Susan Wells, a distinguished clarinetist and educator, has built an impressive career as a performer, teacher, and arts advocate. A New Jersey native, she attended the University of Dayton on a clarinet scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Therapy.

At just 21 years old, Susan was a finalist in a national concerto competition in New York City. Her studies in clarinet include mentorship under Robert Fisher, Lola Weir, Dr. DelRosso (Farleigh Dickinson University), and James Pyne. She attributes her most significant musical influence to the legendary clarinetist and teacher Kalmen Opperman, whom she considers the most pivotal figure in her career.

From 1981 to 1995, Susan served on the faculty of the Community School of Buffalo, where she shaped the next generation of clarinetists. She also spent two seasons as Principal Clarinetist with the Rome Festival Orchestra in Rome, Italy, receiving acclaim for her artistry. More