Allison Key is a music educator and professional violinist who has been an active member of the Spartanburg music community for the past 18 years.

Allison Key earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of South Carolina. As a professional musician, Mrs. Key teaches private lessons, performs with the Spartanburg Philharmonic, and serves as a sectional coach with the Spartanburg Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

During her 18 years as a music educator, Mrs. Key has served as the orchestra director and performing arts department chair at McCracken Middle School in Spartanburg School District Seven, orchestra director at Gable Middle School in Spartanburg School District Six, and began her teaching career in Union County Schools. Her orchestras have participated in numerous events and festivals, including SCMEA Concert Performance Assessment, where they consistently received Superior and Superior with Distinction ratings. Most recently, her McCracken 8th grade orchestra was selected as a featured ensemble for the SCMEA 2026 Annual Conference.

Mrs. Key is an active member of the American String Teachers Association and the South Carolina Music Educators Association. She has served the SCMEA Orchestra Division for thirteen years in a variety of leadership roles, including Secretary, Conference Chair, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past-President. She has also served as a guest conductor for region and all-county orchestras and has adjudicated orchestras throughout South Carolina.

Mrs. Key lives in Spartanburg with her husband, Jeff, and their two children, Ava and Henley. They enjoy hiking and camping, traveling, attending concerts, and family movie nights.

We are pleased to welcome Allison Key as a Guest Conductor for the Prelude Ensemble for the Winter Concert of the 2026-2027 season.