Emily Cook is a dynamic performer and educator based in Pittsburgh, PA. She is the recently-appointed bass clarinetist with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and principal clarinetist with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the Pittsburgh, Hartford, Williamsburg, Johnstown, and Westmoreland symphonies.  Emily is dedicated to performing new music, regularly appearing with Pittsburgh’s Alia Musica and serving as the clarinetist and programming director of Kamratōn, which champions the work of contemporary female composers and performers.   Emily also performs with the socially-minded jazz/fusion group the Afro-Yaqui Music Collective and is active in Pittsburgh’s free improvisation community.

Emily received an artist diploma and a master’s degree from Duquesne University, where she studied with Ron Samuels and served as a graduate assistant in the music history and theory departments. Previously, Emily studied with David Bell at Lawrence University, graduating with degrees in K-12 music education and clarinet performance.  Her other teachers include Jack Howell, Larry McDonald, Eric Ginsberg, and Louis Margaglione.

Emily maintains a large private studio and also serves as the choir accompanist at Dutilh United Methodist Church in Cranberry, PA. She is a native of Western Illinois and is a die-hard Cubs fan. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, drinking coffee, and reading Saramago.