music educator, violinist, conductor
Music educator, violinist, and conductor Max Clifford is an enthusiastic and motivated teacher-musician who values creating meaningful musical experiences with students and professionals alike. Max prioritizes equity in all aspects of student experiences, and works to provide students with outlets to showcase their diverse strengths and interests.
A graduate of St. Olaf College, Max earned a Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental music education. At St. Olaf, Max served as President and
Asst. Principal second violin of the St. Olaf Orchestra, as well as Principal second violin of the St. Olaf Philharmonia. Max is a trained violinist with experience in solo, chamber, and large ensemble performance and feels equally at home whether playing in a quartet or a large orchestra. As a chamber musician, Max has attended masterclasses with the St. Lawrence String Quartet and Catalyst Quartet, and has worked closely with Minnesota-based Artaria String Quartet. He has performed in venues across the state of Minnesota, including multiple appearances at Orchestra Hall. He has also performed internationally in Germany, Poland, and Hungary.
Max currently teaches orchestra at Wayzata High School in Plymouth, MN and serves as the Music Director of the Cannon Valley Youth Orchestra in Northfield, MN. In addition, he reviews string orchestra literature for the American String Teacher's Journal, a publication of the American String Teacher's Association.
Max’s primary violin instructors include Ray Shows and Sue Bennefeld. He has studied conducting with Steven Amundson and Dr. Timothy Mahr.