Marie Gallardo is a clarinetist, educator, and scholar from Seattle, Washington. She currently serves as Adjunct Instructor of Clarinet at William Jewell College, where she works with undergraduate musicians in applied study and chamber music.
Gallardo recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Clarinet Performance at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory (UMKC), studying under Dr. Jane Carl. Her artistic vision centers on advocacy, inclusion, and cultural representation in classical music, with a particular emphasis on repertoire from Latin America.
Drawing from her Guatemalan heritage, Gallardo’s doctoral research highlights the overlooked body of Central American clarinet literature. Her work includes original scholarship, lecture recitals, and performances that bring visibility to composers from Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama. Her recent projects showcase contemporary works from the region, emphasizing its stylistic diversity and cultural richness.
As a performer, Gallardo has appeared on international and national stages. She toured China with the University of Washington Wind Ensemble and premiered Resilience of the Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala by Sergio R. Reyes Mendoza with the Harlem Chamber Players in New York City. In 2024, she was selected as a finalist in the UMKC Concerto/Aria Competition.
An experienced educator, Gallardo previously held a graduate teaching assistantship at the University of Akron, where she taught applied lessons and supported undergraduate students. She has also taught privately and led chamber music coachings at UMKC. Masterclass experiences with Anthony McGill, John Bruce Yeh, and Alexander Fiterstein further enrich her pedagogical perspective. She is a past recipient of UMKC’s Opportunity Fellowship, awarded for academic excellence and commitment to diversity in the arts.
Through performance, teaching, and research, Gallardo seeks to foster a more inclusive classical music community: one that values cultural contributions from all regions and inspires the next generation of musicians and audiences.
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Visit my scholarly website of Guatemalan Clarinet Music here.
Marie Gallardo, clarinet 