Education
Lora Ferguson received a B.M. from Oberlin College Conservatory, an M.M. from Catholic University, and completed two semesters of study in Salzburg, Austria, at the Mozarteum as well as two semesters of graduate study at Manhattan School of Music.
Performance and Teaching Experience
Lora has been performing as the Assistant Principal Clarinet with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra since 1980, playing for all Washington National Opera productions and Kennedy Center productions. As the solo clarinetist with the Capitol Woodwind Quintet, Lora has the opportunity to tour and record with the ensemble. She has also toured and can be heard on recordings with the National Symphony Orchestra as a substitute clarinetist. Lora’s past positions as principal clarinetist and section clarinetist include the Filene Center Orchestra, the National Gallery Orchestra, the Virginia Chamber Orchestra, the American Chamber Orchestra, and the American Camerata for New Music. She has also performed with several area chamber groups, including the Holocaust Museum Series, the National Academy of Science concert series, and the Washington Music Ensemble.
In addition to teaching at Levine, Lora is an Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at both George Mason and George Washington Universities. Before holding these positions, she taught at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, NOVA Community College in Annandale, and with the DC Youth Orchestra Program.
At Levine
Lora has been on the Levine faculty since 1987, where she teaches clarinet.
“I enjoy the collegiality with other faculty and staff, and appreciate the performance opportunities Levine provides for both myself and my students.”
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
“For beginners, I emphasize the basics, which include teaching embouchure, breathing, tone production, and proper finger and hand position. I use familiar tunes to teach rhythm and note recognition as well as duet playing. I tailor the repertoire and studies to each of my students’ personal interests and aptitude while encouraging independent thinking.”
More About Lora
When not teaching and performing on the clarinet, Lora enjoys yoga, reading, tennis, and activities with her grandkids.