Kelley Niiyama

I have taught clarinet professionally since 1993. Most recently, I taught at Indiana State University for seven years, where I attracted a large studio. I have been a guest artist at the Clarinetissimo Festival at the National Conservatory in the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic six times since 2017. This festival attracts highly notable clarinet artists from around the world. I get the opportunity there to play chamber music, teach current and prospective students and perform solo recitals.

I have appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, musical theater pit musician and orchestra clarinetist throughout the United States and in Japan. I enjoy playing and teaching all of the clarinets (except alto clarinet); to that end, I am currently writing my own arrangements of popular music from the '60s and '70s for clarinet ensemble that I will record multi-track, playing all of the instruments.

I studied with international soloist, James Campbell, and renowned pedagogue, Howard Klug at IU, where I earned the Master of Music in Clarinet Performance. I proceeded to complete the coursework and two recitals for the Doctor of Music in Clarinet Performance from IU; in that time, I also completed a minor in Historical Clarinet Performance with Eric Hoeprich.

While at IU, I was appointed Associate Instructor of Clarinet. I won several semester-based auditions and served as Principal Clarinet of the Symphony Orchestra and Principal Clarinet of the Wind Ensemble. I performed in the Clarinet Choir each semester I was enrolled. I was the recipient of the Andy Upper Memorial Scholarship and the Bloomington Camerata scholarship, with competition of about 60 students in the combined studios.

Prior to my years studying at IU, I studied with Maureen Hurd-Hause and Kristina Belisle as well as Tina Ward, the Second Clarinet of the St. Louis Symphony for nearly 40 years. I earned the Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from the University of Central Arkansas, and was the recipient of many scholarships and awards. I was a University Scholar and nominated for Student of the Year.

I started playing the clarinet at the age of 8 but had no formal instruction until the age of 16. My passion and love of music and the clarinet caused me to excel, but in the process, I developed a lot of bad habits. Through my excellent education and hard work, I was able to develop rapidly and had a strong desire to help young students avoid the issues I experienced by providing a solid foundation for learning. I do not regret learning as I did, as it caused me to be a better problem solver for my students!

I meet students where they are. While I suggest specific studies for students to gain common proficiency on the clarinet, I can also introduce fundamentals into music that students are already working on, such as band music.

Above all, I am a self-titled "clarinet geek." I love this instrument and do everything I can to help my students achieve their goals.