American violist Jacob Clewell fuses his affinity for string playing with both classical and non-classical interests, leading to an eclectic career touching far corners of musical activity.
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He has performed alongside members of the Emerson, Escher, and Penderecki quartets, Manhattan Chamber Players, the Seattle and Toronto symphonies and Berlin Philharmonic, and with pianists Andrew Armstrong and Pedja Muzijevic. He has also appeared with Elton John tribute band Elton Rohn, Icelandic "cosmic rock" band Sigur Rós, and performed original concert etudes transcribed from music by Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson.
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His activities reflect most facets of performance, with recent engagements alongside the Gryphon Trio and Latin jazz legend Jovino Santos Neto, as a member of the Untitled Ensemble, as guest principal violist for the Kingston Symphony, and as concerto soloist with orchestras in the United States and Canada. He has appeared in the Music Niagara Festival, Halifax's Scotia Festival, Green Lake Festival of Music in Wisconsin, and the Northern Lights Music Festival in Ajijic, Mexico. Jacob is currently a member of the Juno-winning chamber orchestra Sinfonia Toronto, and occasionally appears in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
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As one half of The Ezra Duo, (with pianist Sasha Bult-Ito) he has toured in the US and Canada, performed in Carnegie Hall and Koerner Hall, and appeared as a special guest at a G7 Summit event. In addition to live concerts, the duo hosts Ezra Electrified!, an online recital series on Twitch.tv that pushes the boundaries of classical programming. Ezra is ensemble-in-residence at the Emerald Coast Chamber Music Festival in Florida, where Jacob and Sasha are co-Artistic Directors and Artist Faculty at the annual Chamber Music Institute for advanced conservatory students.
Jacob holds degrees from the Cornish College of the Arts, Stony Brook University, and The Glenn Gould School, where his mentors included Mara Gearman, Nicholas Cords, Lawrence Dutton, Steven Dann, and the Emerson String Quartet. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Toronto on a full fellowship under Annalee Patipatanakoon and Masumi Per Rostad, where he was a teaching assistant in violin, viola, and chamber music. Jacob has undertaken additional summer study in Europe with Roger Chase, Yuko Inoue, and Nobuko Imai, appearing in performances at the Lake District Summer Music festival in England and Festival Pablo Casals Prades in France.
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He credits Itzhak Perlman, Boris Kroyt, Martha Argerich, Satoru Iwata, Hiyao Miyazaki, Ella Fitzgerald, My Chemical Romance, LiSA, and Sub-Radio as his greatest artistic inspirations. Away from musical activities, he can usually be found brewing specialty coffee, playing video and tabletop games, entertaining #AkalitheCat, and is probably wearing colorful shoes. Jacob primarily performs on a c.1680 Brothers Amati viola.
Why Study with Jacob Clewell (Viola)?
Because violists deserve depth, direction, and real-world perspective.
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Studying with Jacob Clewell gives violists the space to develop a strong artistic identity while sharpening the technical and musical skills required for long-term success. His teaching balances precision with exploration, helping students grow into confident musicians who understand both their instrument and their role in any setting.
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Students working with Dr. Clewell can expect:
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Thoughtful, instrument-specific guidance tailored to the unique demands of the viola
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Chamber-centric coaching that emphasizes communication, blend, and leadership
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Mentorship informed by professional performance experience, connecting study to real-world expectations
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Dr. Clewell brings the perspective of a multi-faceted performer and pedagogue into every educational scenario, helping students translate their work into musical confidence and professional readiness. His teaching ensures violists feel empowered as soloists and collaborators, and ready to lead, support, and shape an ensemble from within.
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If you want to feel confident, improve your overall skills, and find value in training, you belong here.