas, where she was the 2023 Concerto Competition Winner with the Austin Flute Choir.
Formerly active in Salt Lake City, she performed with several regional orchestras, served on the faculty of the Gifted Music School, and is a past President of the Utah Flute Association. A certified Kinderflute teacher, Ms. Elkins frequently presents masterclasses and has been a guest lecturer at universities and flute societies nationwide. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in flute performance from Brigham Young University.