Clara Engen, Violin and Viola

Clara Engen is a graduate of Oberlin College and Conservatory with a bachelor’s degree in violin performance. She earned her master’s as an orchestral fellow with The Orchestra Now at Bard College.

Clara is in her 10th year of teaching. She has taught and performed with the National Concert Association of Panamá, served as a teaching artist with Cuerdas Para Cali, a Bard College residency in Colombia, and was a Teaching Fellow with MusAid Organization in Belize. In the U.S., she has worked with students ages 4 through adults, at all levels in a variety of settings—private lessons, group classes, and chamber music ensembles. Clara is a Suzuki-certified teacher. She employs traditional teaching methods for older children and adults.

Besides teaching and performing, Clara also works as the Head of Operations for ENCORE Chamber Music Institute, a summer music festival in Gates Mills, Ohio. She is a strong believer in the benefits of musical education to foster curiosity and courage in students of all ages. 

“My daughter has developed such a love of the violin in a very short time at Westlake Music Academy. She has made tremendous progress in her skill level and confidence, and gets genuinely excited about each new piece she masters.…her Westlake instructor, Clara, is giving her a lifelong love of music, in addition to practical skills as a violinist.”

- Keesha

“Clara is amazing! She’s patient, knowledgeable, and takes her time with her students.”

- Lisa

“Miss Clara is so patient with my daughter's many questions and always brings a fun energy to every lesson! Miss Clara is great about coming up with different ways to explain and demonstrate concepts to find the best way for my daughter to learn.”

- Lauren