Clarkston Conservatory-Music

Clarkston Conservatory-Music is a music school in Clarkston, GA, offering private and group lessons in instruments such as piano, guitar, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, drums, ukulele, and voice, as well as specialized programs like Orff Schulwerk for children, Celtic fiddle, improvisation, and drum classes. The school serves students of all ages, from beginners as young as four to adults, whether pursuing music for personal joy or professional development. Instruction is provided by instructors with advanced degrees, many with decades of teaching and performance experience. The school is rooted in the community, having been founded in 1961 by Ivan Rouse and housed in one of the oldest buildings in Clarkston’s Historic District, originally constructed in the 1830s.

The Clarkston Conservatory of Music is a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to making music accessible to residents of Oakland County and the Village of Clarkston. Its faculty includes seasoned professionals such as Mark Chandler, a nationally touring guitarist and former music therapist at Beaumont Hospital; Ann Clark, a retired band director with over 30 years of experience in music education; Katherine Dunham, a classical violinist and expert in Scottish fiddle with extensive performance history in Austria and the U.S.; Roberta Libstaff, a flute instructor with a background in public school music education and regional ensembles; and others with deep expertise in their respective disciplines. The school emphasizes both technical mastery and the joy of musical expression, supporting students from beginner levels to advanced performance.

Located at 49 S Main St in Clarkston, the Conservatory sits within the town’s historic core, nestled among other preserved structures from the 19th century. Its presence in the area reflects a long-standing commitment to arts education in a community where music has been a cultural cornerstone for over six decades. The school’s enduring legacy, combined with its diverse and accomplished faculty, makes it a vital center for music learning and performance in Clarkston.