Aileen Razey, described by The Clarinet as having “a truly beautiful sound which she displayed with an emotionally colorful performance,” bridges various musical and artistic genres and atmospheres. Her artistry is deeply intertwined with her commitment to education, aiming to help audiences and students better connect with themselves and the world around them through music.

Currently Assistant Professor at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Dr. Razey’s pedagogical approach is deeply informed by her performance experience. She finds immense joy in guiding students to achieve and exceed their goals. Her previous academic positions include Lecturer at Ithaca College and Assistant Professor at Kutztown University. Her former students are now music educators and professional performers. Bringing together her passion for performance and academic teaching, Razey served as Performance Chair for the College Music Society Northeast Chapter, hosted their 2024 conference, and is currently serves as Chapter President.

The collaborative spirit of music drives Aileen’s performance career and allows her to connect with musicians and audiences around the world. She often performs with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and has previously performed with the Aspen Music Festival and School, Syracuse Orchestra (NY) Allentown Symphony (PA), Cayuga Chamber Orchestra (PA), Szavaria Symphony Orchestra (Hungary). Razey can be heard as principal and e-flat clarinetist on five GIA records with the North Texas Wind Symphony. She was first prize winner of the inaugural Henri Selmer Summer Clarinet Academy Solo Competition, semi-finalist in the Lisbon International Clarinet Competition, and finalist recognitions at both the International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition and Orchestra Audition Competition.

A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Razey collaborates with emerging composers around the world. As clarinetist and movement artist with The International Collective, she is dedicated to being a member of an ensemble that merges responsibilities on stage, removing boundaries between music, dance, and staging. She previously performed with the Lucerne Festival Academy, Klangspuren Schwaz International Ensemble Modern Academy, and the Institute and Festival of Contemporary Performance at Mannes.

Razey holds dearly onto the legacy of clarinet playing passed on to her from her own clarinet teachers, all of whom have influenced her performance and pedagogy tremendously. She earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Clarinet Performance from the University of North Texas with a related field in music education, where she also served as Teaching Fellow in Clarinet. She earned a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from University of Denver, where she served as Graduate Teaching Assistant in Clarinet and Musicology, and she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Ithaca College. Her studies include mentorship from notable teachers such as Kimberly Cole Luevano, Jeremy Reynolds, Michael Galvan, Pavel Vinnitsky, and Michael Rusinek.

Dr. Razey believes in maintaining physical and mental health to sustain her career as a musician and educator. She practices yoga, runs, dances, and hikes. Dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyle practices within the clarinet community, she is a member of the International Clarinet Association’s Health and Wellness Committee. Aileen resides in Minnesota with her husband, where they nurture a growing plant collection and enjoy traveling often.