Dr. Claire Murray
Flute & Piano Teacher • Central Plano, Texas
Over 30 years of experience teaching students of all ages, from beginners to advanced players preparing for auditions, competitions, and college entrance.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts in Flute Performance
Catholic Univ. of America, Washington, DC
Master of Music in Flute Performance & Pedagogy
Univ. of New Mexico
Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance
Univ. of North Texas
Additional Pedagogy & Certification
• Coursework in music education and child development
• Suzuki and traditional pedagogy workshops
• Regular participation in flute and piano pedagogy conferences
Teaching Experience
Private Flute & Piano Studio, Central Plano, Texas
Owner & Instructor — 1987 – Present
• Maintain a thriving private studio serving elementary through adult students in Plano and surrounding communities.
• Prepare students for region and all-state auditions, solo & ensemble contests, juries, and college entrance auditions.
• Design individualized lesson plans that support healthy technique, musical expression, and long-term motivation.
• Coordinate and direct studio recitals, performance classes, and chamber music opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with parents and school directors to support students’ band and orchestra participation.
Adjunct Instructor of Flute: Southern Illinois Univ. Carbondale, John A. Logan College, Southeastern Illinois College
• Taught applied flute and piano lessons to undergraduate music majors and non-majors.
• Coached chamber ensembles and assisted with studio classes and juries.
• Advised students on practice strategies, recital preparation, and audition repertoire.
Clinician & Sectional Coach, Plano & North Texas Schools
Central Plano Area — Ongoing
• Provide flute and woodwind sectionals for middle and high school band programs.
• Offer audition preparation clinics and masterclasses for region and all-state auditions.
• Lead workshops on effective practice habits, tone development, and musical interpretation.
Performance Experience
Orchestral & Ensemble Work, Recording artist
• Principal and section flute with regional symphony and chamber orchestras.
• Freelance engagements with community and church orchestras throughout North Texas.
• Extensive experience performing standard orchestral repertoire, new music, and collaborative works with choir and soloists.
Recording Artist, Washington Winds, Washington, DC
Yamaha Performing Artist
Senior Instrumentalist, US Army Old Guard Fife & Drume Corps
Solo Recitals & Chamber Music
• Regular solo and collaborative recitals featuring flute and piano repertoire from Baroque to contemporary.
• Performances with mixed chamber ensembles, flute and piano duo, and woodwind trios and quartets.
• Studio recital performances alongside students, modeling healthy performance habits and stage presence.
Church & Community Engagements
• Service playing and special music for churches in Central Plano and surrounding communities.
• Outreach performances in schools, senior living communities, and local arts events.
• Collaborative performances with local choirs, pianists, and instrumentalists.
Professional Affiliations
• National Flute Association
• Texas Music Educators Association
• Texas Flute Society
• Music Teachers National Association
• Local and regional music teacher associations in the North Texas area
References and a complete performance and repertoire list are available upon request.
Music Education that inspires 