Adam Sadberry, the acting principal flutist of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, is a musician, educator, and activist. He has performed with orchestras around the country including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, and the New World Symphony, among others; he has made guest appearances with Oakland University, University of Memphis, University of South Florida, National Flute Association, and the New York Flute Club for recitals, masterclasses and presentations. Adam’s presentation Using Your Identity to Create a Relevant Voice in Music lays a foundation for using one’s experiences and perspectives as a catalyst for generating positive change through music.

Along with maintaining a private flute studio, Adam teaches and mentors through non-profit organizations that provide free private lessons and resources to those in need including The Key Change and Raise the Bar. He is also on the board of the Umoja Flute Institute, a non-profit that provides resources to flutists of African descent. Adam is devoted to addressing accessibility gaps for Black communities in classical music through representation and music education.

Adam received a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and a Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, and he is indebted to all of his former teachers and mentors including Bonita Boyd, Anne Harrow, and Jennifer Keeney. In his spare time, Adam enjoys roller skating, being in nature, and eating as much food as his body can handle. Adam can be heard playing on the soundtrack of Disney’s The Lion King (2019).