Clarinet
Education
Lora Ferguson received a B.M. from Oberlin College Conservatory, a M.M. from Catholic University, and competed 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 one of their substitute clarinetists. Lora’s past positions as principal clarinetist and section clarinetist include with the Filene Center Orchestra, National Gallery Orchestra, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, American Chamber Orchestra and American Camerata for New Music. She has also performed with several area chamber groups including Holocaust Museum Series, National Academy of Science concert series and Washington Music Ensemble.
In addition to teaching at Levine, Lora is Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at both George Mason and George Washington Universities. Prior to these positions, she has taught at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, NOVA Community College Annandale and with the DC Youth Orchestra Program.
At Levine
Lora has been on the Levine faculty since 1987 where she teaches private lessons, clarinet ensemble classes and the summer clarinet workshop.
“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 includes 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 student’s personal interests and aptitude while encouraging independent thinking.”
Personal
When not teaching and performing clarinet, Lora enjoys yoga, reading, tennis and activities with her grandkids.