Instrument/Department: Cello
Joined Hochstein Faculty in: 2023
Kelton Burnside is currently pursuing a PhD in music education from the Eastman School of Music. He holds a Bachelor of Music in music education from Ithaca College and a Master of Music in music education from Southern Methodist University. His master’s thesis focused on student identity in the orchestra classroom.
Burnside formerly served as the Associate Director of Orchestras at Plano East Senior High School in Plano, Texas, where he worked with five orchestras and taught violin, viola, cello, and bass technique. In Plano, he taught grades 6 through 12 and beginner to advanced students.
Burnside has played cello for almost 20 years and studied with Elizabeth Simkin, Heidi Hoffman, and Elaine Whitmire. In addition to his orchestra and string studies background, Burnside has experience as a pianist and organist.
More About Kelton Burnside
Hometown: Camillus, New York
What inspires me: Making music, whether performing or teaching. I love the experience of connecting with others through music.
Why the arts matter: Music is something so special that we have to engage with our community – it gives us the power of communication and expression and it unites people from many different backgrounds.
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: At home with a coffee and a good book, accompanied by my fiancé and cats Rey and Raven.
Favorite place to travel: Disney World with my family.
Favorite movie: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
What people would be surprised to know about me: I love playing video games!