Albert Tipton grew up in Tulsa, where his mother, Vena Tipton, was a professional flutist and teacher. He studied flute with William Kincaid at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and was assistant solo flutist of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1940 to 1942. Following a leave of absence for military service from 1943-1945, he returned to the Philadelphia Orchestra. Subsequently he became solo flutist of the St. Louis Symphony and the Detroit Symphony. Mr. Tipton also became an active conductor and formed his own chamber orchestra, which toured coast-to-coast. For many years he has brought distinction to the Aspen Festival as flutist, conductor, and teacher. He has also taught at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston and at Florida State University in Tallahassee. He has recorded for the Westminster and Pandora labels.