Maria Ortiz-Laboy

I began my career as a clarinetist at home, my mother was my first clarinet teacher. My advanced studies began at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music obtaining a bachelor’s degree in clarinet performance. While studying my Master’s degree, the position of graduate teaching assistant at the University of Akron was granted to me as a Diversity Fellowship. At the University of South Carolina, I was the clarinet teaching assistant for three years and recently, I graduated from my doctoral degree. My musical career has taken me to perform as a soloist in the United States, Puerto Rico and Europe.

For beginner students, I typically start with clarinet band methods. Once the student shows progress on their skills, I introduce solo repertoire according to the level of maturity and the goals of the student. The age and the ability of the student will dictate the pace of the lessons and the progress in it. Expect to engage your time outside the lessons to improve every skill in your practice session, and log every technical and musical aspect we will be working every week.