Alexander W. Ravitz

Dr. Alexander W Ravitz is a United States based clarinetist living in Memphis, TN. His current appointments include Principal Bass Clarinetist of the Fort Smith Symphony and Adjunct Clarinet Instructor at University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Ravitz cultivates a multifaceted career based in orchestral traditions and pedagogy while continuing to push the envelope with new solo and chamber music. His performances of new and improvised music have been described as “Pleasantly Progressive.”
As an active freelance musician Dr. Ravitz has performed with ensembles including The Arkansas Symphony, The Naples Philharmonic, The Florida Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, and previously served as the Principal Clarinetist of the Venice (FL) Symphony for nearly a decade. As a recitalist and chamber musician, Dr. Ravitz is engaged nationally, performing recitals and teaching masterclasses throughout the states.
Dr. Ravitz’s degrees include a Bachelor of Music from the University of Louisville, Master of Music from the University of South Florida, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas. His Dissertation “The Continuing Legacy of Gustave Langenus” draws a pedagogical line from the first principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, through his students, and connects him to every-day modern American clarinet learners. Other current pedagogical work includes the creation of materials for use in high school and collegiate study of bass clarinet. Hi primary teachers in clarinet and pedagogy include Kimberly Cole Luevano, Phillip O Paglialonga, Calvin Falwell, Dallas Tidwell, and Scott Ellington.
Dr. Ravitz also studied new music pedagogy with Elizabeth McNutt, jazz improvisation with the late Dan Miller, and orchestral conducting with William Wiedrich.
Dr. Ravitz plays on Bb and A Vision Clarinets.