Clarinet Institute
The MPulse Clarinet Institute is a one-week program focusing on the development of strong fundamentals, improving tone production, and enhancing technical skills. The program includes daily classes and instruction led by Ellen Breakfield-Glick (Western Michigan University) and Chad Burrow (University of Michigan). MPulse Clarinet will cover additional topics such as breathing techniques, strategies for effective practice, preparation for college auditions, clarinet solo works and orchestral excerpts, and incorporating technology into your practice.
Institute Dates: July 2 – July 8, 2023
Institute Tuition: $1,785
Application Status: CLOSED for 2023
Non-Refundable Application Fee: $75
Email mpulse@umich.edu if a waiver code is needed for the $75 application fee due to financial need.
Priority Application Deadline: February 1, 2023*
Priority Admissions Notification: March 1, 2023
*Applications will remain open until all spots are filled in the program. Please check the application status above to see if we are still accepting applications on a rolling basis. Rolling basis applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis following the priority application.
MPulse Clarinet Faculty

Chad Burrow
Associate Professor of Music
Clarinetist Chad Burrow has a multifaceted career as an educator, solo artist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician. The European press has said that Chad performs with “brilliant technique and tonal beauty mixed with an expressive ferocity.” Danish critic Henrik Svane described a performance as filled with “virtuosity, energy, and power without compromise.” The New York Times recently called a Carnegie Hall appearance in Poulenc’s Sonata as giving a “strong impression” and being a “bright and genial account.”

Ellen Breakfield-Glick
Assistant Professor of Clarinet, Western Michigan University
Dr. Ellen Breakfield-Glick, Assistant Professor of Clarinet, teaches applied clarinet, coaches chamber music and performs with Western Winds and the Western Wind Quintet. She also has an active career as a performer in solo and chamber music recitals and orchestral work. Dr. Glick has held positions with CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra and frequently performs with the Louisville Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony and other orchestras throughout the Midwest.
Program Sample Schedule
View the 2022 program schedule. While schedules vary year-to-year, this will provide insight into the programming provided.
Audition Requirements
Audition Video
Upload a 5-8 minute long video audition of one or more pieces, with or without accompaniment. For example:
- A piece performed at Solo and Ensemble Festival.
- An etude.
- An excerpt from something being played at school.
- The selection(s) should demonstrate both technical and lyrical skills.
Headshot
- Upload one color headshot.
- Headshots should be recent, clear, and against a neutral background.
- Headshots should be front-facing and from the neck up.
- Headshots do not need to be professionally taken and should resemble a Driver’s License/Passport Photo.
MPulse Scholarships
Merit Awards
A limited number of scholarships are available for extremely talented students based on Faculty discretion. Consideration for these scholarships is automatic for applications received by the priority application deadline.
Need-Based Awards
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or under in the previous calendar year, or with special circumstances due to the pandemic. To be considered you must upload your financial aid materials by the application deadline as part of your application. This includes:
- Monthly Expenses
- Previous Year’s Tax Return
- Statement of Need
Watson Scholarship (For Michigan Residents Only)
In the spirit of the life of a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School (1942) and Michigan physician, the Watson A. Young Scholarship promotes academic excellence and college aspiration among students with financial need. These need-based scholarships support middle and high school students’ participation in summer opportunities at U-M that seek to develop students’ interests and abilities in academic disciplines and expose students to the experiences and possibilities provided by higher education.
Resources
- Application Resources: Coming Soon!
- MPulse Policies: Refund Policy
Questions?
MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institutes
Office of Engagement & Outreach-Youth & Adult Programs
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Stearns Building │ 2005 Baits Drive │ Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: (734) 936-2660
Email: mpulse@umich.edu