Biography

Woodwind Specialist Clay Steiner is dedicated to exploring the endless possibilities of music in today’s society. Clay is an advocate for a diverse musical scene extending into classical, jazz, contemporary, and pop genres, always searching for ways to push the boundaries.  

Clay is a frequent on-call multi-instrumentalist, and currently finds his home in the nationally touring production of Chicago. With a knack for pit orchestra playing, Clay has also played with the National Tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and regional productions of In the Heights, Cabaret, Three Penny Opera, Jekyll and Hyde, Big: The Musical, and Sister Act. Outside of musical theater, Clay has performed with an array of groups including the Milwaukee Jazz Orchestra, Sheboygan Symphony, Present Music, West Allis Players, Water City Jazz Orchestra, and local bands. As a performer of new music, Clay actively works with a variety of area composers and has had the pleasure of commissioning national and international composers in several consortium projects. Clay has enjoyed numerous performances with chamber ensembles including community performances, opening for the ~Nois Quartet, and giving recitals at the Navy Saxophone Symposium and North American Saxophone Alliance National Conference, and National Flute Association Convention. 

In addition to his dedication to performance, Clay is an enthusiastic music educator. While on tour he maintains a small private studio of virtual students on saxophone, flute, and clarinet. He has also taught at Brass Bell Music Store coached students at the Milwaukee High School of the Arts and Waupun School District. Clay also appreciates the chance to provide educational clinics and performances both as a soloist and in chamber ensembles with area schools.

Clay Steiner received his Master of Music degree in Multiple Woodwind Performance at Oklahoma City University, as well as a BFA in Multiple Woodwind Performance, and a minor in Business at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. During his time as a student, Clay has experienced success in a variety of ensembles and was runner-up of the wind ensemble concerto competition in 2018 and 2020 and took first place at OCU in 2020.