Suzanne Tirk

Dr. Suzanne Tirk is Associate Professor of Clarinet and the Assistant Director of the School of Music in Recruitment & Engagement at the University of Oklahoma. A dynamic performer and pedagogue, Suzanne has established an international reputation with numerous performances, masterclasses and lecture presentations throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe and Australia. Previously principal clarinet with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, she currently serves as principal clarinet with the Norman Philharmonic Orchestra. As a chamber musician, Suzanne is a member of Duo Iona and the Oak Trio, two ensembles dedicated to the commissioning and performance of works for clarinet/trumpet, and clarinet/trumpet/trombone, respectively. Having suffered from an overuse injury early in her career, Suzanne’s research specialties revolve around mental practice techniques and the specific positioning and motion of the hands and fingers in clarinetists suffering from pain and injury. In addition to the University of Oklahoma, Suzanne has served on the faculties of the Interharmony International Music Festival, Wichita State University and Bemidji State University. Her students have been highly successful, holding university professorships and K-12 music positions, auditioning into symphony orchestras, military bands, and chamber ensembles, and working in the field of music business. During her tenure at Wichita State University, Dr. Tirk received the College of Fine Arts ‘Excellence in Teaching Award’ and performed with the Lieurance Woodwind Quintet. She can be heard on the Quintet’s recording, "Music from the Americas," released by Summit Records in 2011. Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Lawrence University (WI) and a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Michigan State University. Her former teachers include Elsa Verdehr, Charles Neidich, Theodore Oien, Colin Lawson, and Fan Lei. Suzanne is a Henri Selmer Paris Artist performing on Muse clarinets.