Lesson Program Faculty

Esther Clifton Image

Esther Clifton

Private Cello Instruction

Esther Clifton, retired orchestral director for Jarrett Middle School and Parkview High School, has been teaching for over 35 years. She began studying piano at age six, violin at age eight, and organ at age ten. In sixth grade, Esther decided to become a cellist since there was an over abundance of violinists in Springfield, MO!

Esther’s performance career began at age 12 when she accepted the position of organist at The First Congregational Church in Springfield. She has served as a church musician in Massachusetts, Texas, New Mexico, and Missouri. Presently, Esther is the church pianist for South Haven Baptist Church, director of the Springfield Youth String Orchestra, maintains a cello studio, a member of Drury Civic Orchestra, and performs with the Joyful Sounds String Quartet.

Esther is a graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelors in Music Education and a Masters in Orchestral Conducting. During her graduate studies, she won the piano concerto competition soloing with the Missouri State University Symphony and was awarded the Robert Scott Graduate Level Conducting Scholarship. Recently, Esther performed at the Governor’s mansion in Jefferson City for Governor Greitens.

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