LEARN
Clara offers private lessons as well as group instruction for festivals and summer music programs. She offers weekly private lessons in students’ homes around the Berkshires to adults and children age 7 and above on the piano, fiddle, and lever harp. Clara brings a joyful and flexible multi-genre informed teaching approach that is incredibly student centered.
Clara loves helping people reach their individual musical goals in a way that works for their specific bodies and brains. She strives to create a learning atmosphere that is nurturing, productive, positive, and inspiring. In addition to her musical skills Clara brings knowledge from the field of occupational therapy such as motor skill acquisition, innate sensory preferences, learning styles, ergonomics, client-centeredness, human development through the lifespan, activity analysis, adaptation and compensation techniques, cultural competence, and therapeutic use of self—all of which enrich her teaching of music. She has been teaching for over 10 years.
ADAPTIVE LESSONS
Though all private music lessons involve some form of adaptation to be tailored to the individual student, “adaptive music lessons” are geared toward helping people with unique challenges or disabilities learn to play an instrument in a unique way. This could involve changes in positioning, presentation, or simply a change of pace. Clara’s knowledge activity adaptation from the field of occupational therapy makes her uniquely qualified to offer adaptive music lessons.
LOVE
Clara loves being a music teacher and brings great care, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm to her work.
Summer Music Programs 2025
JUNE 15th-20th maine fiddle camp teaching staff montville, me REGISTER here
july 2025 berkshire summer strings teaching staff egremont, ma
august 3rd-15th maine fiddle camp teaching staff montville, me register here
Testimonials
“Clara is a rare and incredible gem of a teacher! We are lucky to have someone of her care and caliber here in the Berkshires. Not only is she a dedicated and talented musician in her own right, professionally playing and teaching multiple instruments, but she is also an intuitive, skillful teacher. She teaches with an infectious enthusiasm, holds kids accountable to their craft, and does it all with the sincerest warmth and patience. She is a truly intelligent and gifted musical teacher, a delightful human being and wonderful role model to boot!”
“Clara has been an amazing teacher and inspiration to our daughter. She brings a high level of professionalism and patience to every lesson. We’re so lucky to have connected with her and look forward to continuing to work with her as long as she is available.”
“Clara is a wonderful, kind, and loving teacher who has made harp lessons fun and age appropriate for our 10 year old daughter. She uses gentle, positive encouragement and has high expectations--the perfect mix for helping a young person learn to play and love an instrument!”
“Our 7 year old loves his lesson with Clara every week. It’s so amazing to hear them laughing and playing together! he’s learning so much and also really enjoying the early exposure to music. He’s happy to practice and was even sad this past week that he had to wait another Three Whole Days for his next lesson!”
“Clara has been teaching music to our family at home for three years now, and has become a beloved part of our lives. Our oldest son has cerebral palsy, and Clara's combination of expertise as a musician and an occupational therapist is a perfect match for him. Soon our younger son wanted his own lessons, too, and after a year of cheering on the sidelines, I had the courage to ask for my own adult lessons, because Clara is such an engaging and approachable teacher. She has a special ability to challenge her students to improve while also truly enjoying themselves and the music. There is always plenty of laughter, collaboration, and enthusiasm in our living room while Clara is here!”
“Clara is an absolute joy! She brings so much enthusiasm to each and every lesson and is incredibly dedicated to her students. Our daughter has grown tremendously as a musician (not just as a violinist!) while working with Clara and genuinely looks forward to their time together each week.”