bio
Jeff Harley has a rich and diverse career as a professional flutist. He has performed with the Pittsburgh Opera, Canton Symphony Orchestra, the Venice Symphony Orchestra, and Black Diamond Philharmonic. Jeff has had the privilege of playing for esteemed flutists such as Denis Bouriakov, Catherine Ransom Karoly, Jim Walker, Lorna McGhee, Alberto Almarza, Dr. John Barcellona, David Shostac, Robert Dick in masterclasses. He's earned recognition, including a 2nd prize at the San Francisco Flute Society Solo Competition in 2019 and 2nd place at the Auburn Symphony Young Artist Competition in 2016. Jeff has the honor of earning a spot among the Haynes Young Artists roster in 2023. Teaching is also a passion for him, as he nurtures students of all levels in his private flute studio.
Jeff's academic journey led him to graduate from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music where he earned his Master of Music in Flute Performance under the guidance of Alberto Almarza. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from California State University, Long Beach, studying with Dr. John Barcellona. Throughout his university years, Jeff was an active participant in ensembles like the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Contemporary Ensemble. He was the recipient of various scholarships, including the Jamiesson-Pechstein COTA Endowed Scholarship, and served as a Graduate Assistant in Music Theory. Jeff's educational pursuits were further supported by a generous grant from the Friends of Flutes Foundation. Jeff's musical journey started at age 10, and his mentors included Tom Candlish, Laurel Zucker, and Diana Morgan.
Jeff is a dedicated and artistic flutist fueled by a passion for excellence and a deep love for sharing musical moments. Jeff's bond with the flute is the driving force behind his creativity and his desire to connect with others through music. He revels in uncovering lesser-known musical treasures and adapting pieces from various instruments for the flute. Embracing the values of equality, Jeff aims to bring diversity and representation to the forefront of musical experiences for both himself and fellow musicians.
Growing up in California, Jeff spent most of his time in Sacramento before moving to south to Long Beach for his undergraduate degree. Now settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, alongside his partner and 2 cats, Dmitri & Nadya, Jeff has found a slower pace of life that resonates with him. When not playing the flute, you can find him enjoying coffee shops, spending time with loved ones, and reading a good book.
Jeff adores playing on his Custom 14k gold Haynes flute with a 14k white gold Haynes headjoint, and a Burkart Elite piccolo featuring a Keefe Traditional headjoint.
Jeffery Harley is a naturally talented flutist. He made remarkable progress in the four years he studied with me as an undergraduate. He turned out to be as fine an undergraduate flutist as any I've turned out. Jeffery has a bright future ahead.
- Dr. John Barcellona
Professor of Flute Emeritus at CSULB Bob Cole Conservatory of Music
Jeffery Harley played an important role in the Choral Tales Production, "Lord of the Cranes," a work for choir, flute, guzheng and dancers. His sensitive interpretation of the call to love raised by the central character, at a key moment in the unfolding story, contributed greatly to the work's impact. We were fortunate to have him on our artistic team.