Biography

Kelsi Doolittle’s professional experience has allowed her to flourish as an orchestral musician, educator, and chamber artist. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of Practice in Clarinet at Northern Arizona University’s Kitt School of Music, where she teaches applied lessons, chamber music, clarinet choir, clarinet pedagogy and literature, and woodwind methods. In addition to her faculty role, she performs as Principal Clarinet of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Flageolet Chamber Ensemble, NAU’s contemporary faculty ensemble.

In 2025, she appeared as a Guest Clarinetist with both the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Agarita Chamber Ensemble in San Antonio, Texas, continuing her commitment to artistic collaboration. She also performs regularly with the Jacksonville Symphony, and as a member of the Modern Orchestra apart of the Oregon Bach Festival, where she has been a guest clarinetist since 2024.

Previously, Kelsi was a Clarinet Fellow with the New World Symphony, a position that involved intensive daily training in artistry, preparation, and professionalism. She has also attended several prestigious summer festivals including the Tanglewood Institute and Aspen Music Festival. While completing her Master’s degree at the University of Southern California, she studied with the renowned pedagogue Yehuda Gilad. This mentorship helped propel her to several major achievements, including reaching the finals of multiple orchestral auditions, winning the Grand Prize at the 2015 Plowman Chamber Music Competition, and being named a finalist in the 2015 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. During her years in Los Angeles, she was also an active freelancer, recording for various film projects—including the second season of the Netflix original series Chef’s Table.

As an educator, Kelsi is deeply committed to access and excellence in music education. She serves as Clarinet Professor for VIA Music Academy in Miami, Florida, where she teaches lessons and masterclasses to high school students across the U.S. from underrepresented communities. Her collegiate teaching experience also includes positions as Adjunct Clarinet Professor at Miami-Dade College, New World School of the Arts, and as Guest Clarinet Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.