Ken Graves

Kenneth Graves was appointed Principal Clarinet of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra in 2024. Before relocating to North Carolina, he served as Principal Clarinet of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, where he was also a member of the MSO Woodwind Quintet for fourteen seasons. He additionally held principal positions with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra (four seasons) and the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra (two seasons), and has performed as a guest with the Huntsville, Pensacola, and Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestras.

An active soloist and chamber musician throughout the Triad, Kenneth is frequently featured in concerto appearances and collaborative performances. His festival experience includes appearances at the Music Academy of the West, National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute, Spoleto Festival USA and FestivalSouth. 

In addition to performing, Kenneth is a dedicated educator. He has served on the faculties of Millsaps College and Mississippi College, and currently maintains a vibrant private studio in Winston-Salem, where he works with students ranging from beginners to advanced high school musicians and adult amateurs.

A native of South Carolina, Kenneth is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He also pursued additional studies at the Colburn Conservatory of Music. His principal teachers include Yehuda Gilad, Richie Hawley, and Robert Listokin, with further influence from Bruce Dinkins and Ralph Rizzolo.

Students come to work with me for many different reasons. They may just be starting out in band or they may be auditioning for honors or college programs. Or they may be adults that want to challenge themselves to learn something new. No matter what their goals are, all of my students benefit from a highly individualized approach that focuses on their unique needs and areas for growth.

I enjoy working with students of all ages and my approach to teaching is strongly informed by my performance experience.  I currently serve as Principal Clarinet of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra.  I am familiar with all the major orchestral, solo, and chamber music repertoire and have unique insights and strategies to help students overcome whatever musical challenges they may be facing.