About
Kelly Via serves as Senior Lecturer in Flute at Mercer University's School of Music, directing the Mercer University Flute Choir while also instructing at the Atlanta Music Academy. His career bridges elite orchestral performance and specialized flute education across academic and professional settings.
Education:
- Master of Music in Performance, East Carolina University (1984)
- Bachelor of Music, Drake University (1976)
Professor Via's research centers on expanding flute repertoire through original arrangements and compositions for flute choirs, alongside innovative conducting methodologies for diverse ensemble types. His work bridges historical performance practice with contemporary educational techniques, particularly in piccolo specialization and LGBTQ+ inclusive ensemble leadership as demonstrated by his 2023 NFA Professional Flute Choir direction.
His National Flute Association accolades reflect significant scholarly contributions to flute literature:
- Winner of Newly Published Music Competition (2002, 2013)
- Finalist in Newly Published Music Competition (2004, 2022)
Professor Via mentors students through individual instruction and flute choir leadership at Mercer, developing ensemble skills while maintaining active performance connections. His professional network spans international flute communities through guest conducting engagements across North America.
He directs the Mercer University Flute Choir as a core pedagogical laboratory, simultaneously contributing to national flute education through NFA committee leadership and specialized choir coordination roles from 2007-2014.
