My journey began on the stage, where I found my voice as a clarinetist. I began performing professionally during my sophomore year at Juilliard. For many years I enjoyed the privilege of performing alongside my teacher, Jon Manasse, and with prestigious ensembles such as the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic and hundreds of times on Broadway, in addition to earning praise from publications such as the New York Times.
My dedication to my craft didn’t stop there. Seeking to deepen my understanding of the clarinet and its intricacies, I embarked on an apprenticeship with master repair clarinet technician Mark Jacobi. Mark Jacobi is a renowned figure in the world of clarinet repair with decades of experience and a reputation for excellence. During my long apprenticeship, I had the privilege of learning from him and honing my skills in custom clarinet repair. Jacobi’s innovative techniques and meticulous attention to detail laid the groundwork for Burke Woodwinds.
Since I founded my business in 2016, it has been my privilege to help hundreds of clarinetists perform their best and with more ease of expression. At the heart of my work is a collaborative process with the musician to understand their preferences, which is then paired with my expert analysis of the instrument’s tendencies. At times, my work even entails creating new, innovative procedures to help musicians achieve certain aspect of their playing that they didn’t think were possible.
It is my honor to help musicians find the best clarinets possible and to transform their instruments into true extensions of themselves. I look forward to working with you.
