Ian Tyson

Dr. Ian Tyson is an active clarinetist and teacher in New York City. He is a founding member of Trio 212 and was formerly a clarinetist with the United States Air Force bands. Dr. Tyson has performed with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, The Chelsea Symphony, Metamorphosis Chamber Orchestra, Sugar Hill Salon Collective, New Amsterdam Opera, USAF Band of Liberty, USAFE Band, and the West Point Band. A champion of new music, Dr. Tyson commissioned Crystal Cathedral from composer Leanna Primiani, and performed it at the International Clarinet Association’s 2018 ClarinetFest in Ostend, Belgium. He has performed with orchestras, chamber groups, and given solo recitals in such prestigious venues as The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and Dresden Semperoper.

A dedicated pedagogue, Dr. Tyson is on faculty at Vassar College, Bard College Conservatory of Music Preparatory Division, Special Music School and Lucy Moses School. As both the Executive Director and a teaching artist with Daraja Music Initiative, Dr. Tyson works in Tanzania teaching students to play the clarinet and helping to conserve the African Blackwood tree.

Dr. Tyson received a DMA from Stony Brook University, MM from Michigan State University, and BM from Miami University (OH). His principal teachers include Alan Kay, Anthony McGill, Frank Ell, and Michele Gingras.

Dr. Tyson is a Rice Clarinet Works Performing Artist. For more information, please visit: www.IanTysonClari.net

Manhattan School of Music Precollege Faculty since 2024.