Michelle Smith Johnson

Philosophy and Focus: Michelle Smith Johnson believes that meaningful music education is rooted in connection, curiosity, and the belief that there is a place for every musician. Her work as an educator, performer, and conductor centers on helping musicians develop both technical confidence and a deeper understanding of the music they perform. She is particularly passionate about creating welcoming musical communities and expanding the repertoire to include voices that have historically been underrepresented in classical music.

Across her work with students of all ages, Michelle emphasizes thoughtful musicianship, collaboration, and the lifelong value of making music. Her teaching and performing are informed by the belief that music can connect people across backgrounds, experiences, and generations.

Background: Michelle Smith Johnson is a clarinetist, music educator, conductor, lecturer, and clinician with experience spanning public school, university, chamber, and professional orchestral settings. She has spent more than fifteen years teaching instrumental music in Roanoke City Public Schools, where she currently directs middle school orchestra programs. In recognition of her work with students and contributions to music education, she was named John P. Fishwick Middle School’s Teacher of the Year in 2014 and received the Superintendent’s Award in 2022.

An active clarinetist, Michelle performs regularly with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and has appeared in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings throughout Virginia. Michelle holds degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Education from Radford University and a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Teaching: At Radford University, Michelle serves as Instructor of Clarinet, working individually with applied clarinet students to develop technique, musicianship, artistry, and the professional skills necessary for their continued growth as performers and educators. Her approach to applied teaching combines a strong foundation in clarinet pedagogy with an emphasis on musical independence, thoughtful interpretation, and helping each student develop an individual artistic voice.

Michelle also serves as Associate Conductor of the Radford University Community Symphony, where she works with university students and community musicians in the study and performance of orchestral repertoire. Her work with the ensemble brings together her backgrounds in instrumental conducting, orchestral performance, and music education and reflects her commitment to creating meaningful ensemble experiences for musicians at different stages of their musical lives.

Research, Scholarship, and Creative Work: Michelle’s creative work focuses on performance, chamber music, music education, and the advocacy and performance of works by women and historically underrepresented composers. She is a co-founder of Alma Ensemble, a chamber ensemble dedicated to bringing these works to audiences through performances, educational programming, community engagement, and lecture-recitals.

Through Alma Ensemble and her work as a clarinetist, Michelle has collaborated on projects that connect musical performance with history, education, and advocacy. Her ongoing creative activity also includes solo, chamber, and orchestral performance throughout the region, including regular performances with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.

For more information about MIchelle Smith Johnson, please open the tabs below. If you would like a digital copy of her complete CV, please contact her at ksmith8@radford.edu.