Blaire Koerner
Dr. Koerner continuously strives to reinforce the importance of access and exposure to classical music by utilizing innovative and interactive performances, crafting thoughtful educational initiatives, and encouraging and aiding musicians in their own career journeys. To accomplish this, Dr. Koerner completed a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Bassoon Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music.
As an upstate New York freelancer, Dr. Koerner specializes in chamber and contemporary music. In 2019, she co-founded the duo Hats+Heels with harpist Rosanna Moore that explores and creates interdisciplinary storytelling. Their first album Women Are… features newly commissioned repertoire that incorporates women-related figures, characters, topics, or ideology.
As an educator, Dr. Koerner sees herself as a guide and advisor providing information, tools, and resources in an engaging manner that best fits each individual student. Whether it’s teaching collegiate bassoon lessons at Syracuse University or beginner students at the Eastman Community Music School, the core of her teaching is developing a positive environment that encourages curiosity and promotes life-long learning skills.
Being an active musician, leader and administrator, Dr. Koerner emphasizes the importance of preparing young musicians for careers in the arts. As the Assistant Director of Eastman’s Institute for Music Leadership and freelance speaker, Dr. Koerner instructs students, young professionals, and advanced musicians on developing the appropriate knowledge, skill sets, and connections that will help them fulfill their dreams and career goals.