Erin Dowler, D.M.A.

Lecturer, Music Applied Clarinet
[email protected]

Erin Dowler currently serves as Second Clarinet with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with other Michigan orchestras including the Marquette Symphony, Jackson Symphony and Michigan Philharmonic. 

She has also performed as a soloist with The Ohio State University Symphony Orchestra as a winner of their concerto competition in 2020. As a chamber musician, Erin currently plays with Pure Winds, Michigan’s premiere woodwind quintet, delivering concert series and educational outreach events to communities throughout the state. Dowler is also a founding member of the Bella Clarinet Quartet, who are currently completing a recording project of clarinet quartets written by women composers.

Having nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Dowler has maintained successful clarinet studios in both New York and Michigan. She has served as a clarinet instructor at the Ithaca College Summer Music Academy, as well as a clinician in Michigan schools including L’Anse Creuse High School and North Farmington High School. She also previously served as a Woodwind Instructor at the Michigan State University Community Music School – Detroit. Fueled by her passion for education, Dowler recently commissioned Sonatina for the Inner Child by Nadine B. Silverman with the goal of adding a new work to the clarinet’s pre-college and early undergraduate repertoire.

Dowler is actively involved in arts advocacy work in the city of Detroit. Currently, she serves as a Detroit Strategy Specialist at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, working to expand the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of Detroit by supporting early childhood education, school music programs, workforce development, and community events. Dowler also previously worked in administrative roles at the MSU Community Music School – Detroit, allowing her multiple avenues to connect and collaborate with musicians, educators, community members, and students within the city.

Dowler received a BM in Music Education and Clarinet Performance from Ithaca College, an MM in Clarinet Performance from The Ohio State University and a DMA in Clarinet Performance from Michigan State University. Primary teachers include Gerry Zampino, Richard Faria, Caroline Hartig and Guy Yehuda.