He will join the faculty on August 16, 2013, to complement the woodwind area that prides itself on excellence in creative activities, instruction, and outreach. Dr. Yehuda brings robust teaching and performance experience. As a nationally and internationally known clarinetist, he has performed as a soloist in leading venues and festivals, toured with top conductors, collaborated with well-known composers and conducted popular master classes.

A national search reviewing more than 50 candidates identified Yehuda to be the clear choice for the college. “He presents the most outstanding combination of performer and pedagogue we have observed,” says Richard Sherman, professor of flute and member of the search committee. “His playing has great integrity in observance of composer's Intentions.” The review committee found his teaching to be well versed in the fundamentals of technique, but also having a high regard for enabling students to be free and expressive. “He has a focused and amenable disposition,” continues Sherman. “I think he will hit the pavement running here at MSU.”

Yehuda earned an artist diploma and bachelor’s degree from the Glenn Gould Professional Music School at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He received his doctorate and master’s degrees, as well as a performer certificate, from Indiana University Jacob School of Music. Yehuda will leave the faculty at the University of North Florida where he has served as associate professor of clarinet and chamber music.

Yehuda was the winner of the 2003 Heida Hermanns International Woodwind Competition, the 2004 Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Competition, and the 2004 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition (as member of Trio di Colore). As principal clarinetist, he has performed with a number of orchestras on tours of Europe and throughout the United States. He performed and collaborated with composers and performers such as Pierre Boulez, Steve Reich, George Benjamin, Menahem Pressler from the Beaux-Arts Trio, and the Cypress String Quartet. Yehuda is the artistic director of the Florida Clarinet Extravaganza — an annual clarinet festival — and over the summer months he is the artist-teacher resident at the Orford Festival in Quebec, Canada.

When it comes to teaching clarinet, Yehuda says he believes it’s much more than instructing how to breathe and how to play notes. “It’s a privilege to play such a versatile instrument with such a vast register span that elicits singer-like lyricism,” he remarks. “I find it imperative that my students connect with the instrument on this amazingly expressive level.”

              He takes pride in helping his students depart from the “mere notes” on the page to ultimately “sing” through their clarinet. His teacher and great clarinetist Avrahm Galper told him, “You have to learn to wear your heart on your sleeve in every phrase and in every note you make.” Yehuda has had the privilege to be mentored by such masters as Galper, James Campbell, and Eli Eban.

              “We are delighted that Dr. Yehuda will join our faculty,” says James Forger, dean of the College of Music. “He brings compelling artistry and a proven record as a committed and highly effective teacher, poised to continue the tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark of clarinet study here at MSU.”