Faculty Spotlight: Kristilyn Woods

Meet Dr. Kristilyn Woods! She is a professional bassoonist and educator in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to holding positions with several local symphonies, she is in-demand as a freelance musician and regularly performs with orchestral and chamber music ensembles throughout the region.

Dr. Woods is a passionate educator, serving on the faculty at both Grand Canyon University and Paradise Valley Community College. Outside of academia, she instructs a large private studio of both in-person and online students of all ages and abilities. Additionally, she is dedicated to bassoon outreach and can often be found leading bassoon workshops and demonstrations in local schools as well as for the general public.

An avid supporter of chamber music, Dr. Woods founded Echo Canyon Chamber Ensemble with the goal of bringing classical music to non-traditional spaces. She is also the Director of Chamber Music for Arizona Pro Arte and serves on the board for Paradise Valley Chamber Music Collective. In addition to her classical work, Dr. Woods is founding member, bassoonist and social media manager of local band Dry River Yacht Club.

Dr. Woods received her Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) from The Ohio State University, Masters of Music from Arizona State University, and Bachelors of Music from the University of Houston.

You can find her teaching a multitude of classes at Grand Canyon University such as Instrumental Techniques: Double Reeds and Flutes, Fundamentals of Music and Culture for Diverse Learners, Woodwind Chamber Ensemble, Chamber Music Literature, Symphonic Literature and private instructions.

If you want to learn more about Grand Canyon University’s arts program within the College of Fine Arts and Production, check out our website or click the Request More Information button on this page.