Ian McEwen is a Metro Detroit-based woodwind musician, educator, and instrument repair technician whose work brings together a lifelong dedication to performance, teaching, and craftsmanship.
About Ian
Musical Background & Performance
Ian studied clarinet, saxophone, flute, and classical guitar at Indiana University and Wayne State University, including clarinet studies with Douglas Cornelsen and James Campbell.
Throughout his career, Ian has performed in a wide variety of musical settings, including orchestras, concert bands, chamber ensembles, musical theater, big bands, and horn sections. He performs professionally on clarinet, saxophone, flute, oboe, recorder, Irish flutes and whistles, and uilleann pipes.
Musical theater has been a significant part of Ian's performing career, with extensive experience as both a principal instrumentalist and woodwind doubler. His pit orchestra work includes productions at Meadow Brook Theatre, Nicely Theatre, Oakland University, Stagecrafters, Grosse Pointe Theatre, Avon Players, and Spotlight Players, along with numerous other theaters and high schools throughout Metro Detroit.
Among his notable musical theater credits are the 17-instrument whistle book for Come From Away at Meadow Brook Theatre and Avon Players, principal clarinet for Oliver! at Nicely Theatre, and the seven-instrument solo reed book for Vanities at Meadow Brook Theatre.
Beyond musical theater, Ian has performed in horn sections with legendary Motown artists the Temptations, the Four Tops, and Martha Reeves.
His experience across different instruments and musical traditions informs his approach to musicianship, teaching, and instrument repair.
Teaching & Mentorship
With 26 years of private teaching experience, Ian offers individualized instruction in clarinet, saxophone, and flute from beginner through advanced levels, as well as introductory instruction in oboe and bassoon.
His teaching emphasizes strong fundamentals, thoughtful practice habits, technical proficiency, and musical expression. Drawing on his extensive performing experience and broad musical background, Ian helps students develop the skills, confidence, and musicianship necessary for continued growth.
Whether working with a beginning student or an advanced musician, his goal is to encourage thoughtful, independent musicianship and a lasting appreciation for music.
Instrument Repair & Craftsmanship
Ian developed his instrument repair skills through hands-on experience at Anderson Music, building a practical understanding of woodwind instrument maintenance, adjustment, and repair.
With 13 years of repair experience, he approaches each instrument from the perspective of both a technician and a working musician. His repair work emphasizes playability, reliability, and careful attention to the details that make an instrument responsive and enjoyable to play.
Musicianship in Every Detail
Whether performing on stage, working with a student, or restoring an instrument to proper playing condition, Ian brings the same commitment to musicianship, craftsmanship, and thoughtful attention to detail.
That philosophy is at the heart of Ian McEwen Woodwinds.