Elizabeth Franks began taking clarinet lessons at age ten. Her pre-college career involved playing with groups such as the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, Ohio Band Director’s Conference Honors Band, and the Kent State Honors Band. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from the University of Akron, studying for four years with Dr. Kristina Belisle Jones, Akron Symphony Orchestra’s principal clarinetist. Elizabeth is active in the summer band program at Akron and played principal clarinet and saxophone with the Canton Comic Opera in 2013. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clarinet Performance at Kent State University, studying with Mr. Amatai Vardi. She holds a Clarinet Assistantship as well as a Band Assistantship and plays principal clarinet in the college’s Wind Ensemble and Orchestra.

Elizabeth has years of experience performing in chamber groups and as a soloist.  She has given multiple master classes in the Crestwood School District, working with high school, middle school, and elementary students. She plans to continue teaching and playing locally while furthering her own music education.

“Music is universal. It is something that should be shared; expression through an art form like music is offering a part of yourself to your audience, and that is one of the most special gifts a person can give.”