Jazz Flute Master Class with Ali Ryerson

Presented by HVMS

Jazz Flute Master Class

Ali Ryerson's Flute Master Class opens with dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday August 30, 2026 and closes at 12:00 p.m. after a farwell brunch on Friday September 4, 2026.

Hidden Valley's master classes are immersive, week-long learning intensives for advanced players. Master class participants enjoy not only opportunities for learning & advancement but create relationships within the musical community that can last a lifetime. It is a testament to our exceptional teaching faculty and the caliber of students that many Hidden Valley master class participants have gone on to hold important positions in major orchestras and universities around the world.

This master class has flute-only master classes, improv class, and classes playing with Ali's big band featuring Steve Rudolph, piano, John Wiitala, bass, and Akira Tana, drums.

All master class students and teaching faculty live on campus during the master class and spend meals and free time together. All master class students are housed in our Waddell Center Residence Hall (double occupancy rooms). Facility and lodging information, pictures, and a campus map can all be found under the 'Visit Us' tab.

Apply Online

Teacher Biography

With a career spanning over four decades, jazz flutist Ali Ryerson consistently ranks among the top jazz flutists in the Downbeat Jazz Poll. Born in 1952 in New York, Ali grew up in a musical family. Her father, Art Ryerson, was a renowned jazz guitarist who got his start during the Big Band era wit the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, and later, became a top studio/session player in NYC. Ali has successfully carried on the family tradition, becoming an international touring and recording artist, with performances ranging from Carnegie Hall to the famed Blue Note jazz club (NYC and Japan) to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., plus festival and club appearances worldwide. Ryerson has released over two dozen albums on major jazz labels including Concord Records, Capri Records, and Red Baron (for legendary jazz producer, Bob Thiele).

Ali has worked with jazz greats such as Red Rodney, Roy Haynes, Kenny Barron, Frank Wess, Stephane Grappelli, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, as well as classical artists Julius Baker and Luciano Pavarotti. Ryerson has served as Jazz Chair and Low Flutes Chair for the National Flute Association, was the founder of the NFA Jazz Flute Big Band, and is Program Chair for the 2023 NFA convention in Pheonix. As an educator, Ryerson published her widely acclaimed book, 'Jazz Flute Practice Method', conducts master classes worldwide, and teachers on online series for Lessonface. As a composer, Ryerson's works have been published by Presser, Edition Kossack, and ACR Music. Many of her pieces have been performed internationally by various artists and ensembles. Ms. Ryerson is a Gemeinhardt Artist with an Autograph Series of flutes. www.aliryerson.com

Application Information

All new participant applications should be supported by 2 letters of recommendation, please email letters of recommendation to info@hiddenvalleymusic.org. In some cases audition video or mp3 may be requested. All applications will be processed on receipt and after application fee is received. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis and will be notified by email. To apply for the class click on Apply on the column to the right.

A non-refundable deposit payment of $300.00 is due upon acceptance. Balance is due 10 days before the opening date of class.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact (831) 659-3115 or email info@hiddenvalleymusic.org.

Ali Ryerson In Performance

Each master class includes a concert, open to the public, featuring the master teacher performing a wide array of repertoire highlighting their instrument. For those not in the master class, tickets to this performance may be purchased. Ali Ryerson's Jazz Quartet will perform on Thursday September 3, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Concert info & tickets.