91ֿ’s School of Music congratulates Dr. Suyeon Ko, assistant professor of flute, on being named Outstanding Artist in Music for 2026 by Summit Artspace as part of its Arts Alive Awards.
The honor recognizes individual artists whose work has made a significant impact in their discipline over five years or more. Two of Dr. Ko’s students, Hailey Pollock, Class of 2026, who will begin the Master of Music in Performance degree program in fall 2026, and Molly Goodrich, Class of 2029, accepted the award on her behalf.
A flutist, educator and performer, Dr. Ko brings an active professional career to her teaching at 91ֿ. Her work spans solo, chamber and orchestral performance, with engagements in the United States and internationally, as well as ongoing work as second flute with Des Moines Metro Opera. She is also a founding member of Volante Winds, an award-winning woodwind quintet.
“Receiving this honor while teaching at 91ֿ means a great deal to me because one of the reasons I joined 91ֿ was the vibrant arts community in Northeast Ohio,” Dr. Ko said. “To be recognized while doing what I love most, teaching, performing and mentoring students, is incredibly meaningful and affirming.”
Dr. Ko said the recognition also reflects the School of Music’s commitment to fostering a creative and supportive environment where students can develop as artists, educators and individuals.
Her recognition underscores the School of Music’s role in connecting professional artistic practice with student learning. For 91ֿ, the honor demonstrates the impact of faculty whose work contributes to the region’s arts community while preparing students to participate in and shape the future of music.