I’m Shelby, and I LOVE working with flutists who are ready to achieve their goals with the help of a cheerleader and experienced flute player.
I'm passionate about providing high quality private instruction that is accessible and inclusive to all learners.
Ready to reach your playing potential? Let's work together!
After several years of teaching flutists in private lessons, sectionals, and workshops, and studying and performing with some incredible flute players, I’ve noticed that the moment students take ownership of their learning and become the boss, THAT’S the moment they reach success: i.e. get into all state and honor bands, get a distinguished rating at solo/ensemble, finally get that higher chair placement, etc. They just need an experienced player to unlock the confidence they need, combined with the nitty gritty: great tone, technique, vibrato, phrasing, and more.
I have played in masterclasses with some of the BEST flutists around, competed in flute competitions, taught flute workshops, and perform professionally - and I can’t wait to share everything I’ve learned about playing freely and confidently with YOU (or your kiddo who is so eager to get started).
I love:
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Teaching brand new beginners as young as 5 years old
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Helping intermediate players build confidence and build on what they know
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Introducing new ideas and repertoire to advanced students
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Experiencing the journey of college auditions and competition prep with my students
BIOGRAPHY
Shelby Anderson is a flutist, clinician, and music educator in Louisville, Kentucky. Shelby is passionate about providing exceptional flute instruction to flutists across Kentucky, and providing access to instruction to students in all areas through online lessons.
Originally from Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Shelby Anderson earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Morehead State University in 2019, then spent four years teaching and performing in the Louisville area while continuing her flute studies. Shelby taught pre-k through eighth grade general music in Louisville and built a thriving private flute studio, providing both online and in-person private lessons. Shelby also served as a sectional coach for several schools in Kentucky, presented her clinic, “Demystifying the Flute Embouchure (for the Band Director),” at Morehead State University, and continued her own studies through online lessons with Dr. Chelsea Tanner. Shelby also attended The Consummate Flutist summer masterclass series in 2019, as well as KinderFlute Teacher Training in 2021.
Shelby moved to Broomfield, Colorado in 2023 to pursue graduate studies in flute performance, where she earned a Graduate Certificate in Flute Performance and Recording & Production from the University of Denver - Lamont School of Music, studying with Julie Thornton. While in Colorado, Shelby had the privilege of briefly studying with Christina Jennings, as well as later performing with the Colorado Wind Ensemble, Broomfield Symphony Orchestra, and Longmont Concert Band. Shelby performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City this summer with Longmont Concert Band, and served on the board of directors for LCB as their social media chair.
Shelby returned home to Louisville, Kentucky in the fall of 2025, and is the owner of Shelby Anderson Flute Studio, where she specializes in creating a well rounded music education from the beginner level through pre-college, including masterclass participation, frequent studio performances and a strong sense of community in her studio teaching. Shelby has now provided online and in-person private lessons for seven years, and has served as a guest teacher at various middle schools, high schools, and colleges in both Colorado and Kentucky. Shelby’s students have participated in all-state band and orchestras, honor bands, youth orchestras, flute festival competitions, summer orchestral festivals, and participate in studio masterclasses and recitals throughout the year, both in-person and online.
As a soloist, Shelby was a finalist in the Gallaher Music Performance Scholarship Competition in 2018 and received third prize in the Flute Society of Kentucky Collegiate Artist Competition in 2019. Shelby earned an Honorable Mention in the 2023 Lamont Solo Honors Competition at the University of Denver. Shelby has performed in masterclasses with renowned artists, including Sookyung Park, Karen McLaughlin Large, Eva Amsler, and Colleen White. Shelby’s former teachers include Jennifer Cooper, Heather Small, Ellen Johnson-Mosely, Chelsea Tanner, Christina Jennings, and Julie Thornton.
Shelby holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Morehead State University and a Graduate Certificate in Performance and Recording & Production from the University of Denver - Lamont School of Music.
Shelby plays a Burkart Professional model flute and a 10k gold Burkart head joint with a 14k gold riser.
"Shelby has helped me grow and become a better flute player. I was not very confident in my playing abilities, but one on one instruction with Shelby made such a difference. I am now first chair in band and section leader. Part of that success is a direct result of private lessons with Shelby."
Sarah, Middle School Student
"Shelby always helped me and encouraged me in my lessons. She made learning fun and made me love the flute even more. Shelby really helped me prepare for college music. Every week she would assign work that pushed me. Not only did she help me grow as a flute player and love music but she helped me grow as a person."
Olivia, Studio Alumni
"Ms Shelby has been a blessing for my daughter. She is an excellent teacher and person. I highly recommend her!!"
Ineka, Studio Parent