Clarisa De la Garza

Clarinet, Piano
Five to Adult, Beginner to Early Advanced

Bachelor’s Degree in Clarinet Performance, University of Texas Pan American/Rio Grande Valley
Master’s Degree in Clarinet Performance, University of Texas at San Antonio

Teaching Philosophy

The process of learning a new instrument doesn’t need to be frustrating or boring. The human ability to adapt to challenges and learn new skills is such a fascinating and inspiring thing to me, and I do my best to tap into the potential of my students depending on their goals and needs. My learning environment is relaxed and casual, with a focus on methodical and thoughtful performance. My three areas of focus are: bodily awareness for comfortable playing, rehearsal techniques for efficient and frustration-free practice, and most importantly, enjoying the music! Appreciation for their instrument, self-motivation, and independence as a musician are my end goals with all students.

Biography

Clarisa De la Garza grew up in Mission, TX. She began her private clarinet studies under Dr. Bill O’Neil at the University of Texas Pan American at the age of thirteen. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2017, and graduated with a Master’s degree in clarinet performance from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2024. She currently teaches at the Musical Arts Center of San Antonio as a clarinet and piano instructor. In 2016 she was the winner of UTRGV’s annual concerto competition for her performance of Weber’s “Concertino in E-flat Major, Op. 26” and in 2022 she was the winner of UTSA’s annual concerto competition for her performance of Debussy’s “Premiere Rhapsodie”.

Clarisa has a joy for all things music and has experience in various areas beyond clarinet performance, including clarinet pedagogy, music theory pedagogy, piano performance, piano pedagogy, piano accompaniment, arranging, composing, conducting, and music research. She has been teaching privately since 2015 and is passionate about sharing musical knowledge and skills in a casual and nurturing environment. Her clarinet studies have exhibited success in TMEA and ATSSB middle and high school region and state competitive events, including admittance into All-State bands and first chair positions at local regionals. For more information about lessons and availability, contact the Musical Arts Center of San Antonio at MACSAinc.com.

During her graduate studies Clarisa discovered a new love for music research and academic writing, finding great interest in niche areas of study. Two submissions were presented at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s College of Liberal and Fine Arts Research Competition in 2024: “A Beginner’s Guide to Klezmer Clarinet Techniques”, which received the second place award, and “Orfeo 9: A Psychedelic Take on the Classic Myth”, which received the third place award. Her most work in progress, “Unveiling Early-and Mid-20th Century Clarinet Sonatas by Women”, compiles and catalogues rare and underperformed pieces for clarinet and piano into a comprehensive programming guide. She is currently preparing these pieces for studio recording in the near future and the publication of the catalogue once it is complete, in the interest of increasing visibility and appreciation for music by underrepresented composers.

In between studies, writing, and teaching, Clarisa composes music, primarily featuring the clarinet. Her improvisatory piece for clarinet choir, “9:13,” had its world premiere performed by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley clarinet ensemble at the International Clarinet Association conference in Lawrence, Kansas in 2016. Her second piece for clarinet choir, “Lost in Reverie”, was commissioned by Dr. Nicholas Councilor and the University of Texas at San Antonio clarinet ensemble and was performed at the Texas Music Educator’s Conference in San Antonio, Texas in 2024. Her most recent chamber work, “Rhapsody No. 1-Impressions” for bass clarinet, drum set, and two pianos was a finalist in the International Clarinet Association annual chamber composition competition in 2024.

Her works are both self-published at cdelagarzamusic.com and available through CAMco Music, LLC at clarinetallmusic.com.

During her down time away from music, Clarisa enjoys boxing, relaxing at home, and game nights with friends.