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Germany
I play with the Radio Orchestra in Stuttgart, the Australian World Orchestra and my harp trio and I'd love to support you on your viola journey!
I've been a permanent member of the Radio Symphony in Stuttgart for over 20 years now; I teach because it fascinates me, the way a small change in your attitude or your playing can have such an effect on the way a performance goes. I've always looked for solutions for problems facing me in everyday life, and these have come to me through mostly unexpected means, through yoga, karate, vocal training, reading about quantum physics, stuff my kids have said to me!! Because you can't control what's going on on the outside but you can keep yourself in that "resourceful state" on the inside... For me this means a rock-solid technique, it means constantly growing your artistic awareness, and it means being self-confident (in a positive way!) as a musical personality. I've taught viola (and violin and sometimes other instruments too!) since I began studying music in 1983... The schools of playing I've come through are basically Rostal and Varga, and probably 2 years performing with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra knocked anything half-hearted about my playing out of the window. I love playing the viola, and I'm blessed to be doing just that at a high level. So... I hope I can share some of this amazing stuff with you!
Experience & Education
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University of Queensland, Brisbane 1983 – 1986
Bachelor of Music (Hons)I feel so blessed to have studied at this beautiful University; at the time it had one of the most comprehensive string performer programmes, although our main focus was musicology. There was time to learn a lot of repertoire... -
Music School, Cologne 1987 – 1989
Postgraduate studiesPostgraduate studies with Prof. Rainer Moog... my life-changing experience of the Tibor Varga method. And of being Australian in Germany..! I attended the Schleswig-Holstein Festival in 1988 and worked with legendary conductor Celibidache, wow! -
Herbert von Karajan Foundation (Orchestral Academy), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra 1989 – 1991
"Akademistin" with the Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraThis was where I worked the hardest I've ever worked on the viola. I had lessons on orchestral, chamber and solo repertoire with members of the orchestra. I performed in the orchestra, and chamber music with other academists, Attitude is the word!! -
Radio Symphonieorchester Stuttgart, SWR 1992 – Present
ViolistThis is a fairly deluxe setup - I'm able to work part-time with this fantastic orchestra and do my own thing on the side. We generally work with excellent conductors/soloists, and often tour in Europe and in Asia. It can be very inspiring "work"! -
Australian World Orchestra 2011 – Present
Assistant Principal ViolistThis is excitement and inspiration pure - working with other expat Australian musicians who you've known from crazy Youth Orchestra days, it's like a fun school reunion, and the musical results are amazing. -
Harp Trio "Blue Ayre", Karlsruhe, Germany 2009 – Present
ViolistMy great love - chamber music! I adore this combination of flute, viola and harp, plus we get on so well personally. We've commissioned a number of pieces, they're all on our CD "Blue Ayre," available on iTunes.
Reviews
Dr Klaus K: Weigele, Director of the Ochsenhausen Academy for Young Musicians, IRO
August
I have known Ms Clarke since the year 2000, in her capacity as viola coach at the Interregional Youth Orchestra IRO, which convenes yearly at the State Academy for Young Musicians in Ochsenhausen. Ms Clarke is an absolutely reliable expert in her field, and she conducted the viola sectional rehearsals to our complete satisfaction. Through her clearly structured coaching she was able to obtain excellent results in a short period of time. She also gave individual lessons, In order to further support the students. She utilized some yoga and vocal exercises, to complement the usual practice forms.
Katrin Adelmann, concertmistress, Karlsruhe Opera
August
As concertmistress of the Karlsruhe Opera it’s essential that I constantly be working on my playing. For this I need support at the highest possible level. That’s why Sally Clarke is an important partner for me, in developing and refining my performing. In addition she has been able to supervise my audition preparations from the point of view of an orchestral musician. I’m really happy that Sally intends to give more emphasis to teaching. I wish her all the best, and every success.
Claudia F
August
So… what was new?? -that you were able to create a pleasant atmosphere, conducive to learning, in a large group, and still respond to individual questions and issues -the meditation, with which we finished the week Interesting: -your yoga exercises, supporting body consciousness -all of your tips on bow contact, particularly the “pushing” and “pulling” -general body/physical awareness whilst playing -the value of slowness And in particular: -all of the above -your openness about your own experiences in playing and preparing for concerts -the occasional anecdotes -your warm-heartedness
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