Dr. Suyeon Ko, D.M.

Dr. Suyeon Ko, D.M., hails from Korea and brings a wealth of musical expertise to her new role as Assistant Professor of Flute at Kent State University, alongside her role as second flute at the Des Moines Metro Opera. Previously, she served as Assistant Professor of Flute at Western Illinois University and established the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Flute Academy. She also co-founded the Volante Winds quintet, which enjoyed extensive touring across the US and East Asia.

Dr. Ko's multifaceted career spans solo, chamber, and ensemble performances, showcasing her artistry, scholarly pursuits, and dedication to discovering underrepresented composers, particularly from East Asia, within the classical music realm. She recently appeared in Chicago Flute Club Flute Festival, presenting “Exploring Korean Palette” performances of compositions by Younghi Pagh-Paan and Jaehyuck Choi. Dr. Ko also collaborates with orchestras like the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and South Bend Symphony Orchestra and features on recordings of Jim Stephenson’s compositions, including “As the Fireflies Watched” and “Octet”.

Renowned for her expertise, Dr. Ko is frequently invited as a clinician and presenter to events or Universities. Recently she appeared in Drake University and University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Texas Summer Flute Symphosium delivering masterclasses and concerts. Dr. Ko earned her Doctoral of Music degree in flute performance from Indiana University, along with a Performer’s Diploma. She also holds a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Music from Jeju National University in South Korea.