Clarinet
Education
Claire studied at Indiana University School of Music from 1983 – 1985 and the University of Michigan earning a B.M. Clarinet Performance in 1988. Notable teachers include Fred Ormand, Alfred Zetzer, Bernard Portnoy and Sidney Forrest. Claire studied Chamber Music extensively under Menachem Pressler and James Buswell while at Indiana University.
Performance and Teaching Experience
Claire is currently the Artistic Director and a Founding Member of the Ensemble da Camera of Washington (EDCWashington), Ensemble-in-Residence at the AYPO. The EDCWashington just released its 20 Year Anniversary Edition of its first CD. Among the country’s finest ensembles, the EDCWashington has performed at the National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Gallery, French and German Embassies, The Highlands Chamber Music Festival in Highlands, NC among many others. As a frequent guest artist at the annual Brahms Festival at Florida Atlantic University, Claire has collaborated with the Shanghai String Quartet, the Sistrum New Music Ensemble, cellist Tsuyoshi Tsusumi, pianist Judith Burganger and the Stratford Chamber Players.
Claire keeps active locally having appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Orchestra, Baltimore Opera, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, Washington Concert Opera, National Gallery Orchestra and for ten years was a member of the Washington Chamber Symphony.
In addition to her instruction at Levine, Claire maintains a private studio in Reston, Virginia.
At Levine
Claire teaches individual clarinet instruction and is the director and clinician of The Clarinet Workshop at Levine.
“I love all the opportunities offered to Levine Students: they can perform in multiple recitals yearly at no additional cost, of which a professional accompanist is provided; juries are required documenting individual progress; a professional recording studio and services ar readily available; and there are like-minded young musicians with whom they can collaborate. Teaching at Levine draws some of the most talented students from the area. It is a fabulous community!”
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
“I have developed a very simple philosophy over the last 25 years that works well for my students. First we establish a solid base built on a strong understanding of the basics. I then encourage my students to become immersed in music by attending concerts, listening to reputable clarinetists and establishing a consistent practice schedule. With time, careful attention and hard work, the student will succeed.”
Personal
The Ensemble da Camera of Washington