Photo by Anna Maxwell, NSP Studios
JKSK
JKSK
Photo by Anna Maxwell NSP Studios
Blaire K.S. Koerner
ABOUT
Dr. Koerner strives to reinforce the importance of access and exposure to classical music through a variety of collaborations, and by utilizing innovative and interactive performances, mindful educational initiatives, and community-building endeavors.
As an upstate New York State bassoonist, Blaire has performed in a variety of large ensembles, operas, musicals, and studio recordings. However, she specializes in chamber and chamber orchestra performances, playing with Ensemble Signal, Slee Sinfonietta, Chamber Music of Rochester, and multiple faculty quintets. In 2019, she co-founded her duo, Hats+Heels, with harpist Rosanna Moore, that focuses on interdisciplinary storytelling. For her own recitals, Blaire often includes diverse, contemporary and mixed-genre repertoire, aims to be ever-inclusive, and encourages interaction with her audience while on stage.
As an educator, Dr. Koerner sees herself as a guide - providing information, tools, and resources in an engaging manner that best fits each individual student. Whether it's bassoon lessons at Syracuse University or chamber coaching at the Eastman Community Music School, the core of her teaching is developing a positive environment that encourages curiosity and life-long learning skills. In addition to musicianship, Blaire emphasizes the importance of understanding and developing career skills. As a career coach at the Eastman School of Music, Blaire guides young artists on creating successful and fulfilling career in the arts, utilizing the Design Your Life (DYL) method and highlighting transferrable skills and tools.
As a venturer, Blaire is someone who explores and undertakes a variety of opportunities to connect to the community, create connections around music, and make a social impact. She is part of the planning board of the initiative Arts In The Loop, whose goal is to energize Rochester’s center city by leveraging the Arts, Entertainment and Media sectors using grassroots initiatives. She is co-founder of the Soundweavers chamber music podcast that delve into what it means to present contemporary and traditional classical, jazz, and folk music in today’s ever-shifting gig economy. And, she has presented at Eastman’s Gender Equity in Music Conference, as well as guiding Salary Negotiation workshops for women.
Dr. Koerner completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Bassoon Performance and Literature and Masters of Music at Eastman School of Music. Blaire has been in the studios of Mark Gigliotti of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Lisa Alexander from Hofstra University, and two Eastman School of Music professors - John Hunt and George Sakakeeny.
Bassoonist, Educator, Venturer
D.M.A. Recital
It’s Silk, Feel It - Alec Wilder
Eastman School of Music
Faculty Showcase Recital
Pièce - Gabriel Fauré
Eastman Community Music School
Dr. Rosanna Moore, harp
Dr. Koerner strives to reinforce the importance of access and exposure to classical music through a variety of collaborations, and by utilizing innovative and interactive performances, mindful educational initiatives, and community-building endeavors.
As an upstate New York State bassoonist, Blaire has performed in a variety of large ensembles, operas, musicals, and studio recordings. However, she specializes in chamber and chamber orchestra performances, playing with Ensemble Signal, Slee Sinfonietta, Chamber Music of Rochester, and multiple faculty quintets. In 2019, she co-founded her duo, Hats+Heels, with harpist Rosanna Moore, that focuses on interdisciplinary storytelling. For her own recitals, Blaire often includes diverse, contemporary and mixed-genre repertoire, aims to be ever-inclusive, and encourages interaction with her audience while on stage.
As an educator, Dr. Koerner sees herself as a guide - providing information, tools, and resources in an engaging manner that best fits each individual student. Whether it's bassoon lessons at Syracuse University or chamber coaching at the Eastman Community Music School, the core of her teaching is developing a positive environment that encourages curiosity and life-long learning skills. In addition to musicianship, Blaire emphasizes the importance of understanding and
developing career skills. As a career coach at the Eastman School of Music, Blaire guides young artists on creating successful and fulfilling career in the arts, utilizing the Design Your Life (DYL) method and highlighting transferrable skills and tools.
As a venturer, Blaire is someone who explores and undertakes a variety of opportunities to connect to the community, create connections around music, and make a social impact. She is part of the planning board of the initiative Arts In The Loop, whose goal is to energize Rochester’s center city by leveraging the Arts, Entertainment and Media sectors using grassroots initiatives. She is co-founder of the Soundweavers chamber music podcast that delve into what it means to present contemporary and traditional classical, jazz, and folk music in today’s ever-shifting gig economy. And, she has presented at Eastman’s Gender Equity in Music Conference, as well as guiding Salary Negotiation workshops for women.
Dr. Koerner completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Bassoon Performance and Literature and Masters of Music at Eastman School of Music. Blaire has been in the studios of Mark Gigliotti of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Lisa Alexander from Hofstra University, and two Eastman School of Music professors - John Hunt and George Sakakeeny.