Instructor Spotlight: Kelly Hornbarger

Kelly Hornbarger, also known to her YouTube followers as “The Nerdy Flutist,” is a huge fan of classical music, tabletop RPGs, and Live Action Role Playing (LARP). You could consider Kelly as close to a real-life bard as they come. She’s been practicing flute for more than 26 years and teaching it for more than a decade. Her parents and grandparents are all singers and musicians, with her dad and grandpa heavily involved in Barbershop, and her mother being her initial inspiration for picking up the flute. Kelly earned her Master of Music Theory from Michigan State University. She now performs with the Fort Wayne Area Community Band, the Manchester Symphony, and on her YouTube channel, racking up tens of thousands of views. Many of Kelly’s musical inspirations similarly gained attention through viral online videos, including The Piano Guys, Taylor Davis, and MALINDA. Kelly believes music is for everyone and can be instrumental in developing discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in young people.

“I love working at Pearl Arts because I feel like I’m truly making a positive impact on my students’ lives by allowing them to explore their musicianship in a safe space free of judgment, which will ultimately lead to them becoming better people. I also truly love the community I’ve built within the Summit City Flute Choir, and look forward to every Wednesday night rehearsal.” – Kelly