Yevgeny Dokshansky

Praised by BBC Music Magazine as "Highly Engaging" Belorussian-born American clarinetist, saxophonist, and conductor Yevgeny Dokshansky has appeared throughout Europe, North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. He is a 1st prize-winner at the Minsk Jazz Competition, 3rd prize-winner at the 2nd International Music of Hope Competition, special prize-winner at the 5th Aginski International Competition of Chamber Music, and two-time Baird Concerto Competition winner on both clarinet and saxophone. Deeply committed to chamber music, he founded the Chicago Q Ensemble, Martin & Dokshansky Duo, Alito Quintet, and has performed as tenor saxophonist from 2004 to 2006 with the Amherst Saxophone Quartet. 

He presently holds positions as Professor of Practice and Area Head at the University of Houston Moores School of Music and Artistic Director and Conductor of Ensemble Next Parallel in Washington, D.C. He previously served as Assistant Professor of Clarinet at Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts, Principal Clarinetist of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra in Baltimore, Associate Conductor of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, Southern Maryland Youth Orchestra and Choir, and Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland. 

From 2013 to 2018 Yevgeny held a Professor of Music position at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Academy for the Performing Arts where he served as Woodwind Studio and Conducting Programs Leader. In addition to his teaching responsibilities at UTT he also co-directed, performed and recorded extensively with Ibis Ensemble – Faculty Artists-in-Residence. While living in Trinidad, Yevgeny served as Guest Conductor with the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago. He also founded an outreach after-school instrumental music program for the students at Maria Regina Primary School and an annual summer band camp. Most recently Yevgeny presented recitals and masterclasses at the Lynn Conservatory of Music, Texas Tech University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, University of Delaware, Texas State University, University of Southern Mississippi, Soochow University, and the University of West Indies. 

Yevgeny has appeared on such stages as Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium and Symphony Center Orchestra Hall in Chicago and had the privilege of performing under the batons of Roberto Abbado, David Robertson, Robert Spano, Michael Stern, Vladimir Lande, and Leonard Slatkin among others. He holds degrees from State University of New York at Buffalo, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and DePaul University School of Music. His principal teachers include Edward Yadzinski, Eli Eban, Howard Klug, Eric Hoeprich, Larry Combs, Magnus Martensson, and Cliff Colnot. Yevgeny also pursued additional studies in orchestral conducting with Jorma Panula in Finland at the Panula Academy. 

His CD with Ensemble Next Parallel  “Around the World: Trios for Clarinet, Violin and Piano” has been released in February 2021 under the London’s record label, Heritage Records and has been praised by the critics - "A highly engaging and colorful journey through the clarinet trio repertoire" - BBC Music Magazine; "Ensemble Next Parallel plays everything with sparkle" - The Arts Music Lounge; "A gem that will undoubtedly satisfy devotees of chamber music" - All About the Arts.

Yevgeny's latest CD consisting of his new transcriptions titled "From Jewish Life: Music of Ernest Bloch" has been released in November 2021 under the London's record label, Heritage Records to a critical acclaim - "Dokshansky plays with an expressive persona" - American Record Guide; "Dokshansky - a superb clarinetist" - All About the Arts; "Dokshansky and Masters are consistently expressive, generous in their rubato and their gradations of dynamics, and keenly aware of Bloch's color palette" - Fanfare

Yevgeny is an endorsing performing artist for Légère Reeds and BG France.

I am a firm believer in upholding the traditions of the highest quality musical education while encouraging students to develop individuality, artistic curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to excellence. Throughout my musical training, I have been fortunate to study with many distinguished teachers, including Edward Yadzinski, Stephen Rosenthal, Eli Eban, Howard Klug, Eric Hoeprich, Larry Combs, Magnus Martensson, Cliff Colnot, and Jorma Panula. It is both an honor and a responsibility to pass on the knowledge, discipline, and artistic values they so generously shared with me.

I strive to create an environment that combines high artistic standards with genuine mentorship, helping students develop the technical, musical, intellectual, and professional skills necessary for successful careers in music. Central to my teaching philosophy is guiding students toward becoming independent thinkers and effective practicers through disciplined lesson structure, goal-oriented practice habits, and thoughtful musical exploration.

While technical development is essential, I believe teaching must go beyond mechanics and focus on cultivating each student’s unique artistic voice. Music education should inspire imagination, emotional sincerity, stylistic understanding, and personal growth. My goal is not simply to train outstanding clarinetists, but to help students become thoughtful artists, collaborators, educators, and responsible members of society.

I am deeply proud that former students from my studio have gone on to perform and teach professionally throughout the world. Alumni of my studio currently hold positions with organizations including the Auckland Philharmonia in New Zealand, the Jacksonville Symphony,  the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago among others, as well as military bands and teaching appointments at universities and conservatories. Many former and current students have also earned placements in All-State ensembles, Youth Orchestras, major festivals, and hold scholarship programs at leading universities and conservatories.