Kimberly Luevano

Kimberly Cole Luevano fulfills multiple callings in life: clarinet performer, chamber music collaborator, teacher/educator/advisor, university administrator, wife, mom, and daughter, amongst many other roles.  With reviews such as “a most skillful artist” (Fanfare Magazine), “vocal and effortless technique” (The Clarinet), “virtuosic tone and technique…”(Tampa Bay Times), “impeccable technique and flawless unity of sound” (The Clarinet), she has presented acclaimed solo and chamber performances, adjudicated, taught at festivals, and presented masterclasses on four continents. Former students have won prizes in international competitions and occupy performing, teaching, and music industry positions throughout North America. Currently Professor of Clarinet at the University of North Texas, Luevano relishes her work with UNT’s diverse, talented students and colleagues. Luevano joined the UNT faculty in 2011, served as Chair of the Division of Instrumental Studies from 2021 to 2025, and was the recipient of UNT’s Creative Impact Award in 2024.  She also taught at the Interlochen Arts Camp for nine years and has served the International Clarinet Association in roles such as Pedagogy Chair and coordinator of their High School Competition. Luevano partnered with the ToneBase platform in 2024 to create easily accessible pedagogical videos for clarinetists worldwide. 

With soprano Lindsay Kesselman and pianist Midori Koga, Luevano forms the critically acclaimed trio, Haven. Haven has received grants for commissioning and performing from organizations including the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, the Barlow Foundation, Chamber Music America, and the Ontario (CA) Arts Council.  Haven’s recordings on the Blue Griffin label include composer Lee Kesselman’s works, “Would That Loving Were Enough” (2024), David Biendenbender’s “all we are given we cannot hold” (2023), and Jon Magnussen’s “Twinge” (2019). Additionally, Luevano recorded William Bolcom’s Clarinet Concerto in 2022 for the GIA label with Eugene Corporon and the North Texas Wind Symphony; GIA also released their 2016 recording of Michael Daugherty’s Brooklyn Bridge. Luevano’s solo recordings on the Fleur de Son label, “Bright Angel” (2013) and “Atonement” (2015), received positive acclaim and Grammy nomination consideration. World premiere recordings with TrioPolis, TrioPolis One, were released on the Fleur de Son label in 2017. Luevano’s other chamber recordings are also available on the Centaur and Albany labels.   

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Luevano studied in Paris, France as a Fulbright Scholar.  She earned degrees at Michigan State University and the University of North Texas and is immensely grateful to her mentors, Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr, James Gillespie, and Keith Lemmons.  Prior to her appointment at the University of North Texas, she was Professor of Clarinet at Eastern Michigan University for fifteen years.  

Luevano plays and endorses Selmer Paris instruments and is a D’Addario and Company Performing Artist.  She resides in Corinth, Texas with her husband and savors time spent with her two grown sons and their spirited border collies.

Playlist of Performances