Ken Heinlein, Tuba, was born and raised in the small town of Grayling, Michigan, where his musical development began with his involvement in his local school band program and his church. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from Central Michigan University, where he studied with Dr. Mark Cox, and a Master of Music degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Mr. Ronald Bishop.

Ken is currently an active performer and teacher in the Greater Cleveland area.  He holds the position of Principal Tuba with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, is the tubist of the Cleveland Brass Quintet, and teaches tuba at Case Western Reserve University through the Cleveland Institute of Music/Case Western Reserve University Joint Music Program.  Furthermore, he is currently serving a one-year position as Principal Tuba of the Midland (MI) Symphony Orchestra.  Ken also remains a busy freelancer, and has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Blossom Festival Orchestra, the Blossom Festival Band, and the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, among others.  Ken currently studies tuba with Yasuhito Sugiyama.

Additionally, Ken believes strongly in music’s important cultural role, and regularly performs with local ensembles to enrich the artistic environment of his community.  He also is a dynamic music educator, and has engaged in performances and musical workshops for children of all ages in a variety of settings in over twenty schools across the Midwest.