College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean bruce d. mcclung has announced the appointment of Luke Ellard as Visiting Assistant Professor of Clarinet in CVPA’s School of Music. 

Clarinetist, composer, and new music collaborator Dr. Ellard strives for art that continually reaches out, valuing a relational spirit, informed engagement, and unapologetic authenticity. For Luke, collaboration is what gives music life. From working as a composer with artists from eighth blackbird, Bang on a Can All Stars, and ensembles across the world to partnering with local mutual aid and advocacy organizations, Ellard believes the heart of it all is connection.  

Ellard has served on the faculties at the University of Oklahoma and Midwestern State University while teaching privately and performing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Ellard previously taught at the University of Texas at Arlington, Arkansas State University, and Texas A&M University. 

Ellard holds a DMA from the University of North Texas, an MM and Performer Diploma from Indiana University’s Jacob School of Music, an MM from the University of Texas at Austin, and a BM from Louisiana Tech University. 

Past clarinet mentors include Kimberly Cole Luevano, James Campbell, Eric Hoeprich, and Lawrence Gibbs. Outside of academe, Luke also produces electronic clarinet music under the moniker LE with a forthcoming album to be released later this year.