Valerie McElroy
Flutist, music educator, arts administrator.
Valerie McElroy
Flutist, music educator, arts administrator.
Valerie McElroy is a flutist, arts administrator and educator who has traversed the world of music in her teaching and performance.
She is a co-founder of Connessa Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting world music by living composers, founder and director of VM Studio, a private music education studio, and co-founder of the San Diego Flute Retreat, a vacation flute retreat designed for adult flutists. She also currently serves as Associate Director of San Diego Youth Symphony, an organization celebrating its 80th season in 2026.
Ms. McElroy is a regular performer with San Diego-based professional chamber ensembles Connessa (2024 Finalists in Chamber Music, London Classical Music Competition; 2021 Finalists in Chamber Music, The American Prize) and Flûtes de Salon (NFA Convention Performers, 2022). A sought-after soloist, clinician and collaborator, Ms. McElroy directs the Villa Musica Flute Ensemble, has served as conductor for San Diego Summer Music Institute and formerly served on the board of directors of the San Diego Flute Guild.
Her original composition, Journey Chalan for Flute Quartet, was successfully world premiered at the 2023 National Flute Association Convention. A Chicago native, Ms. McElroy studied at DePaul University with renowned flutists Mary Stolper, Hideko Amano and Jennifer Clippert and has since worked with hundreds of music students in her educational career.
Music Educator
With a strong background in Music Education and Pedagogy, Ms. McElroy is the founder and director of VM Studio. With a commitment to developing lifelong learners and supporters of music, her pedagogy is centered around the development of the whole musician.
Arts Administrator & Conductor
Ms. McElroy is the Associate Director of the San Diego Youth Symphony and actively conducts two of its wind ensembles. She also directs the Villa Musica Flute Ensemble, a community music ensemble comprised of adult flutists.
MOMENTS IN MUSIC
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Do you have questions or want to collaborate? Reach out, and let's make music happen.
- Valerie
