Kathryn Shaffer, a native of San José, California, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from California State University-San José where she studied with French flutist Isabelle Chapuis. She earned her Master’s degree in Flute Performance from Longy School of Music (Cambridge, MA) where she studied with Robert Willoughby. Other former instructors include Maria Tamburrino and flutist/composer John Heiss of New England Conservatory, with whom she studied extended techniques. 

Currently flutist and piccolist with the San Juan Symphony, she has also performed with the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra, West Valley Symphony, The Continental Orchestra, and Longitude, a new music chamber ensemble, making appearances throughout the United States and Europe. She also collaborates with twin sister and pianist Kristen Chen, giving chamber music concerts regularly in California and presently in the Durango community. 

Mrs. Shaffer has been a private flute instructor since 1987 and is a certified Suzuki flute instructor. In addition to her teaching, she has also served as an adjudicator and been active as a conductor to flute choirs, children’s chorales, and wind ensemble. 

In addition to teaching and performing, she maintains an active family life with her husband of 11 years, Brian, and their three children: cellist Aidan (6), violinist Daniel (4), and Taia (1).