John Griffin

John F. Griffin Jr. is a clarinetist and educator dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians through performance, teaching, and advocacy. He began his clarinet studies with Dennis Zeisler at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Later earned his Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he studied with Dr. Anthony Taylor and Dr. Andy Hudson. He continued his studies at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, completing a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance under the guidance of Dr. Jeremy Reynolds while serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant.

Griffin currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. In addition to his work at East Central, he is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Clarinet Performance and Wind Conducting at the University of North Texas. At UNT, he studies with Dr. Kimberly Cole Luevano, performs with the North Texas Wind Symphony under the direction of Maestro Eugene Corporon, and teaches Woodwind Methods to undergraduate music education majors.

An active chamber musician, Griffin is a founding member of the wind quintet Shakadugat, with whom he regularly performs and tours. His musical life is grounded in collaboration and a deep appreciation for chamber music as a space for both artistic expression and community.

Griffin is deeply committed to increasing representation of underrepresented performers within the classical music community. He views advocacy and mentorship as central to his work and strives to create pathways for future generations of musicians to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered in their musical pursuits.

As an educator, Griffin emphasizes the importance of strong fundamentals—long tones, scales, and articulation—while cultivating a supportive and motivating learning environment. Drawing from his own experiences of perseverance and growth, he encourages students to pursue excellence with discipline, curiosity, and confidence. Through his teaching and performance, Griffin remains dedicated to fostering musical artistry and helping students realize that dedication and hard work can make even the most ambitious goals possible.